Wouldn’t it be nice if, on those especially long trips, your private jet had a four-poster bed so that you could lay your head down and get a great night’s sleep, like you do at home?
Although your aircraft may not be a flying palace like the Turkish jet recently built for a Middle Eastern prince (it has king-size beds, a sauna, a board room and a concert hall, among other amenities), it is possible to get a good night’s sleep — or just a great power nap — with the mattresses and bedding available today for private jets.
From bedding packages complete with mattress, sheets, blanket and pillow in easy-to-store bags, to custom-designed memory-foam mattresses that fit over your jet’s furnishings, you’re sure to find a comfortable solution for overnight trips.
Private jet bedding businesses:
- In-Flight Bedding by Simone
Business never stops — not even when you’re in the air. With ViaSat Yonder®, Internet access in the air is as seamless as that on the ground.
Satellites make continuous connectivity possible. Users on the aircraft simply connect to your aircraft’s local area network through the standard WiFi hotspot or Ethernet jack; ViaSat Yonder® connects the local area network on your aircraft to the Internet through its communications network.
The entire system is managed by the Yonder network operations center, so aircraft connected to it see it as a single, seamless coverage area. Yonder service is always on whenever the aircraft is powered up. Once online, the user experience is identical to any standard Internet session.
Yonder service delivers cable-like performance, plus seamless connections around the globe, in-flight and on the ground, without the worry of being disconnected or over-charged if usage exceeds your service plan.
Business aircraft passengers can use their laptops, smartphones, tablets and PDAs as much and as often as they want for a fixed monthly fee. They get unlimited Web surfing, real-time email with attachments, Internet streaming video, large-file transfers and access to corporate VPNs.
Yonder service resellers commission airborne service. Contact AIRINC, Satcom Direct, and Satcom 1 for details. For more information about Yonder, visit www.viasat.com
When your company invests in a private jet, one of the most important features to consider is the cabin. The cabin size and shape are critical to making sure that passengers enjoy a comfortable, spacious ride.
According to Air Charter Access’ Aircraft Selection Guide, the number of passengers a jet can seat ranges widely. A very light jet transports four adults, while as many as 16 passengers can travel on a heavy jet, which also has a full-service galley, a lavatory and perhaps a shower.
Cabin features
Not all cabins are created equally. Although two aircraft may both offer 28-foot-long cabins, one may have a bigger galley or lavatory, which sounds nice but reduces the area for passenger seating. Evaluate the tradeoffs between passenger seating space and galley/lavatory requirements.
The shape of the cabin is also a consideration. A round cabin provides maximum width at or just above the hip, whereas a cabin shaped like a bread loaf is straight-sided and provides greater shoulder width.
Baggage concerns
In-cabin baggage storage is important, as passengers may need access to some of their items — such as toiletries, laptop computers or clothes — while in flight. Trips may include a golf game, skiing or other activities requiring larger items with awkward shapes, so baggage storage compartments should be big enough to store those items.
Having an external baggage compartment prevents additional wear on the interior and allows passengers to board while their luggage is being loaded. For larger jets, consider how high off the ground the external baggage compartment will be.
A light jet will have limited luggage storage, usually around 40 cubic feet, so it won’t carry seven passengers with two days’ worth of necessities. However, a turbo prop can handle that load with no problem as long as it’s a short trip.
Although you can design and decorate your jet to your desires and specifications, you’ll want to give thought to the size, shape and luggage storage your cabin offers before you select an aircraft.
Have you ever wondered how Easter Island got its name or what those giant heads are made of? If so, then it sounds like a trip to the tiny, secluded Polynesian island should be on your horizon. Easter Sunday seems like the perfect time to set out on the voyage, so prepare yourself for what will certainly be an adventure of a lifetime.
Over the years, much of the natural beauty of Easter Island has been compromised due to deforestation, and its remote location off the coast of Chile makes it a complicated destination. But the mysteries behind the culture and numerous monolithic stone statues, or moai, warrant a trip to the secluded island — consider it a bucket list trip.
