By now, you’ve likely heard about General Electric’s (GE) announcement that it will be selling off five of its company-owned jets in a cost-cutting move. The downsizing came as a surprise to many in the industry as GE is such a big player in private aviation. GE even sells jet engines to aircraft manufacturers, furthering the astonishment of many because large companies have traditionally stood behind private flying as an invaluable productivity tool.
According to a National Business Aviation Administration (NBAA) and NEXA Advisors survey sponsored by industry insiders like Bombardier and Textron, “evidence repeatedly finds that business aviation contributes meaningfully to a company’s enterprise value, and continues to be a powerful tool of the best-managed companies in America.” The study also goes on to state companies whose leaders shut down their aviation departments had less financial success than those who maintained their aviation operations.
What are GE leaders thinking? Do their cutbacks signal a change in attitude about corporate air travel? Time and time again, companies have proven the business case for private aviation.
Productivity — How valuable is your executive team’s time or your sales team’s hours? When you can cut out the security lines, baggage claims, ticketing, ground transportation lines, and other time-consuming factors that come with commercial airline travel, you save valuable time. You can work en route and even host meetings on your company’s private jet. Quicker time to market for products and services, easier collaboration, and customer relationship-building are all key benefits of using business aircraft.
Agility — Being able to move quickly can make or break a business deal. A private jet can not only get you closer to your destinations quickly — even when traveling to hard-to-reach places — but it can also hang around, waiting to take you home if necessary. That means no messing with commercial, fractional ownership, or charter scheduling and availability problems.
Employee satisfaction and retention — Providing the best productivity tools for management, sales, and technology team members promotes greater employee retention. When employees know their work and time is valuable, they experience greater job satisfaction.
Customer satisfaction and retention — Jet travel allows business leaders to access hard-to-reach customers, leading to greater customer satisfaction and retention as well as offering opportunities for securing new customers and revenue sources.
Business globalization — As international businesses proliferate and the infrastructure needed to support them develops, business professionals will need to be quick and agile to remain competitive. Business aviation is crucial to fully participating in today’s global marketplace.
As industry insiders continue to question the logic behind GE’s decision, the NBAA reaffirms its position that business aviation makes companies “more efficient, productive, nimble and competitive.” Cost-cutting measures are good, but not at the cost of productivity. Perhaps we’ll learn there were other underlying reasons for the company’s cutbacks, and we’ll most likely learn whether the move accomplished desired goals. But until proven differently, there’s no reason to put that jet purchase on hold.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Imagine a flight experience that lets you book arrivals and departures that work around your schedule; allows you to personalize your flight with unique choices in food and drink, entertainment, or office amenities; and doesn’t involve baggage claim, flight delays, or long security lines. If you’re a seasoned jet traveler, you probably can’t imagine any other flight experience. And you’re willing to pay for it.
In the early days of private jet travel, the only way to experience its luxury was to own your own jet or be employed by someone who did. Then the charter industry brought that experience to a slightly less wealthy tier of people. These days, you have several options for enjoying the perks and benefits of private jet travel that don’t require the cost of full ownership.
A common way to begin experiencing private jet travel is through private charter, in which you basically rent a jet by booking and paying for a specific flight on a specific jet. Charter flights allow you to get closer to your destination more quickly; thus, letting you spend less time travelling and more time at your destination.
While many charter flights have rates between $500 to $2,000 per hour, some aircraft “could be $8,000 per hour or more.” Not terrible for short jaunts, but an overseas flight could set you back a hundred thousand dollars or more. The good news: That price is for the jet, which could hold one person or 20. Spread this out over the number of passengers, and the overall price of charter flights — though not cheap — is more affordable.
When you think about a business executive’s valuable time, the efficiencies of jet travel are often well worth the price of a charter. And because you are paying for the flight, the provider will typically be open to providing any requested amenities such as Wi-Fi, conference rooms, pet accommodations, or specific foods, décor, and entertainment. And with so many charter companies around, you won’t find it difficult to find the right plane at the right price for the right time. Charter flights are usually great options for those who travel infrequently. For those who travel by air often, fractional ownership may be a more economical choice.
Own a fraction
Fractional jet ownership is another option for jet travel without the hefty price tag of full ownership. Fractional jet ownership is like buying into a timeshare luxury condo: For a set price, you have part ownership and get to use it a certain number of days per year or, in the case of a jet, a certain number of flight hours.
