Getting off to a Flying Start
Travelling by private jet has a multitude of advantages, for example it’s highly convenient, hugely time-saving and ultra-comfortable. Luxaviation UK provides a full range of business aviation services, including management, chartering, consultancy and sales.
The company has a diverse fleet of 24 aircraft, ranging from the entry-level Cessna Citation Mustang up to the Dassault Falcon 2000LX.
George Galanopoulos, managing director of Luxaviation UK, explains,
“As part of the Luxaviation Group, we have access to more than 250 business aviation aircraft worldwide. The breadth of the fleet means we are able to offer the most cost-effective solution for a wide range of business travel needs. For shorter journeys and smaller groups of four people, we would accommodate them in a Citation Mustang, rather than a higher priced aircraft. For a group of up to nine needing baggage space, a Citation Excel would be perfect; or for larger groups with specific large baggage requirements we would suggest an Embraer Legacy, which has the largest baggage compartment of any business jet.”
Owning a jet can be an attractive and affordable proposition for many as prices of used business aircraft tumbled during the recession. Typically, advises Mr Galanopoulos, a client will buy an aircraft if they are expecting to fly some 150-200 hours per year, themselves. Luxaviation UK will then manage the aircraft and, if they wish to charter it, do so when it is not being used by the owner.
“We can achieve an additional 300-400 hours by chartering the aircraft,”
he says.
“The income from this will pay the overheads and contribute towards the owner’s operating costs. Buying the right type of aircraft is essential in this scenario, as some aircraft types are difficult or uneconomical to charter. With more than 20 years’ experience in the business, we always give potential owners impartial advice as to which aircraft to buy to best suit their requirements.
“The first cost of owning and operating a jet is the purchase price, this can vary from $1 million to $60 million. As the price increases you get more load capacity, perhaps a little more speed, and a lot more range. The next costs involved can be categorised as ‘direct’, ‘variable’ and ‘fixed’. The direct costs relate to the aircraft’s usage, primarily fuel consumption, whereas the variable costs relate to things such as airport landing and handling charges. Fixed costs apply regardless of flying hours; these include aircraft maintenance and management fees.”
In keeping with demand and technology, the vast majority of Luxaviation UK’s aircraft are now jets.
“These include the UK’s largest fleet of Citation Excels, the world’s most popular midsize business jet,”
continues Mr Galanopoulos,
“and earlier this year we confirmed our position as the UK’s largest operator of Embraer Legacy aircraft with the addition of a Legacy 600 and Legacy 650.
“Like the Falcon 2000LX, the Legacy 650 brings us truly transatlantic capability with a maximum range of 4,400 miles when carrying eight passengers. We can offer nonstop routes like Cannes-Moscow and Dubai-London. These long-range capabilities are particularly appealing to our business customers looking to cost-effectively put their team in the heart of new business opportunities. Both the Legacy 650 and 600 aircraft can seat 13 passengers comfortably, with the 650 being the extended range derivative. The roomy cabin can be split into three living spaces and, with the largest galley area in its class, passengers can enjoy full catering services throughout their flight.”
If you’re planning to spend less than 150 hours in the air per year, full jet ownership is most likely not for you, and there are many benefits to chartering an aircraft.
“You have freedom to select the most suitable, and cost effective aircraft, for each individual chartered trip, which is a great way to keep private aviation costs down,”
says Mr Galanopoulos.
“By utilising Luxaviation UK’s charter service, you are paying for exactly what you are using at a straight hourly rate. There is no acquisition cost, no monthly management fee, and certainly no contract. You can also travel at short notice without the concern that your jet might already be chartered out. You’ll have guaranteed access to many different types of aircraft, 365 days per year, and the ability to change your travel plans last minute if you need to.”
www.luxaviationuk.com
Opting for Ownership
Gulfstream, based in Savannah, Georgia, designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports business aircraft. The company sells these aircraft to the end user, most of whom are public, private and Fortune 500 companies. Steve Cass, vice president, technical communications and marketing, explains,
“Gulfstream business jets provide efficient, safe, reliable, flexible, technologically advanced transportation. One of the main benefits of ownership is the time saved using a business jet.
“We have six business jets in production (the Gulfstream G150, G280, G450, G550, G650 and G650ER) and two in development (the G500 and G600). Each aircraft within our current fleet offers a unique combination of price and performance, which means we have an aircraft to suit most every need and expectation. Prices range from $15.7 million for the G150 to $68.8 million for the G650ER.
“We have a broad range of products, ranging from the entry-level Gulfstream G150, which can carry passengers 3,000 nautical miles to the flagship of our fleet, the Gulfstream G650ER, which can carry eight passengers 7,500 nautical miles or almost anywhere in the world nonstop.”
www.gulfstream.com
Choosing to Charter
Victor’s CEO Clive Jackson founded the private jet charter company out of frustration with the lack of transparency and excessive charging in the market. He regularly used commercial flights from London to Mallorca and when BMI cancelled all services for that route, he was left without options. On his last BMI flight home, he polled passengers who were equally frustrated with the cancelled route and sceptical of private jet travel. Leaving the plane with several business cards, he set about making clear, flexible jet charter a reality.
Mike Ryan, Victor’s co-founder and commercial & ops director, says,
“Victor is the world’s largest on-demand jet charter marketplace – a game-changing alternative to ownership. Our combination of smart technology, booking transparency and tailored, 24–7 customer service, means that customers receive multiple quotes within an hour, and it is possible for them to be in the air within four. Customers can check and compare pricing options and aircraft specifics before securely confirming the flights they need – anywhere in the world, on demand. There are no hidden fees or membership costs and Victor fliers save valuable time and effort thanks to the highest level of bespoke service.
“When you charter privately there are re no lengthy check–in queues or passport procedures, and members avoid the fixed time slots that scheduled commercial aircraft have to adhere to. Victor travellers get an itinerary downloaded to their phone, or sent to their PA if they prefer, so that seamless, onward travel can be arranged around the flight times.”
Victor members have access to thousands of aircraft of all types and sizes via a global network of partner operators.
“Our 24-7 customer service experts are always on hand, across time zones,”
explains Mr Ryan,
“to provide recommendations for different sorts of private travel but our website and app platforms also provide details of specific aircraft, including range, interior layout and dimensions (including head height), luggage capacity and clear imagery.”
Ultra-long-range jets like the Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000, and Gulfstream IV are among Victor’s most popular charter business requests.
“These aircraft combine range, performance and first class amenities to ensure perfect and productive transatlantic work travel,”
explains Mr Ryan.
“On the other hand, light jets like the Citation CJ2 and Phenom 100 are popular for short leisure hops across Europe.
“Our business model is totally disruptive, offering a far more flexible and effective jet travel alternative to a model like fractional ownership. Unlike ownership, fractional or otherwise, there is no waiting for a jet in the local area to handle your journey, and no upfront subscription fees or commitments.”
www.flyvictor.com
