Aviation

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – May 03, 2021

JetASAP Launches First-Ever, Free, Self-Service Charter B...

Presented by JetASAP - Though there are many choices when it comes to flying privately, including memberships, jet cards and online and offline commission-based services, flyers looking to directly source and book private jet travel have had no free alternative that aggregates live charter options on demand. However, that recently changed when JetASAP announced the launch of the first-ever self-service charter booking app for Apple iOS, with Android coming soon. REQUEST From over 700 operators SELECT From the live quotes BOOK DIRECT That best suits your needs Unlike other digital platforms that provide immediate trip estimates, JetASAP has taken a different approach and built a service that sends each charter request directly to over 700 charter operators, who typically respond with live bookable quotes within minutes. More importantly, because the service is completely transparent, flyers immediately know the details of each operator submitting a quote and can even contact them directly on-demand via the app’s built-in chat feature. To help keep flyers safe, JetASAP has integrated safety rating information via direct automated connections to both ARGUS and Wyvern, the industry’s two primary safety auditing companies. Flyers are able to evaluate each quote, as well as the operator that provided it, and then book directly in the app when ready. JetASAP has integrated a digital signature platform that allows flyers to view and sign charter operator contracts right in the app, or on their computer if they prefer. Either way, all trip details, including passenger information, itineraries and changes are handled right through the app to keep everything easily accessible. Though the service provides tremendous value by offering flyers complete control over the entire booking process, the best feature by far is the price. JetASAP is completely free for flyers to use, with no membership fees, commissions or other charges of any kind. Combined with its powerful ability to directly connect flyers with operators with nobody in the middle, JetASAP is the only private jet travel app you’ll ever need. For more information, visit www.jetasap.com. Visit JetASAP.com

By Edward Jones – April 28, 2021

Aviation Enthusiast Kurt Russell Becomes ONEflight Member

Presented by ONEflight – Written by Doug Gollan – This article was originally published by Private Jet Card Comparisons, the buyer’s guide to jet card programs - March 2021 Kurt Russell needs no introduction. However, you may not know the acting great is also an experienced pilot who has owned multiple aircraft, sometimes clocking hundreds of flight hours per year. In addition to his storied career in Hollywood entertaining us, he is also a rancher and winemaker. He is now the newest A-List Celebrity to join Denver-based ONEflight International as a paying member, not an ambassador. What’s more, he found the company doing his own research and likes what he has seen so much; he is eager to spread the word. In discussion with Russell, like many of you, he flies for a combination of business and personal reasons. Also, not uncommon, as his need for private flights began to fluctuate several years ago, he decided it no longer made sense to own. Why ONEflight? Russell says he has been with “a number of programs.” He picked ONEflight for several reasons. He said its sales team was knowledgeable and responsive, as was CEO Ferren Rajput. Specifically, he was attracted to the Colorado jet card and charter broker for the same reasons we hear from its members. Call-out is just 10 hours. And instead of offering boxes of chocolate categories of light, midsize or super-midsize jets like many programs, ONEflight enables you to choose over 75 aircraft from turboprops to long-range Globals. Each type has its own hourly rate, and while that type is not guaranteed, Russell tells us what we’ve heard from others. ONEflight delivers what you book, that’s significant. Within a category, there are big differences in range, seating and cabin size. Russell says he also appreciates that membership includes ground transportation on both ends, so one less thing to worry about. While ONEflight pushes its BAJit.com online booking in television commercials fronted by Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec, Russell says he prefers dealing with a human being who can discuss different aircraft types and help with recommendations to ensure the type chosen best aligns with his mission. Flying Private Russell says his focus on choosing private aviation providers is about safety, and he looks to ensure he is using Wyvern-or Argus-certified operators, something ONEflight guarantees. “I hate the headlines and the weather,” sings New Zealand pop star Lorde. He is pragmatic. On the latter, he notes. “Sometimes you’re not going to get to your destination…I’ve said that to my passengers a number of times we’re not going to be able to get to Aspen today.” And while jet cards enable customers to book, cancel and rebook on short-notice, Russell says he avoids changing his plans when possible. “I try to look at it from the operator’s point of view.” He says that means making sure he shows up on time. Back to Lorde. Headlines are often not kind to private aviation. Asked about private jets being a lightning rod, Russell says, “It’s silly to me. Then ride a horse. Let’s continue to progress, burn clean fuel… The concept of not getting somewhere fast where you need to is not the way to grow.” Spreading The Word Russell says there is no current plan to become an ambassador or a compensated spokesperson for ONEflight. Asked why he was taking the time to sing the company’s praises, he says it’s his love of the industry. “When I discover something in aviation I think is good, I like to spread the word.” Russell is known for his roles in movies ranging from Silkwood to Miracle. Yet his aerial bona fides are substantial. He is a Living Legend of Aviation inductee. Others include Chuck Yeager, inventor of fractional jet ownership Richard Santulli, Sir Richard Branson, and Captain Chesley Sullenberger. Follow ONEflight International Private Jets online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com, ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEflight.net Visit BAJit.com