One difference is that you aren’t buying a portion of one jet but, rather, a portion of a fleet, which contributes to flight availability. All the part owners share in staffing, insurance, and maintenance costs. Fractional ownership is most appropriate for people who travel more than 50 hours per year and need flexibility because of busy and unpredictable schedules. Depending on the type of jet and share you buy, costs can vary significantly. Typically, a one-sixteenth share will give you 50 hours of flying annually. Share owners can typically sell back their unused shares at the end of their contract terms and can also share in depreciation tax advantages.
Play your cards right
Jet cards offer the opportunity to pre-purchase flight hours. You purchase a certain number of hours on a particular size and type of jet that fits your needs. The hourly rate is fixed for the term of the card, usually one to two years. By buying in bulk and for a static rate, you get a discounted rate over options such as private charter. Before purchasing a card, though, make sure you will be flying enough hours to make it economical. Unlike purchasing shares of a jet, you don’t get to participate in any tax advantages.
Share a seat
With the above options for private jet flights, there will be times when your flights have empty seats — or even empty legs. If you could sell some of those seats or trips, you could recoup some of the upfront flight costs. Well, there’s an app for that! If you have extra seats on your booked charter you’d like to sell, there are apps available to facilitate the process. Or you might use empty seats as perks for your employees, friends or family. Seat-sharing simply helps make private flying more cost-effective by making use of empty seats on already-paid-for flights.
Of course, the ideal situation for those who can afford it is to purchase a private jet outright. With your own private jet, you have all the luxury and convenience of private air travel at your fingertips to wherever you want, whenever you want, along with the associated tax advantages of ownership. But for those who can’t afford the $3 to $90 million price tag, it’s good to know your alternate options. Which one you choose will depend on how flexible you are, how often you fly and how much you want to spend. It’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a jet broker or consultant to explore your options.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
For most people looking to purchase their first jets, choosing pre-owned aircraft is a sensible way to go. A pre-owned jet will cost substantially less than a new one and, although it won’t have the latest cutting-edge technologies, a 15- or 20-year-old jet differs very little in functionality, safety, and performance from new jets. The popularity of the pre-owned market, as well as more people holding on to and refurbishing their older jets, has resulted in pre-owned jet inventory levels at the lowest point since 2008. How does that figure into today’s private and business aviation market?
With a decline of 0.9% over last year, 10.8% of active business jets are for sale, and sales of pre-owned jets are up 6% year over year, leading many to believe the business aviation market is starting to bounce back. One thing is for sure, the price of a jet is at its lowest in a very long time — but for how long? If you might be in the market for a new jet any time soon, you might want to start looking sooner rather than later as there may never be a better time to buy.
Benefits of new
There’s just nothing like the thrill of walking onto a new jet and calling it yours. But that feeling is not the only reason buying new might be a good choice. Lenders typically offer better financing terms on new jets, and new aircraft typically come with warranties, so repair and maintenance costs won’t add up to as much during the warranty period.
Depreciation is another reason to buy new. If a new aircraft is deemed necessary for business use, it depreciates under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Tax laws are complicated, so consult a tax expert specializing in aircraft so you receive all the tax benefits you’re entitled to.
Another reason people are choosing to buy new is to get the latest and greatest. New jets have state-of-the art equipment for greater durability, safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort. New jets will also be equipped with the mandated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which is required by Jan. 1, 2020.
You can customize a new jet with your own design and equipment preferences, and resale values for new versus older pre-owned jets are much higher. So, don’t just consider the initial cost when choosing between buying new and pre-owned; you need to consider the jet’s entire life cycle.
When choosing between new, pre-owned, or whether to buy a jet at all at this time, there are many factors to consider. With economic and political uncertainties in the world today, it’s difficult to predict where the market is heading and whether prices of new and pre-owned have bottomed out. Every potential buyer’s situation will be different, so it’s important to do your research to determine the best solution for you.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
In case you haven’t noticed, the business and private jet industry is changing. It’s no longer the exclusive realm of ultra-high-net-worth individuals or corporation leaders. What is the cause of this changing landscape — and what does it mean for private jet owners or those looking to acquire jets?