The first European to come across Rapa Nui did so on April 5, 1722. It was Easter Sunday, which is why Jacob Roggeveen so cleverly named it “Easter Island.” Of course, Roggeveen came across Easter Island while at sea, not by air. If you’re the seafaring type, consider taking the annual 35-day voyage from New Zealand aboard the Soren Larsen to arrive on Easter Island.
A formidably remote island, tourism has not been as popular to this island as many other Polynesian islands. In fact, it takes at least 5.5 hours to fly there from the closest continent. Flights are limited as the Mataveri International Airport (IPC) has only a single runway, and it is the most remote airport in the world. Now that service to Lima, Peru, has been cancelled, you can only fly commercially from Santiago, Chile, or Papeete, Tahiti. Certainly a more private and flexible option is to take your private jet for the journey or charter a jet.
No matter how you get there, a visit to Easter Island will be a memorable trip. The giant moai, made of solidified volcanic ash, will leave a lasting impression, and you will feel as if you’ve traveled to the ends of the earth.
St. Patrick’s Day started as celebration of the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, but now most people associate the holiday with over-the-top parades, green beer, and corned beef and cabbage. (And don’t forget the Jameson!) Cities in Japan, Argentina, and Australia all host parades and celebrations. Dublin, Ireland, has used the St. Patrick’s Day celebration to promote tourism and appreciation of Irish culture. Newfoundland, Canada, has been home to Irish immigrants since the 17th century and designates March 17 as a public holiday.
In the U.S., some of the most famous celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day occur in the larger cities, like New York City, Chicago, and of course, Boston. Basically, any city, town, or village with a pub will be hosting Irish celebrations of some kind. Luckily, the Irish seem to be tolerant of this co-opting of their culture for a day.
If you’re looking for an unusual celebration that’s off the beaten path, then grab your green and head south. Hot Springs, Ark., boasts the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade, and this year will be the 10th annual event. It takes place on the tiny, 98-foot long Bridge Street in Hot Springs National Park. The parade only lasts about an hour, but the festivities go on all day. Previous Grand Marshalls include George Wendt, Pauley Shore, and Bo Derek.
Hot Springs National Park is a beautiful place to spend an early spring weekend, and who doesn’t love a whimsical St. Patty’s celebration?! Plus, the town’s airport is convenient for the jet set crowd. Just three miles from downtown Hot Springs is historic Memorial Field Airport (HOT), which was a commercial hub immediately following World War II. After the airline deregulation in the 1970s, commercial traffic decreased, and now the airport only supports general aviation.
So, pack your shamrocks and a case of Guinness and load up the jet — it’s getaway time! Hot Springs’ short-yet-festive St. Patrick’s Day parade will be entertaining, and the naturally splendid scenery and small-town vibe will be relaxing.
In the U.S., the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics named March “National Nutrition Month.” The goal is to inform people about good nutrition and encourage them to make healthy eating decisions and maintain an active lifestyle. But traveling frequently can wreak havoc on good intentions for a wellness regimen. Try some of these ideas to stay healthy why living a jet-set lifestyle.
Eating right in the skies
The message for Nutrition Month is to fit healthy habits into your lifestyle. So if you travel frequently, it’s important to make sure that the accessible foods on your flights are healthy and low-fat. On most commercial flights, the snacks are up to you. Gone are the days of complimentary meals, so be sure to grab some low calorie, protein- or fiber-rich snacks like veggies and hummus, multigrain bars, fruit and nuts, or low-fat cheese. There’s nothing worse than being hungry on plane with only pretzels to eat!
On private jets, you have many options for dining. Everything is custom-ordered, so all you have to do is choose nutritious foods. Remember to include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats, like fish or chicken. And take it easy on the cocktails. One of the lowest calorie cocktails is a refreshing blend of vodka, sparkling water, and a splash of fresh juice.
