Latest news with #Flexjet
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Selling Private Jets: Rock Stars, Riva Yachts, Facials And Fast Cars
From slots in pro-am golf tournaments to getting behind the wheel of fast cars, and from priority access to multi-million-dollar yachts, sporting events and private concerts, selling private jet flights and keeping current customers in the fold is often much more than getting well-heeled but time-poor customers from A to B. Private jet flight providers – companies that sell private jet travel via fractional ownership, jet cards and memberships - have long used lifestyle partnerships to woo new clients and build relationships with existing ones. It's a trend that's not letting up. Last week Flexjet unveiled its latest cabin design partnership with Riva. Customers of the private ... More jet company and boat builder get reciprocal perks in the air and on the sea. It's also an important part of the business. Senior executives can mingle with their top customers, who, in some cases, purchase their services over the phone. Partnerships with like-minded brands enable private jet companies to attract the attention of high-net-worth clients who can spend hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually on flights. Private events and VIP access enable super-rich customers who don't have their own movie studio or sports team to entertain family, friends, and business associates with the same sideline access as Jerry Jones or Jeff Bezos. NetJets recently hosted a private concert in Seattle with Eddie Vedder. In an interview, Patrick Gallagher, president of the Berkshire Hathaway-owned flight provider, noted, 'In the luxury travel segment overall, people are making more of an investment in experiences than in things. That certainly has been a tailwind for us.' Coaches Butch Harmon and Claude Harmon III speak in the practice area prior to the 2024 Masters ... More Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. Magellan Jets appointed Harmon III as its Head of Golf earlier this year. He will host private experiences for clients of the private jet flight provider. (Photo by) The most recent example came last week in Italy as Flexjet, NetJets' primary rival, revealed its latest collaboration of LXi Collection interiors for its fleet of private jets and helicopters. The Riva-inspired designs follow a similar partnership with Bentley. While Riva customers gain access to Flexjet's fleet of private jets and helicopters – it just launched a helicopter service for clients hopping between destinations on the French Riviera and Tuscany, the private jet company's customers get benefits with the boat builder. In both cases, the deals enable the companies to gain attention from each other's high-net-worth customers. A new partnership between Wheels Up and Global Autosports enable the Delta Air Lines-backed private ... More jet company's clients with VIP experiences, including access at 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Photo by) In the world of private aviation, where new customers are often counted by the dozen rather than thousands or even hundreds, cross-marketing can be valuable. Last month, VistaJet announced a partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm. Flight attendants will be trained to provide in-flight facial treatments and clients receive complimentary perks when they visit Dr. Barbara Sturm Spa & Boutiques in Dallas, Dusseldorf, London, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City. Parent Vista Global also joined other large players, including NetJets, Wheels Up, and Flexjet, with an extensive hospitality presence at this year's Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, a facility it called Vista House. Members of VistaJet and sister brand XO were able to mingle with its latest ambassador, golf legend Gary Player. There was also a private dinner with fellow legend Annika Sörenstam. NetJets recently hosted a private concert for clients with rock legend Eddie Vedder. (Photo by Theo ...) Vista President Leona Qi touted Vista House as a place its well-heeled clients would find be able to do a bit of business, saying, 'Sports are increasingly shaping the travel and tourism landscape, with year-round events now attracting global audiences. There's a strong desire to be there in person — not just to witness the action but to perform, connect and engage in valuable business opportunities.' For its part, in May, Wheels Up launched a partnership with Global Autosports, providing its customers with exclusive access to motorsport events, starting with the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Kansas City-based Airshare, one of the 10 largest fractional and charter operators, signed a deal in March to be the official private jet flight provider for PGA of America as well as the Ryder Cup. NetJets signed a similar agreement with The R&A last year, in which it touted the deal with the British Open organizer for providing inside-the-ropes event accesss. Gallagher said at the time, 'This partnership will allow NetJets to strengthen