New technologies, new customers
New technologies and business models are introducing a brand-new set of people to the convenience and luxury of private aviation. Technology is making it easy to charter flights online. Private jet travel is no longer just for the ultra-rich as charter providers are becoming the Ubers of private aviation. Membership clubs, charter options, and fractional aircraft ownership are making private jet flights available to a wider customer base. Today’s charter customers are typically younger, equally likely to be female as male, and probably have never flown private before. Rather than opt for a first-class seat on a commercial flight, these people want the personalized experience of a private charter and are willing to pay for it.
The jet market
With these new business models, people who otherwise might not be able to buy private jets can still achieve the luxury experiences they’re looking for. As more and more people become passengers, jet prices will likely drop as will the number of jets manufactured. In fact, the number of new jet deliveries is predicted to fall 3.7% this year. And, not surprisingly along with that drop in new deliveries, charter flight hours have increased 5% in the last three years.
Some jet manufacturers think these new business models will be good for the industry in the long term. Even though these programs aren’t converting flyers into buyers today, “they’re introducing people to the efficiency of flying privately who may become future customers,” says Scott Ernest, Cessna CEO, in the Bloomberg article.
Industry globalization
With the U.S private and business jet market in a dip, private aviation is gaining momentum in other countries, especially Brazil, Russia, India, and China. And, as what goes down must come up, the number of business jets is predicted to double over the next 10 years, with those countries doing most of the manufacturing. And China’s more than one million ultra-high-net-worth individuals are a huge potential market for both private and business aviation.
As the infrastructure needed to support increased air traffic around the world is quickly developing, international business and business travel will likely proliferate. To be competitive in today’s global market, business leaders are requiring more on-demand travel options, getting them where they need to be fast and often on short notice. Private jets may be the best — and are sometimes the only — way to reach customers quickly.
And as jet travel becomes more affordable, the jet market may flounder a bit. But with globalization bringing in new customers and jet travel becoming a business necessity rather than a luxury, the long-term outlook is looking good. And with the state of the market, it might be the perfect time for those on the fence to take the plunge into jet ownership.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Over the years, private and business jet owners have continuously stepped up to the plate to help with relief efforts after natural disasters. The latest examples are Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In fact, one of the biggest frustrations for members of the private aviation community ready to assist victims was waiting for flood waters to recede so they could deliver much-needed supplies.
During and after the hurricanes devastated parts of Texas, Florida, and surrounding areas, the media has been filled with inspiring reports of Americans and people all over the world joining together in various volunteer efforts and donation drives. And behind the scenes — with little media coverage — members of the aviation community have been playing vital roles.
Airlift Flyers Aviation Corp., a humanitarian aviation organization based out of Miami, is encouraging jet owners and operators to donate their time and effort to relief efforts but to remain flexible in scheduling their donated flights. Richard Sante, organization founder, said he has had many requests from large-scale donor organizations wanting to get supplies into affected areas following Hurricane Harvey. Although two Houston-area airports were willing to receive this cargo, flooding on access roads impacted efforts.
Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI), an independent financial services and maintenance support provider to the business aviation industry “is waiving hourly fees for customers who donate flight time to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort.” In the article, JSSI President and CEO Neil Book said, “When people are in need, the business aviation community never fails to step up. Business aircraft are truly unique in their ability to reach locations impacted by natural disasters.”
Several pilots volunteered their services and aircraft to fly an estimated 125,000 pounds of food, water, and supplies from the Georgetown, Texas, Municipal Airport to affected areas within three days, and efforts didn’t stop there. “Great way to use what we have to do something good,” said one of the pilots quoted in the article.
Members of recently formed Operation Airdrop (OAD), which has already grown to more than 200 pilots and planes, are delivering “relief supplies to the hardest hit and isolated areas along the Texas Gulf Coast.” Although originally formed to provide support after Harvey, the group has also “been called upon to continue its efforts to support future disaster relief incidents,” including the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Florida and the Caribbean.
Private aviation firms worked until the last minute to help individuals who couldn’t obtain commercial airline tickets or afford to charter their own private flights evacuate Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma.
Many in the private and business aviation industries step up to provide their services and will continue to do so. Because they have a greater ability to reach areas impacted by disasters such as Harvey and Irma when airliners and ground transportation cannot, the services they provide are invaluable. Those interested in learning more about the many organizations dedicated to first response can visit the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Database, a list of people in the business aviation community who are part of disaster-response mobilization efforts.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.
One of the biggest events of the year for private and business jet owners and those involved in the business aviation industry is almost here. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2017 Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) will take place Oct. 10-12 in Las Vegas.