By Edward Jones – April 27, 2021

Fly Private with the Bell 505

Presented by Bell - When it comes to quick adventurous getaways to uncover new parts of the world, no tool is better equipped than the Bell 505. As the world’s most advanced short-light single helicopter, this platform offers swift and safe means to reach inaccessible locations or make quick flights across a sprawling city. Ready for business and pleasure, the technology-laden cockpit is ideal for travel with heightened visibility. Wide windows and a glass cockpit allow for great views while embarking on your next journey. The advanced avionics and excellent performance offer pilots a unique in-flight experience. Among the European Bell 505 pilots who have found the aircraft invaluable is adventure travel specialist, Jules Mountain. Jules typically logs between 100 and 200 hours of flying with the Bell 505 per year. Navigating business meetings in the UK and Europe, the pilot admits that having a helicopter has made his life much easier. “It has helped so much in terms of work,” he explains. “If I fly myself somewhere, I don’t have to get on a plane and risk losing any time due to delays. The Bell 505 shrinks the map, allowing me to get to where I need to be when I need to be there.” But the flier also uses the Bell 505 for leisurely, and often very adventurous, flights. One his recent flights demonstrated the 505’s seamless maneuvering through a more challenging environment. Jules took off last summer from Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Canada and took in Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Guernsey before arriving back in the UK after an epic seven days of flying. “You’ve got sea fog to contend with, and the weather is so inconsistent when you’re that far north and, at times, the temperatures were reaching -14 degrees for two hour stretches – 450 miles is a long way to fly a helicopter over water in one go. That said, the Bell 505 performed beautifully throughout and never missed a beat. The power and lift of the thing is immense. And what could be better than seeing the world from 1000 ft for seven days, experiencing things like landing on the polar ice cap and meeting fascinating people.” Private travel can save time and money while also delivering unbeatable memories to its passengers and pilots. With the Bell 505, explore the many benefits vertical lift has to offer. Find out more about the 505 and the Adventure bundle, as well as the rest of Bell's product line up here. Visit BellFlight.com