the offering for our (fractional) owners by offering access to some of the most exclusive events worldwide; one of the many benefits our owners will get from flying with NetJets.' Sentient Jet, a sister company of Flexjet, hosts an annual breakfast with Bobby Flay before the Kentucky Derby. It also publishes an annual member benefits brochure, which this year had over $230,000 in perks and freebies for its jet card clients. The partner brands benefit from being on the radar of consumers who will hopefully stay because of the offers and then return to spend even more money. What's more, it's not just the biggest players splashing out VIP access and perks for clients. Magellan Jets, which this week unveiled its entrance into fractional ownership, appointed instructor Claude Harmon III, whose students have included Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson, and Ernie Els, as the private jet company's head golf professional. The son of Butch Harmon will host private experiences and even offer lessons and tips for the jet company's clients. OneFlight International offered clients the opportunity to participate in pro-am events at The American Express, a PGA event, and this May at the PGA OneFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, where it became a title sponsor for the first time. It also hosts a black-tie gala each December in its hometown of Denver, as well as smaller events where clients can mingle with its ambassadors, including Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, and Shark Tank stars Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary. In some cases, the partnerships are directly connected to the cash register. Last December, Outlier Jets gave new customers who bought its 25-hour jet card a $7,295 Ryvid e-motorcycle. Not everyone in the industry is a fan of the partnerships. They believe they are already targeted unfairly by both climate campaigners (aviation emits 2% of global carbon emissions and private jets are just 2% of that 2%) and anti-wealth advocates who think UHNWs should pay more taxes. Detractors believe running publicity about the partnerships and events adds fuel to that fire. Others argue that the extensive media coverage of these partnerships comes at the expense of thorough scrutiny about the financial viability of various private jet access models and flight providers. AeroVanti bolstered its 2021 launch, which offered cut-rate flights on Piaggio turboprops, by signing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Cubs, and US Sailing. In May, the Department of Justice indicted its founder, Patrick Britton-Harr for allegedly diverting money from clients who paid $150,000 in Top Gun memberships for personal use. He is also facing litigation from both the Buccaneers and Cubs for allegedly failing to pay for the sponsorships. While AeroVanti was grounded in 2023, at the time of his indictment, Britton-Harr was pitching a restart selling private jet flights via a new website, Brixleyxchange.
Forbes
a day ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Flexjet And Ferretti Group Announce Stylish And Substantive Design Collaboration
Flexjet and FERRETTI GROUP announce design collaboration in Milan Imagine this. It's a hot summer day in NYC. But the temperature in your chauffeur-driven car is perfect. And the only heat you feel is during the short walk to a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that's waiting to fly you to Teterboro airport. Flexjet S-76 helicopter equipped with Riva Volare interior flies over Italy Then, after a short and scenic flight across the Hudson. You're taking another short walk. This time, to a Gulfstream G650 that's waiting to fly you across the Atlantic. Sounds luxurious, right? Flexjet's S-76 Riva Volare takes the experience of flying in a helicopter to the next level Well, now that private aviation leader Flexjet, and the Italian yacht building juggernaut Ferretti Group's Riva brand have announced a new design collaboration, they're hoping to take that type of private aviation experience to the next level. And they've started by designing and outfitting two of Flexjet's Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, and one of their fleet of Gulfstream G650 ultra-long-range jets, with 'Riva Volare' interiors inspired by iconic Riva yachts. Flexjet G650 with bespoke Riva Volare interior The bespoke design scheme is the result of the combined vision of both brands that features materials, patterns, textures and colors that are inspired by iconic Riva design elements. The partnership was unveiled in a large private aircraft hangar in Milan featuring the Flexjet Gulfstream G650, Sikorsky S-76 helicopter with Riva Volare interiors—and a Riva Aquariva Special. But that was only the beginning. The Flexjet Riva Volare interior is unique Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet said: 'I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft, is nothing short of exceptional. At Flexjet, design is more than an aesthetic bonus, it's integral to the elevated experience we offer. The launch of Riva Volare in collaboration with Ferretti Group is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to evolving truly memorable experiences for UHNW and selective travelers. With Flexjet in our 30th year, Riva Volare is not only a celebration of a timeless design icon, but also a bold statement of where we're going - defining the standard for what it means to be a modern luxury brand.' Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi watches as the Flexjet G650 with the bespoke Riva Volare interior ... More does a Flyby at an event at the historic Rica shipyard in Italy. In true luxury fashion, the partnership was celebrated in style (along with four new Riva models being introduced) at the Riva Private World Première party at Riva's storied Sarnico, Italy shipyard the next day. Riva celebrates their partnership with Flexjet in style 'This night of incomparable beauty will live on in the history of the Sarnico shipyard,' said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. 'I can't wait for the Aquariva Special, Riva Cento, Riva 58' Capri and Iseo Super to spark the same excitement in yacht enthusiasts that I felt tonight with all our friends and guests at this incredible Private World Première. And because beauty begets beauty, we also admired the flyover of the new Gulfstream G650 with interiors designed by Riva, another magnificent result of the collaboration with Flexjet, our top-tier private aviation partner.' 4 new Riva models on display at the historic Riva shipyard in Sanrico Italy In fact, Flexjet's Riva Volare G650 was only the flyover of the night. The Italian Air Force's National Aerobatic Team—Freece Tricolori—made several dramatic flybys as well. And if that wasn't enough, the night was capped with a private fireworks display. Mama Mia! Ribbon Cutting CEO Ferretti Group Avv. Galassi e CEO Flexjet Ken Ricci I must admit, it's cool to Ferretti Group and Flexjet celebrate the announcement of their partnership so enthusiastically. But I'm even more impressed by the fact that their design collaboration seems to be way more than a mere co-branding deal. The bands and the people behind them seem to be well-aligned, and I'm curious to see what might come next.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Flexjet & Ferretti Group unveil the Riva Volare private jet & helicopter interior
Riva Volare is a new custom-built cabin design for Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 and Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, inspired by the iconic style of Riva motoryachts, part of the Ferretti Group portfolio The collaboration aims to provide a uniquely immersive travel experience for UHNW individuals, and deepens the growing partnership between the two luxury industry leaders, driven by a shared passion for performance and exquisite design The Riva Volare Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will feature in a new Flexjet helicopter operation serving Italy and the French Riviera and Florida Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, and luxury yacht leader Ferretti Group, have unveiled their highly anticipated, design collaboration Riva Volare - a unique cabin design for Flexjet's aircraft interiors, inspired by the iconic Riva motoryachts. This bespoke design project is a lavish realisation of the official partnership formed in May 2024 between the two luxury leaders, which each share a passion for high performance, exceptional craftsmanship and sleek, bold design. Part of Flexjet's range of customised and boutique-style LXi Cabin Collection™ interiors, Riva Volare is fitted aboard one of the private aviation leader's Gulfstream G650 ultra-long-range jets, seating up to 12-15 passengers and capable of flying for up to 14-16 hours, connecting New York and Tokyo, London, Singapore or Milan. The interior is also presented in two of Flexjet's Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, one in Florida and the other featuring in a new helicopter operation based in Milan, serving Italy and the French Riviera. This represents the growth of the company's helicopter division into mainland Europe, adding to its existing rotary operations in London, New York and Florida & The Bahamas. The new service area will cater to growing demand from the company's existing jet Owners and from new clients for helicopter flights in Italy and the South of France during the summer months, with Ferretti Group clients benefitting from preferential access. The finished design was revealed on Thursday, June 26 at an official unveiling event at Milano Prime Linate Airport, featuring a static display of the Flexjet Gulfstream G650, Sikorsky S-76 helicopter and a Riva motoryacht, the Aquariva Special. The event took place in the hangar recently built for Flexjet's sister company and aircraft management and maintenance provider Sirio, by SEA Prime - the leading Italian and European business and general aviation infrastructure manager, operating under the brand Milano Prime. The bespoke design scheme is the refined result of a combined vision and months of expert craftsmanship by in-house designers at both brands. Riva Volare features artisanal materials and bold patterns, textures and colours, that draw on the classic silhouettes and recognisable design elements of the beloved Riva motoryachts, blending details from the iconic 1960s Aquarama with the contemporary elegance of the Aquariva. Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet said: 'I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft, is nothing short of exceptional. At Flexjet, design is more than an aesthetic bonus, it's integral to the elevated experience we offer. The launch of Riva Volare in collaboration with Ferretti Group is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to evolving truly memorable experiences for UHNW and selective travellers. With Flexjet in our 30th year, Riva Volare is not only a celebration of a timeless design icon, but also a bold statement of where we're going - defining the standard for what it means to be a modern luxury brand.' Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group CEO, added: "Riva style is an expression of elegance that infuses every project with class and exclusivity, both at sea and on land, and now at high altitude as well. Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising the quality standards we offer our customers. Contemplating the sky and the clouds while immersed in the world of Riva is an incredibly beautiful and satisfying experience, an absolute must.' Each element of the Riva Volare design - from the colour palette to the tactile materials - has been thoughtfully curated to evoke timeless Riva cues, featuring contrasts between light and dark, colour detailing, and luxurious textures of leathers and metals. A curated selection of Riva glass, china, and silverware will feature in the onboard hospitality experience on the Gulfstream G650, expertly presented by Flexjet's Red Label Academy trained cabin servers. During their immersive Riva-inspired journey, Flexjet passengers will also enjoy: Soft, handstitched leather seating, piped with Riva's signature aquamarine colour and intricately embroidered with Riva logos, icon of yachting and elegance. High-gloss, striped-wood veneer panelling - synonymous with the iconic Riva interiors. Pop-up kibitzer social seating in the Gulfstream G650 comprising a classic nautical stripe design in blue and white. Accent areas featuring the Riva aquamarine and deep blue 'Blu Sera' colours, paired with trademark polished metallic trims. A striking silken carpet, inspired by the sleek motion of a Riva motoryacht cutting through water. The Flexjet Gulfstream G650 Maximum range 7,000nm or 11,263km - up to 14-16 hours flight time Up to 12-15 passengers Global fleet for flights across the world Multi-zone interior to sleep, dine, work, relax Cabin altitude of 1,002m (3,290ft) for reduced fatigue & jet lag 47 decibels sound level - one of the quietest in private aviation 1.96m (6'5') stand-up cabin provides space for tallest passengers Starlink Wi-Fi for seamless, high-speed connectivity Cabin server and well-equipped galley for extensive hospitality The Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 300 nautical miles or 555km range - up to 2.5 hours flight time Up to 8 passengers One of the world's most respected and longest-established super-midsize helicopters Reputation built on more than 40 years of safe flight history Dual-redundancy safety features include twin-turbine engine reliability; a 4-blade rotor system for enhanced stability, comfort and safety; and dual autopilot systems Every helicopter flight is operated by two certified, IFR qualified pilots For more information: Ferretti Group Media Center; Flexjet Press Centre -Ends- About Ferretti Group Thanks to Italy's centuries-old yachting tradition, the Ferretti Group is a world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of prestigious and exclusive brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, CRN, Custom Line and Wally. Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the Ferretti Group owns and manages seven shipyards located across Italy, which combine the efficiency of industrial production with typical world-class Italian craftsmanship, reaching customers in more than 70 countries across the world thanks to a direct presence in Europe, the United States of America and Asia and its network of approximately 60 carefully selected dealers. The Ferretti Group motor yachts, utmost expression of Made in Italy elegance and creative genius, have always stood out for their exceptional quality, cutting-edge technology, record safety and optimum performance in the sea, as well as their exclusive design and timeless appeal. For more information: About Flexjet A global leader in private aviation, Flexjet has been long-established in the fractional jet ownership market since 1995. Its global headquarters and Global Operations Control Center are in Cleveland, Ohio, with its European operation based in London's Mayfair and at Farnborough Airport. In Europe, Flexjet offers shared ownership of its premium fleet of business jets, including the Embraer Praetor 600 and Gulfstream