Venue
Source: twinandturbine.com
Las Vegas is always an exciting and interesting conference location, offering many opportunities to mix in a little pleasure when you’re not attending one of the dozens of educational sessions or visiting with some 27,000 business aviation professionals expected to attend this year’s NBAA-BACE. The conference and exposition will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will feature more than 1,100 exhibitors. In addition, Henderson Executive Airport will display nearly 100 business aircraft, offering attendees the ability to check out some of the hottest new jets available on the market today — and some that aren’t yet available for purchase.
Reasons to attend
In addition to the tremendous networking opportunities, this year’s NBAA-BACE conference will offer greater interactivity during its many educational sessions. A mobile app will allow presenters to gauge attendees’ prior subject knowledge and tailor their presentations accordingly in real time. It will also allow attendees ask questions during presentations rather than Q&As following the sessions.
This year’s sessions will address topics of interest to those in business and private aviation, including current jet owners and those looking to purchase. Presentations include: safety strategies and risk-management tactics for single-pilot operators, the ever-changing technological landscape in business aviation, mitigating the risk of onboard lithium-battery devices, FAA compliance philosophies, and upcoming avionics mandates — to name just a few. According to the NBAA-BACE Report, one of last year’s attendees summed up the BACE experience with “Being able to see each other and feed on each other’s enthusiasm is a great charge in the battery once a year.”
Another reason to attend is the opportunity to hear the out-of-this-world stories from American Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly. According to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in an Aviation Pros article, the twin brothers will share “the lessons they’ve taken from their distinguished military service, participation in the space program and their experiences in leadership and overcoming obstacles.”
Giving back
In addition to all the learning and networking opportunities, private and business aviation professionals will have an opportunity to give back to an important humanitarian cause. The Corporate Angel Network (CAN) will sponsor the “Fund an Angel” cocktail reception in conjunction with NBAA-BACE. CAN uses donated seats on business aviation flights to fly individuals suffering from cancer to treatment centers. The event will feature silent and live auctions as well as sponsorship packages to help fund the cause.
Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to see the latest business and private aircraft and learn about the latest products, technology, and services the industry offers.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Individuals or corporate leaders looking to purchase private jets have a big decision to make: forward or retro. Are you looking to purchase a new aircraft or a used model and retrofit it to meet regulatory mandates as well as your needs? Or, if you already own a jet and want to upgrade, is it better to take the plunge with a new aircraft or save money by retrofitting your current one?
According to a report by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), avionics sales for business and general aviation were up 2.7% year-over-year in the first 6 months of 2017. AEA President Paula Derks stated, “It’s encouraging to see a positive increase in year-over-year sales for two straight quarters, something we haven’t experienced since 2014.”
The interesting part of the report is that the increase is not due to new aircraft forward-fits or avionics systems for new jets. Of the $1.145 billion in avionics sales, 56.2% was for retrofits in existing aircraft and 43.8% for forward-fit installs. This speaks to the surging market for retrofit equipment aimed at used aircraft compared with sales related to new jets.
Why the retrofit surge?
There are several reasons for the increased popularity of preowned jets and retrofit avionics and equipment. In fact, the biggest competition for new jet sales could be preowned jets ripe for avionics, power, and performance upgrades.
Many jet owners today are retrofitting because of the mandate to implement ADS-B solutions by the January 2020 deadline. And the AEA is urging aircraft owners not to postpone their upgrades to the last minute as there are a finite number of shops and installers to perform the upgrades. In addition to the ADS-B deadline, a more permissive policy for installing non-certified equipment to improve safety in certified aircraft can be partially responsible for the uptick in retrofits.
Yet another reason is that an oversupply of second-hand jets makes it a buyer’s market, which is obviously not good news for aircraft manufacturers and sellers. Private and business jet insiders say now is a great time to buy preowned private jets because they deliver much of the same efficiencies, capabilities, and luxuries at a fraction of the cost of new aircraft. This is also good incentive for owners to hold on to and refurbish their current jets.
The retrofit market
Whether it’s refurbishing for style and comfort or upgrading avionics for safety and navigation improvements, the retrofit market is hot. This is good news for private and business jet owners looking to upgrade their flight experiences. Whether you’re looking to purchase and retrofit a preowned jet or want to update your oldie but goodie for increased safety and comfort, the time is right for making what’s old new again.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Private and business jet owners and travelers in the U.S. are fortunate to have one of the greatest systems in the world for ensuring their airspace is safe. Operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aviation branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), our air traffic control (ATC) system guides tens of thousands of flights per day safely to their destinations. However, as we outlined in “What ATC Reform Means for Private Air Travel,” the future of FAA oversight is uncertain as efforts to privatize ATC continue. What does that mean for private jet and business aviation stakeholders?