By Edward Jones – April 16, 2021

Luxury Industry Strategic Partnerships Prove Valuable

Presented by ONEflight – Is there a benefit to your “luxury” business and your clients to partner with companies who have “like-minded” clients? According to the World Economic Forum, strategic partnerships will play a significant role in 2021 to drive innovation and growth in today’s business economy. Forming partnerships add flexibility and diversity to a company’s growth strategies. A powerful partnership must consist of both parties who are willing to promote the other’s product or service. Choosing the right partner should first include asking what is the positive value for your existing clients and secondarily, how does the value proposition fit for the clients you are trying to attract. Although each partner should focus on their core strengths to ensure there is no product or service overlap, it is the synergy between brands that develop growth opportunities and expanded exposure to these like-minded luxury audiences. When two companies share the same type of consumer and can collaboratively come together to create a credible partnership that effects change in the market, only then can it be deemed as valuable. Lastly, the true gauge of success in this emerging business strategy is that there is added value for both brand’s clients. One example of effective execution of luxury strategic partnerships is the rapidly expanding Denver based, private jet provider, ONEflight International. Vice President of Strategic Growth, Mark Dismuke has spent the last year breaking industry trends and establishing a heavily vetted, diverse network of luxury partners in every area. These partnerships have increased the effectiveness and value of their customer acquisition funnel. ONEflight’s elite partnerships range from the nationwide bespoke tailor, BALANI, to Mondavi Family Wineries, to Aquazeal Yacht Charters (1,800 yachts worldwide), and include high-end service providers like Go Rentals, the elite car rental service based at most private airports (+100 locations) and the only 5-Star rental car agency in the world, plus Ski Butlers, the personalized ski/snowboard rental company with 50 locations worldwide. The list of ultra-luxury destination providers is extensive, but include The Eden Golf and Residence Clubs, based in the UK, Elegant Mexico, Noble House’s exclusive Little Palm Island, and C Lazy U Ranch, both of which are Conde Naste and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award Winners. ONEflight was also selected as the exclusive jet provider for Haute Retreats, one of the world’s top private villa rental providers. Additionally, Mark is now upping the game and is in discussions with the major players in the online hotel/private residence booking providers as well as elite credit card membership programs. All of these relationships will play a role in the future’s brand value and continue to add great benefits for its members and its partners alike. For partnership opportunities contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@oneflight.net and follow ONEflight International online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com / ONEflight.net Visit BAJit.com

By Edward Jones – April 08, 2021

Is There a Private Jet Shortage on the Horizon?

Presented by ONEflight – Educate yourself and you’ll find that private jet charter price increases are already taking place due to demand. If you take into account the huge influx of new to private flyers coming to market, the ongoing demand for leisure and family travel, plus the inevitable return of business travel to pre-pandemic levels, you’ll find these factors are beginning to cause limited availability and price increases across all categories of private aircraft. In a recent survey, Business Jet Traveler reported that 45% of those surveyed stated the main reason they are making the move to fly privately is to save time. While 27% feel that the ability to access airports that commercial airlines do not use is also a deciding factor. Although the primary driver last year may have been COVID concerns, as pandemic anxiety drops, more people are vaccinated and restrictions are lifted, the pent-up demand to travel increases. Moving further into 2021 COVID becomes a smaller part of the equation for most in their decision to make the shift to private aviation. “As we begin recovery from this dual-fronted crisis, certain consumer behaviors have permanently changed,” explained Stephen Rogers, Executive Director, Deloitte Insights Consumer Industry Center, Deloitte LLP. Denver, CO-based ONEflight International Private Jets has foreseen all of these variables creating a shortfall in private jet availability and have the solution to shape the outcome. Every BAJ Membership comes with guaranteed availability accomplished via their network of 500 trusted operators worldwide. Providing 24/7 access to 5,000 private aircraft in the US and 12,000 globally through their proprietary booking engine, BAJit.com. In addition, members are also guaranteed to have the aircraft type of their choice with a 24-hour notice, and in most cases just a 10-hour call-out. Additionally, members have fixed pricing for 12 months, so as prices rise, members will never pay an increase. Every BAJ Member flies at the same pre-determined fixed pricing for every aircraft type, eliminating unforeseen costs. Further, as availability continues to shrink, members will never be left without the aircraft type of their choice, as seen with other membership and charter operations. And to further enhance the benefit, ONEflight is constantly focused on improving its customer service to ensure that they stay in the lead as THE most luxurious jet experience. They do this by providing each member a personal flight coordinator for every trip, executive car service from your door to the foot of the jet and on to your destination upon arrival, and top it off with catered meals for every passenger on every flight. Before, during, and upon arriving at your destination, members have a fully dedicated concierge team. Lastly, through elite partnerships created around the globe of the best of the best, members also receive exclusive, unequaled access to VIP events, a nationwide bespoke tailor, personalized ski rentals on nearly every continent, 1,800 yachts, wineries, villas, private islands, thousands of luxury residences, and the top hotel suites around the world. Visit BAJit.com https://player.vimeo.com/video/521165835?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

By Edward Jones – March 31, 2021

Private Jet Ownership and Fractional Ownership Is on the ...