G650. Internationally the exclusive fleet includes the Embraer Phenom 300, Praetor 500, Praetor 600, Bombardier Challenger 350 and 3500, the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, features the most modern fleet in the industry, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection™ of interiors. Flexjet's helicopter division offers flying programmes on a fleet of owned and operated helicopters, including the Sikorsky S-76, Agusta AW109 and AW169, serving locations in the United Kingdom, Northern Italy northeastern United States, and southern Florida. In Europe Flexjet holds a 4AIR Silver Rating, recognising its leading approach to sustainability. This includes offsetting 300% of carbon emissions for every flight, with Owners also able to commit to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); and invest in the Aviation Climate Fund (ACF) to support future flight research and development projects. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. Visit or follow us on Instagram @FlexjetIlc Ferretti Group Head of Media Relations Giovanni Bogetto Francesca Fusaro Barabino & Partners Federico Vercellino Giorgia Serra Noesis Comunicazione Asli Gulfidan/Martina Baldazzi ferrettigroup@ Flexjet Viv Diprose Tom Ville The PC Agency Paul Charles/Rosie Bateman flexjet@
Forbes
20-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet Executives See Plenty Of Room For Growth
After two years of small declines following record demand spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, which peaked in 2022, top executives from the world's largest sellers of private jet flights – NetJets, Flexjet, and VistaJet - are providing a bullish outlook for the future. According to Aviation Week, the trio are already flying high. Over the three months from March to May, Flexjet saw an increase of 146% in "aggregate hourly utilization" compared to 2019. VistaJet was up 115%, while NetJets, already the biggest by a factor of nearly three, saw a 56% gain. Eric Martel, president and chief executive officer of Bombardier Inc., left, and Patrick Gallagher, ... More president at NetJets Aviation Inc., during a delivery ceremony for NetJets' first Bombardier Global 7500 private jet at the Bombardier Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. Earlier this week Gallagher told CNBC that the market for private jet flyers remains largely untapped and demand continues to be strong. Photographer: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg Yesterday, NetJets Aviation President Patrick Gallagher, speaking to CNBC's Robert Frank, estimated that despite the industry's growth over the past five years, the addressable market for private aviation is largely untapped. "The pandemic unlocked a portion, but if the private aviation market expanded by 40%, you still have only 14% of the addressable market (flying privately)," he told the cable business channel. Gallagher cited a 2020 McKinsey study that showed before the pandemic, only about 10% of households with the financial means to be regular private aviation users were flying privately at the time. The unit of Berkshire Hathaway is expected to take delivery of around 90 new private jets this year. It currently holds options to purchase over 1,700 private jets from Textron Aviation, Embraer and Bombardier. While Gallagher declined to provide specifics, he said, "In terms of what we see in future demand, there have really been no signs of slowdown even in this period of market volatility, uncertainty, and tariff concerns," adding, "We watch all the leading indicators very closely. How much are our existing customers flying? Are they giving us less notice? Are they still booking with normal travel patterns? Are they going to different places? Is travel to Europe down compared to last year? So far, we have not seen any indicators of our business at NetJets slowing down." Flexjet, Inc. Chairman at the opening of the company's new world headquarters outside Cleveland, ... More Ohio, in September 2023. He says nearly all of the HNWs who joined the company's fractional and jet card programs during COVID have stayed flying privately hand have not returned to the airlines. Data from Wing X shows that U.S. private jet flights, which had been tracking at a 3.4% year-over-year growth rate before the tariff announcements, have accelerated with 4.1% year-over-year gains since then. Domestic private jet segments were up 16% year-over-year over the recent Memorial Day weekend. In a separate interview published this week, Thomas Flohr, chairman of Vista, the most global of the big players, told Spears Magazine about the prospect of engaging more wealthy individuals in private skies. "The addressable market is gigantic and growing usually at about double GDP." Earlier this year, Flexjet, Inc. announced a firm order for new private jets from Embraer valued at $7 billion. Co-CEO Mike Silvestro stated that the company anticipates doubling the size of its fleet to over 600 jets by 2031. NetJets, including its aircraft management arm, operates around 1,100 aircraft, which would rank it alongside