Exercise on the go
In addition to picking more healthful foods, you need to be active every day. The NIH recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. There aren’t many opportunities to exercise mid-flight, so take advantage of the gym and pool at your hotel. Be sure to pack your workout gear, and try to stick to your routine. If you exercise in the morning at home, do the same when you’re on the road.
Once you land, even a short walk will get your blood flowing again and stimulate your senses. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the dry cabin air. It’s important for you to be on your game at your destination, whether it be for work or pleasure. Eat healthy, stay active, and see the world!
Here at Corporate Jet Insider, we like to spend some time peering in to the crystal ball from time to time. What does the future hold for air travel in general and private jets in particular? After seeing how pundits expect the commercial airlines to evolve, we think more fliers will be looking for a different mode of travel.
A few months ago, we talked about how smaller, regional airports are the way forward for air travel. The old model of huge hub airports is cumbersome for fliers. Often, consumers have to drive more than an hour just to reach the airport, and they then suffer through long lines at check-in, security, and baggage claim. A simple, quick flight can quickly turn into a day-long fiasco.
And if the recently announced merger of US Airways and American Airlines goes through, only three major carriers will serve the vast majority of Americans. Does this bode well for the flying public? The jury is out, but Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance, predicts higher prices. Many travelers also complain of poor customer service on commercial flights.
This brings us to another troubling view of the future of flying: automation and technology. In an attempt to ease flying, airlines look to automate check-in and boarding. Ben Minicucci, COO of Alaska Airlines, even predicts that “Your first interaction will be with a flight attendant.”
Is this what people really want? How about more leg room, more arm room? Do people really want to do their own check-in with a computer? For some travelers, the answer will be a resounding yes. For others, already juggling bags, stress, and documents, less help is less attractive. The automation sounds more like cost-cutting than improving the customer experience.
But we’re more interested in real changes in aviation, not just talking points for airlines. As people grow more frustrated with the inconvenience of airline travel, they will increasingly look to alternate routes. A few ways this will happen:
- More jet charter services, like Arrow, based in Seattle. Travelers pay a membership fee and get a reasonable rate and all of the convenience of flying on a private aircraft.
- Companies like Nextant Aerospace. This so-called “remanufacturer” builds new aircraft out of old parts, turning worn-out Hawker Beechjet 400A/XPs into Nextant 400XTs. Eager aircraft owners in the growing private aircraft market in India are jumping at this economical way to get in on the game.
It’s exciting to see companies looking ahead and innovating the way we fly. While the hub airport model and airline consolidations continue to limit choices and decrease customer service, private aircraft still offer control, comfort, and convenience.
For some, a family vacation should include the entire family — even the four-legged members. However, traveling in the cargo hold of a commercial aircraft puts animals in unnecessary danger.
For some people, traveling with pets is a necessity. Breeders and show-dog handlers earn their livelihood from their pets. For them, making sure their four-legged friends arrive with both body and mind intact is crucial.
Flying can be dangerous for animals
According to Private Jets VIP, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that people don’t transport pets by commercial air unless absolutely necessary. Numerous documented incidents reveal the potential dangers for beloved pets: getting sick or dehydrated, suffering an accidental injury or even dying while on aircraft.
Private Jets VIP says that investing in a private flight is an investment in your pet’s health, happiness and safety, as well as your peace of mind.
Some commercial airlines allow small pets in carriers to ride in the cabin with their owners, but they often have restrictions on the number of pets allowed. On a private aircraft, pets need only remain in their carriers during takeoff, landing and any turbulence, unless they have behavior issues. Otherwise, they can remain at their owners’ side or in their arms, and they are never separated. Owners don’t have to worry about their pets not being allowed on board, being loaded into the cargo hold or getting lost during flight connections or cancellations, Private Jets VIP says.
On a private jet, pet owners can make sure their animals are comfortable, content, fed, and hydrated. Some charter companies even provide pets with special treats, toys or other luxuries, Private Jets VIP says.