Presented by ONEflight – News sources recently reported that private flights overall were running at 70% of previous year’s levels, while commercial traffic remains down 67%. The demand to fly private is not slowing down and is reshaping the entire aviation industry. Fractional ownership providers are experiencing this ongoing trend in their bottom lines, as just reported, the largest players in this space saw annual revenues fall and flights decline last year. Additionally, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, new private jet deliveries are off 24%, the lowest since 2004. And last month, Bombardier said it would cease production of its storied Learjet before the end of the year, and will have to cut 1,600 jobs. However, Denver-based ONEflight International Private Jets is off to another promising start for 2021 as even more individuals continue to seek out private jet travel and are finding ONEflight as the best solution to fit their changing needs. ONEflight is still seeing exponential growth even above their 2020 record levels in both new member growth and in the volume of flights being booked via their unique private jet booking platform (Book-A-Jet). BAJit.com. Although no one wants to see competitors or partners in the aviation sector suffer these types of losses, it is more proof that ONEflight International has been ahead of the curve for years as related to the growing shared economy demand and the “Uberization” of private jet travel. “Survival of the fittest” is a motto ONEflight lives by, and their executive team is nimble enough to quickly adapt and make changes based on market demands to better serve client’s wants and needs. These changes come from ONEflight’s ability to utilize and leverage the massive floating fleets of the top 500 operators they partner with worldwide, versus relying on an owned/fixed fleet of aircraft that have to make their “way home” after completing a flight. ONEflight IS making a dent in solving the industry’s unsolvable empty leg problem. With updates and new technology being introduced on “The BAJ”, plus the ongoing expansion of their current network of operators ONEflight continues to provide unequaled availability and proven ultra-luxury service for its members. Follow ONEflight International online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com / ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke, Vice President, directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@oneflight.net Visit BAJit.com

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2021

3 Tips For Finding The Best Private Aviation Solution

Presented by Private Jet Card Comparisons - While names like NetJets and Wheels Up are familiar, there are thousands of private jet charter brokers, nearly 2,000 operators, and more than 60 companies that sell jet cards and memberships. They range from subsidiaries of Fortune 100 companies to one-person shops. It’s often hard to tell what’s behind slick websites. And like airlines, private jet companies go bust. Last year’s bankruptcy filing by JetSuite cost its SuiteKey members $50 million in unused deposits. At the same time, private travel is proving popular with newcomers. Subscribers of Private Jet Card Comparisons who are new to private aviation say they plan to continue flying privately in overwhelming numbers after the pandemic ends. Of those who had started flying privately because of COVID, 96% say they will do so ongoing, with 41% saying they will be regulars. Doug Gollan, founder and editor of the buyer’s guide to private aviation solutions is often called “The Points Guy of private jets” because of his expertise in helping subscribers figure out what he calls a “devil is in the details” purchase that typically ranges into six figures. Contracts can range up to 30 pages! If you are looking into private aviation options, he recommends a measured approach. “The biggest source of new customers for private aviation companies is recommendations from friends of current customers. My biggest source of new subscribers is those folks who joined their friend’s program, and found out after the fact it wasn’t a good fit for their needs.” duPont Registry recently asked Gollan for his top tips. Tip #1 he says is to have a clearly defined idea of where you are likely to fly in the next six to 12 months and how many people will be flying with you. Program rules make some better for short flights while others are better for cross-country trips. Some are good for domestic flights, but aren’t cost effective if you are flying internationally, even on short-hops like The Bahamas. Knowing the number of passengers is as important, he says. Many jet cards sell by cabin size category, and while they let you upgrade to a larger category, that’s more expensive. On light jets, as an example, the range of guaranteed seats can range between 5 and 8 between providers. In other words, with some programs, if you have seven passengers you would need to pay to fly in a midsize-jet while others can accommodate you on a light jet. Gollan’s Tip #2 is to review the peak day calendars and policies of the programs you are considering. Peak days are high-demand periods – think holidays or big events such as the Super Bowl. On these days, which providers publish for the upcoming year, they generally have the right to move your preferred departure time by plus or minus three hours. If you are paying the money to fly privately so you can get an extra afternoon of skiing or at the beach, being told the day before you need to be wheels up at 2 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. can be upsetting. The number of high-demand days ranges by provider with 20 to 30 being typical, although some programs have over 50. Surcharges can range as high as 40%, and your ability to upgrade or downgrade size of aircraft on those dates can also be restricted. Gollan says if you can’t avoid peak days, it sometimes makes sense to look at another program. “It’s really like two programs, so this goes back to the premise that just buying a program without studying the details can end up in disappointment,” he says. Tip #3 is to look at cancelation policies. “Most people only look at the deadlines for booking, but cancelation terms can be even more important. If you cancel after the deadline, you could lose your full flight amount, so tens of thousands of dollars.” Cancelation periods can be as short as four hours and up to a week prior to departure. Going back to peak days, Gollan says for some jet cards, peak day bookings are non-refundable. “Everyone thinks their plans won’t change until they do. If you are going to be using your jet card for business, and the client calls you the day before your meeting and says they need to reschedule, the last thing you want is to lose $25,000 in flight credits. Still, Gollan says the number of jet card providers has tripled in the past decade. “You can buy jet cards in increments of 10 or 25 hours, so it is a short-term commitment.” He notes, “Unlike chartering on a flight by flight basis, most jet cards don’t charge for repositioning fees, and you can choose programs that include WiFi, deicing, and catering. If the operator cancels because of a mechanical or a pilot is sick, they are offer a replacement flight without an extra cost to you, something that is different from when you charter on-demand. Best of all, once you find the right program, you don’t have to shop brokers for quotes each time. Jet cards are much easier.” Subscribers to Private Jet Card Comparisons get 12-month’s access to its updated comparison guide, which includes over 250 jet card programs measured by more than 65 variables. It's Jet Card Decider 2.0 enables subscribers to request a custom analysis from their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer in minutes. There is also phone and email support to help with any questions. Visit PrivateJetCardComparisons.com