FAA history
To understand today’s reform push, it’s important to understand how the present system evolved. Ever since the Wright brothers introduced aviation to the world in 1903 — including its quick spread into commercial, postal, military, and private sectors — safety has been a prime concern. In 1930, technology advancements allowed early air traffic control to advance from visual signals to the first radio-control tower. After decades of government agency and various organization oversight, government leaders created the FAA in 1959 to consolidate all essential management functions necessary to provide safe and efficient use of national airspace, including the ATC system.
Although, in the ensuing decades, FAA leaders have ably managed the ATC system, many believe their oversight has led to an antiquated system in need of an overhaul. And, although there have been several unsuccessful attempts at reform and privatization, supporters now have a champion leading the new administration. Both the White House and Republican Congress would like to see the ATC system separated from the FAA into a private not-for-profit corporation. Supporters believe privatization is the first step in system modernization. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster introduced legislation that would employ user fees to finance the new governing body.
Those against privatization argue that the system is not broken and does not need fixing. They say FAA personnel are working steadily to improve the system and supporters should not confuse privatization with modernization. They are also afraid that the board of directors would cater largely to the needs of commercial airline executives.
Ramifications for private jet owners
Members of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), business organizations, a bipartisan congressional group, and a majority of the American public oppose privatization. They believe a private organization would not have congressional oversight of the budget and programs of the FAA, which is “necessary to ensure the transparency and integrity of the public’s investment in the air traffic control system.” Furthermore, they believe the reorganization would favor airline leaders, directing resources to hub airports most beneficial to them, thereby restricting aviation-system access for private and business aviation operators. They are also concerned that high user fees would severely restrict private jet aircraft operations and the smaller airports that serve them.
Where are we now?
In June, Representative Shuster introduced H.R. 2997, a bill that would privatize ATC. So far, the bill has not received enough support to go to a vote. Meanwhile, the Senate has introduced legislation to increase the FAA budget but bans the use of those funds to plan, design, or implement the privatization of air traffic organization functions. Efforts for and against both pieces of legislation will likely increase in September as FAA authorization expires Sept. 30.
Although the true effects of ATC privatization on private jet owners are unclear, most private and business aviation organizations are urging members to oppose it. There will likely be a short-term FAA reauthorization and further efforts aimed at privatization, so it’s important stakeholders stay informed.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet.
You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Across the United States, people are gearing up for one of the rarest of celestial events: a solar eclipse. This isn’t just any solar eclipse but, rather, a total eclipse — if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. And judging by the number of scheduled private flights, hotel bookings, and filled campgrounds in and near those areas, there are many people who want a good viewpoint for the event.
Are you going to be flying into one of the sites where you can view the total eclipse? If you haven’t yet made plans, you’ll want to check with your destination to make sure you’ll be able to get there and have a place to stay once you arrive.
What’s the big deal?
A solar eclipse is rare because it requires the sun, moon, and Earth to line up so the moon, as it passes between Earth and the sun, blocks part of the sun from viewers on Earth. If you are in the right location on Earth during the eclipse, the moon will, for a short period of time, completely occlude the sun, which is called a total eclipse. Total eclipses are visible only in certain parts of the world at any given time. In fact, it takes about 1,000 years for those in every location in the contiguous United States to be able to view a total eclipse.
The eclipse coming up on August 21 has been nicknamed the “Great American Eclipse” because it is the first total solar eclipse visible only in the U.S. since the country was founded in 1776. Even so, not everyone in the U.S. will get to experience the total eclipse. Only locations along the “path of totality” will get to see a full eclipse, which is why locations along that path are bracing for an influx of people wanting to get the best experience for this rare opportunity. For this eclipse, areas in the path of totality include parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Impact on aviation
Intense demand for airport services at locations in the path of totality may affect those traveling via both private and business aircraft. Operators within these areas should expect delays to ground support, parking, and approach sequencing. Many airports will be hosting special events for eclipse viewing, and the National Business Aviation Association “will monitor the situation and relay any traffic management initiatives put in place to members.”