American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines in terms of fleet size. So, what's driving the growth? Gallagher says it's a combination of factors. For executives constantly on the road, flying privately increases family time. In other cases, customers with mobility issues find navigating big and crowded airports increasingly difficult. For others, it's about visiting the grandkids. At the same time, being able to bring pets along can be a reason to choose private flights. Last year, NetJets flew 25,000 pets, mostly dogs and cats, but also parrots and pot-bellied pigs. Another reason for the optimism is the demographics of the flyers. Silvestro says customers are entering the private aviation market earlier, meaning a longer runway of usage. New customers are now in their late 30s and early 40s compared to a market that was previously driven by users who were 55+. The next generation of customers also want to visit more far-flung destinations, creating a need for bigger jets. He coined the trend, "younger, larger, longer." Vista Chairman Thomas Flohr recently told Spears Magazine, "The addressable market is gigantic and ... More growing usually at about double GDP." His VistaJet unit has grown 115% since 2019, according to recent Aviation Week data. (Photo by ERIC PIERMONT/AFP via Getty Images) For fractional and charter operators such as NetJets, Flexjet, and Vista's VistaJet, anonymity is also an increasing factor, the executives say. "We have clients who own their aircraft and use NetJets when they want to fly incognito," Gallagher told CNBC, noting, 'All anybody is ever going to see is that familiar NetJets stripe on the aircraft. They have no idea, no way to track who's onboard.' Both Gallagher, and Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci, speaking on a recent industry podcast, say the programmatic offerings they sell - fractional ownership and jet cards - are proving sticky for newcomers, meaning a broader base of core users, and few have stepped back to the airlines. Ricci told listeners, 'We are not seeing much attrition of that frugal wealthy group that showed up (during COVID).' A recent Forbes survey of billionaires found private jets as the top answer when they were asked to name the one luxury they could not live without. What's going to get 86% of the addressable market, which is still on the sidelines, to fly privately? Gallagher noted that $80 trillion is expected to be inherited over the next two decades. He says the next generation is more open to shared economy solutions, such as jet cards and fractional ownership than their parents. Similarly, the new rich are those who are making their money from tech-driven businesses. Gallagher says NetJets' highest market share is in Silicon Valley. He told CNBC, "The tech money is investing in the shared economy." A survey of Private Jet Card Comparisons subscribers who don't currently fly privately but are considering it found that 63% cited door-to-door time savings compared to airlines, 46% said private aviation would give them access to more convenient airports, and 31% cited the ability to fly nonstop instead of making a connection. Nearly 30% cited traveling with pets. Thirty-eight percent said flying privately would replace long trips by car, something that is driving more private flight providers to offer last-mile solutions. Enticing those who can afford to fly privately and drawing them in has always been challenging. Terrorist attacks and Covid drove new customers who wanted to avoid crowded spaces. Airline meltdowns, where passengers can't be rebooked for several days, cause a brief spike in demand. Product breakthroughs, such as fractional jet ownership, invented by NetJets, and jet cards, which date back to 2019 and created by Sentient Jet, now part of Flexjet, Inc., have made flying easier and more accessible, Cheap access often gets plenty of press but rarely meets expectations, and the business models usually prove unsustainable. Kenny Dichter, who founded both Marquis Jet Partners, which was sold to NetJets in 2010, and Wheels Up, which he exited in 2023, announced his return to the space last month with RealJet, an offshoot of a sports and entertainment platform he launched last year. Dichter is widely credited with helping expand the market via MarquisJet, which enabled its customers to buy jet card flights on NetJets in 25-hour increments instead of making a five-year, 50-hour-per-year ownership commitment. He also promoted a membership program using cost-effective King Air turboprops through Wheels Up. This time he is hoping the ability to offer private flights as a stylish and hassle-free way to travel with friends and business associates to his lineup of VIP events will help bring first-time flyers. Real SLX has already inked partnerships with BetMGM and FanDuel. In launching his charter brokerage, Dichter said, 'We think Real SLX's reach to over 22 million U.S. millionaires, of whom maybe 150,000 are regular private aviation users, creates a white space where we can help bring lots of new consumers into the market.'