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2021

Exploring the Swiss Alps with a Bell 505

Presented by Bell - For a gorgeous, scenic country known for its mastery of luxury, Switzerland has much to offer tourists in terms of high-quality products and unmatched experiences. That’s why Mountainflyers selected the Bell 505 to show customers the best views available of the sprawling, mountainous terrain. Christoph Graf, Pilot, Flight Instructor and CEO of Mountainflyers, knows that helicopters are the ideal tool to deliver these incredible sights to tourists and VIP visitors. “Especially in Switzerland, with all the mountains, a helicopter is much more spectacular to fly for a tour than a plane. It can land anywhere! We have many high-altitude landing zones and can bring drinks and food to provide much more of an experience than with an airplane.” The cabin’s ability to carry passengers and goods isn’t the only benefit to the Bell 505. Mountainflyers pilots are constantly wary of wind and rocky terrain. The team has landed the aircraft in the snow, taken it through the middle of the mountains and even touched down on a glacier for a 45-minute rest stop. With the platform’s powerful engine and rotors, the pilots are able to easily maneuver through chilly, high-altitude environments. With a glass cockpit and wide windows, the Bell 505’s incredible visibility gives passengers the ultimate thrill as they explore these mountain peaks. “Everything is better for the passengers and the trainees on the 505 than our past offerings. The visibility is much better; it’s another level of helicopter,” remarked Graf. “With the Bell 505, sightseers fit nicely and enjoy great front and the side visibility. They will have much more comfort and better views for the money they’re paying.” For a luxury experience through the Swiss Alps, passengers probably expect nothing less. But with added aircraft features and the ultimate aerial tour guide, luxury takes on a whole new meaning with this incredible platform. Visit BellFlight.com See how the Bell 505 takes on the Swiss Alps here: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 18, 2021

Jet Card Broker, ONEflight International Private Jets, Of...