Many small airports along the path of totality already are reporting they are booked for August 21 and can’t accept any more landings. Some airports, such as the Greenville, South Carolina airport, don’t take landing requests ahead of time, and personnel aren’t sure what to expect. Business and private aircraft travelers can ask for special routing to better view the eclipse, but if airspace is too congested it may not be possible. Some charter providers are offering special eclipse-viewing flights, and NASA is coordinating the launch of more than 50 hot-air balloons to observe and live-stream the event. All in all, air space within the path of totality is expected to be extremely crowded.
Tips and precautions
If you have not yet made plans to travel via private jet to an area within the total eclipse path, you’re likely out of luck. Flight landing bookings are full, hotels and campgrounds have been booked for months, and rental cars are expensive if you can find one. If you are lucky enough to have planned your flight in advance, weather will be key, but the advantage of air travel is that you can fly above the clouds to get a clear view.
Don’t forget, you still need to use special eclipse glasses to avoid damaging your retinas. Although there are few pilots who have actual experience flying during an eclipse, it should be no different than flying at dusk. Other than the additional air traffic, there should be little cause for concern for private jet pilots or passengers. It’s just one benefit of owning your own private jet — or knowing someone who does.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
The North American market accounts for two-thirds of private jet ownership — and business aviation is on the rise! In fact, American, Canadian, and Caribbean business aircraft operations increased by over 4% in the last year. Midsize jets accounted for most of this activity, and projections show the sector can look forward to similar growth in the future.
Gains were also seen in charter jet activity: Charter flights on midsize and large cabin jets showed significant growth, climbing 14.3% and 12.6%, respectively.
Changes from past periods
Some industry observers compare the existing market with the “Lost Decade” from 1986 to 1996. During this period, new business jet deliveries remained flat at around 350 units each year.
But even if new private jet deliveries remain stagnant over the next few years, industry insiders expect 650 to 750 deliveries annually — about double the output of the so-called Lost Decade. Meanwhile, fewer existing jet owners have found it necessary to try to sell their aircraft since the downturn.
The residual value of jet aircraft has also fallen somewhat with private jets no longer being in short supply. Alternatives to outright full ownership — such as fractional arrangements or membership clubs that allow business owners to charter jets — have supplanted aircraft purchases for some.
And although large cabin aircraft delivery has been low, flights on these models have increased. New Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Dassault models soon to be introduced in this class are expected to boost the market considerably.
In-flight connectivity growth
What else is growing in the business aviation world? At the end of 2016, there were over 19,000 in-flight connectivity (IFC) systems on business and VIP planes. Estimates indicate that this number may double within a 10-year period.
L-band, 4G, and satellite technologies used for connectivity will likely remain popular, and the demand for these technologies is projected to grow. Companies that produce these technologies are expected to keep pace with demand for their products as they deploy more satellites and continue to refine their hardware.
Enhanced connectivity on flights allows for much easier communication, making access to one of these IFC systems a key point for those interested in buying jets, especially for business purposes. Companies that continue to grow on a global scale should help fuel the demand for increasingly sophisticated IFC systems.
Business aviation is set to grow with good tools available to enhance flight experience. These tools help add to the appeal of today’s top private aircraft options.
If you need help buying or selling a jet, contact our sales team at L & L International at sales@L-Lint.com. You can also visit our website anytime or call +1 (305) 754-3313.
Taxes — Jet ownership offers excellent tax benefits and depreciation allowances.
With these new business models, people who otherwise might not be able to buy private jets can still achieve the luxury experiences they’re looking for. As more and more people become passengers, jet prices will likely drop as will the number of jets manufactured. In fact, the number 
This year’s sessions will address topics of interest to those in business and private aviation, including current jet owners and those looking to purchase. 
Although, in the ensuing decades, FAA leaders have ably managed the ATC system, many believe their oversight has led to an antiquated system in need of an overhaul. And, although there have been several unsuccessful attempts at reform and privatization, supporters now have a champion leading the new administration. Both the White House and Republican Congress would 
If you have not yet made plans to travel via private jet to an area within the total eclipse path, you’re likely out of luck. Flight landing bookings are full, hotels and campgrounds have been booked for months, and rental cars are expensive if you can find one. If you are lucky enough to have planned your flight in advance, weather will be key, but the advantage of air travel is that you can fly above the clouds to get a clear view.
What else is growing in the business aviation world? At the end of 2016, there were over