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FLEXJET BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CUSTOM-DESIGNED PRIVATE TERMINAL IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Scottsdale, Ariz., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flexjet, a global leader in luxury private aviation, today broke ground for its newest Flexjet exclusive private terminal at the Scottsdale, Ariz. Airport (KSDL) opening in late 2026. Today's groundbreaking signals the start of this ground-up custom build a $36 million facility, with a 9,000 square-foot customer terminal, 9,500 square feet of office space and another 34,000 square feet in maintenance hangar space. The facility will take design cues from Flexjet's global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, showcasing a contemporary aesthetic with a sleek exterior and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. Much like the artisan LXi Cabin Collection aircraft interiors making up the Flexjet fleet, so too are each of Flexjet's private terminals in their design, decor and aesthetic - all with an eye for detail. The Scottsdale facility will offer a scenic backdrop of the McDowell Mountains and a 2,400 square foot outdoor terrace for Flexjet passengers to enjoy the views – whether they are aviation enthusiasts taking in the aircraft activity or the sunsets. This facility will also be an exclusive lounge for Flexjet aircraft Owners and their travel guests, fostering a seamless ground-to-air experience. Flexjet Technical Services, Flexjet's in-house maintenance and product support team, will also have a presence at this new facility and provide ongoing, rapid assistance both on and off the aircraft. 'Decades ago, I fell in love with this area and have since made it my home for a good portion of each year. It seems I was not the only one - as Scottsdale's ultra-high net worth population has grown by nearly 90 percent in just the last ten years,' said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet. 'Over that same period, private jet travel activity at this airport has grown by more than 50 percent and Flexjet traffic at this airport has doubled since 2000, making it our top 10 most popular airport. As we build the fractional industry's largest network of provider-exclusive private terminals, I couldn't be more excited to truly plant the Flexjet flag in such a meaningful location.' Additional amenities include: 'We're delighted to partner with Flexjet on this remarkable new facility in Scottsdale, a city that continues to be a cornerstone of business aviation in the Southwest,' said Jeff Foland, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Aviation. 'Together, we're delivering outstanding hospitality and operational excellence that meets the evolving needs of today's most discerning travelers.' Scottsdale will become one of Flexjet's Exclusive Private Terminals, which are already operating at Teterboro (KTEB), White Plains (KHPN), Dallas Love Field (KDAL), Naples, Fla. (KAPF) and Van Nuys (KVNY) in the Greater Los Angeles market. Additional private terminals are in various stages of their development in Bozeman, Mont. (KBZN), Palm Beach (KPBI) and Miami, Fla. (KOPF) as well as Las Vegas, Nev. (KLAS). In the U.K., Flexjet's Exclusive Private Terminal, office space and maintenance hangar space is slated to open in 2026 at Farnborough Airport (EGLF), Europe's leading airport for premium air travel connectivity. This revolutionary facility will be the first of its kind in Europe, dedicated exclusively to Flexjet passengers and staffed with Flexjet team members. The Farnborough terminal will feature a dedicated FBO facility, making Flexjet the first fractional operator in Europe to offer such a service. See photos of the groundbreaking and a video rendering of the exterior of the Scottsdale building here. About Flexjet Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership and leasing and is the first in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation's Industry Audit Standard, is the first and only company to be honored with 25 FAA Diamond Awards for Excellence, upholds an ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating, a 4AIR Bronze Sustainable Rating and is certified at Stage 2 with IS-BAO. Flexjet Technical Services, a fully integrated maintenance and product support infrastructure, has operations in the U.S., Canada and Europe and its primary mission is to support the Flexjet fleet. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, features an ultra-modern fleet, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection of interiors. To date there are nearly 50 different interior designs across its fleet, which includes the Embraer Phenom 300, Praetor 500 and 600, Bombardier Challenger 350/3500 and the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Flexjet's European fleet includes the Embraer Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650. Flexjet's helicopter division offers leases, helicopter cards and convenient interchange access for its aircraft Owners. Flexjet owns, operates and maintains its fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters which boast 55,000 hours of safe flying certified by Wyvern and ARG/US and serving locations throughout the northeastern United States, United Kingdom and Florida. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit or follow us on Instagram @ Flexjetllc. Attachments Susan Ruiz Patton Flexjet 2163339526 [email protected]