Presented by ONEflight - Is this a proposition that would be a winner on Shark Tank? Colorado-based private jet broker ONEflight International which is fronted on TV commercials by Robert Herjavec, is offering new clients who buy 50 hours in its BAJ (Book-A-Jet) Jet Card program during March a $25,000 flight credit. ONEflight’s unique BAJ (Book-A-Jet) Membership enables clients to select from a roster of over 75 different aircraft types on a trip-by-trip basis. Even more than the flight credits, ONEflight’s offering enables members to match specific aircraft to mission meaning members never buy more than they need. It’s a twist from the traditional “box-of-chocolates” model where you choose a category – light, midsize, super-midsize, and so forth. While some operators offer aircraft-specific choices, they are usually based on their individual fleets. Ferren Rajput, CEO of ONEflight, tells Private Jet Card Comparisons the move is designed to correspond with the increased interest in travel as states roll back COVID-19 restrictions and more Americans are vaccinated. The link by Doug Gollan attached describes the offer in greater detail. Follow ONEflight International Private Jets online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com, ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEflight.net Visit BAJit.com

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2021

This Website Makes It Easy To Figure Out The Best Private...

Presented by Private Jet Card Comparisons - If you're confused by the multitude of private aviation options and competing claims and tired of requesting information from providers only to be inundated by follow-up calls from salespeople, you need a subscription to Private Jet Card Comparisons. The website doesn't sell private jet travel, but it offers an authoritative buyer's guide comparing hundreds of options in an easy-to-use spreadsheet format you can filter. If you don’t like spreadsheets, its VIP service provides a custom analysis. You simply answer a few questions about your flying needs via an online tool accessible from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop and click submit. There is even telephone and email support if you have questions as you go through the buying process. While subscribers typically spend $25,000 to $500,000 per year on private flights, a 12-month subscription is only $250, including the additional services. "If you are thinking about spending thousands of dollars on private aviation, why wouldn't you spend $250 for an up-to-date, incredibly thorough analysis of the hundreds of options available to you?, asks Gary, a retired CEO who lives in Naples, Florida and travels to a summer home in Maine, to see the grandkids in Texas, and for fishing trips in the Bahamas. The site is the brainchild of Doug Gollan, a veteran media executive and journalist, who is a contributor to Forbes. "In researching a story about jet cards, I realized how many choices there were – and how confusing it can be. Many people go with the recommendation of a friend but then find out their needs are different. It's really a 'devil is in the details' type purchase, and what you don't know can be expensive," he says. If you need, Private Jet Card Comparisons will help you figure out the best approach for your flying – chartering on a flight by flight basis, buying into a jet card or membership program, or even if you should be looking into fractional or full ownership. In addition to providing a vetted directory of charter brokers, its continually updated comparison guide of jet cards and memberships enables subscribers to compare over 50 providers by more than 65 criteria, from hourly rates and safety standards, where you can fly, surcharges, discounts, and amenities. Do you need WiFi? Are you bringing a pet? Will you be sending unaccompanied minors to visit the grandparents or away to camp? Not all private jets include connectivity or allow pets. The minimum age for unaccompanied minors varies as well. There are also surcharges for peak days that can range up to 40%. Some providers have no peak days. Others have more than 50. There are varying long-flight and roundtrip discounts as well. “There is a wide variance in policies and rules between programs,” says Gollan. Some are better suited for longer flights, others for short hops. As an example of critical details, daily minimums on a light jet can range from 0 to 120 minutes between programs. That means when taking a 40-minute flight, if your provider has a two-hour minimum, that’s what you are charged. It can be a rude awakening for newbies. Some providers include deicing in their pricing, while others charge per incidence – a post-flight charge that can range to $5,000 or more. Private Jet Card Comparisons enables you to compare the programs by what matters to you with a click of your mouse. "This was my first time purchasing a private jet card, and the potential options were somewhat overwhelming. Doug Gollan's Private Jet Card Comparisons site allowed me to efficiently focus on the key issues that were important to me and my family. Doug was also very accessible whenever I had any follow-up questions. It made the process of choosing a provider much easier. I highly recommend this service," says Jerry, a Silicon Valley CEO. In addition to helping them find the right solutions, subscribers also get perks. Private Jet Card Comparisons Rewards, introduced earlier this year, gives subscribers discounts, upgrades, perks, and VIP recognition from Las Vegas to luxury villas in Los Cabos and 5-star resorts in the U.S. and Europe. For more information or to subscribe, visit the website or email doug.gollan@privatejetcardcomparisons.com. Visit PrivateJetCardComparisons.com

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