What to know before you go
RYL, a private jet chartering company, advises those who intend to fly with pets to inform their brokers that pets will travel with them, so the brokers can secure an aircraft approved to transport pets.
Note that large dogs are typically counted as a passenger and are either seat-belted in during take-off and landing or placed in a pet carrier during these times to ensure the animal’s safety, RYL says. It is imperative that the pet is well trained when pursuing the seat belt option because of the considerable cost to repair damaged seats, upholstery and carpets.
Regardless of the method used to transport pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly discourages the use of sedatives and tranquilizers for cats and dogs, according to RYL. An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the animal is moved in flight. In addition, because the animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures during flights, they can succumb to respiratory and cardiovascular problems when sedated or tranquilized.
In general, flying can be stressful for pets and is not always the best mode of transport. Before including pets on a flight, owners should consider whether their animals will get along with the other people and pets on the flight. In addition, owners should understand that even on a private flight with the best accommodations, animals may still not be happy during the flight. Cries or howls of anxiety that continue throughout the duration of the flight may make the trip stressful for all on board.
Even with these limitations, pet owners who need or want to travel with their pets will take considerable comfort in the benefits that a private flight offers.
Whether you’re ready to invest in leather upholstery or your aircraft is due for a full-blown interior makeover, Aero-Nasch Aviation, Inc. offers a complete repertoire of aircraft interior maintenance, restoration and custom-upgrade services.
In business since 1986, Aero-Nasch Aviation focuses on quality first in customer service and work, expecting work performed on any aircraft to meet and exceed high standards.
Aero-Nasch Aviation services for private jets include:
- Interior Refurbishing — complete custom refurbishing and modification services including seating, carpeting, cabinetry, fixtures, air stairs, runners and other jet interior services.
- Seat Upholstery — premium-quality handmade custom foam work and upholstery for seats, divans and throw pillows.
- Carpeting — custom-designed carpets for all interior areas.
- Cabinetry and Woodwork — high-quality modification, re-veneering, repairing and refinishing for all types of interior cabinetry and fixtures.
- Interior Maintenance — complete periodic service and cleaning of window shades, seats, carpets, galley and interior fixtures.
- Custom Thermoforming — specializing in short-run custom thermoform molding. Use your molds or we can make them for you.
- Window Services — Factory Authorized MSA Service Center; complete repair, cleaning, color change and lens replacement services available.
Many of the services and maintenance areas in the aircraft are the cockpit, crew seats, jump seat, cabin, cabin seats, divan, vestibule, galley, lavatory, baggage and flooring. Custom interior services and maintenance are available for a wide variety of private jets including:
If you’re interested in one of the aircraft interior services mentioned above or have a custom jet interior job in mind, visit http://www.aeronasch.com/ or call (818) 786-5480.
After the games on Sunday, football fans all over the world will know who will be playing in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, La., on Feb. 3. Will it be the New England Patriots v. San Francisco 49ers? Or perhaps the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Atlanta Falcons in the big game.
For some football fans, it doesn’t matter who plays in the Super Bowl. Do you remember this commercial featuring the Never Miss a Super Bowl club? Today, the 46-year-old club claims only three members, so most Super Bowl attendees may wait to make plans to attend the game until they know their team made it all the way. (Or didn’t make it all the way, as the case may be!)
One company getting into the action is The Early Air Way, a private jet charter brokerage. Alex Early, CEO of The Early Air Way, says, “The moment we know who will be playing, the rush will begin.” Now is the time to make your transportation plans to the big game in the Big Easy.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW)is the airport closest to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and it recently added three new hangars to accommodate Super Bowl private jet traffic. In 2002, the airport had several hundred aircraft parked there for the Super Bowl, and they anticipate similar activity this year. If you’re planning on using its facilities for your trip, be sure to make reservations early as they are required!
For a complete list of other airports in the area, check out the neworleanssuperbowl.com website. It has all of the information you need, from restaurants and receptions to pilot requirements, for your business aviation trip to the Super Bowl. Have fun at the big game!
