Reflecting Back on a Decade of Private Aviation

In just a few days we will celebrate the end of a very eventful decade and, most likely, the beginning of another. Lessons learned from looking backward would have to include the over-hyped advent of the Very Light Jets (VLJ’s) and the importance of remaining guarded with the next "new thing." Usually it pays to be suspicious; most early adopters are smarting from “buying the hype”.

We also saw considerable effort, time, and money invested in creating a national brand for traditional charter and aircraft management services which, I am sorry to say, also failed to reach its potential--so far. I am persuaded that we will see a successful consolidation of our segment of the private jet service business in the coming decade. However, its success or failure will depend upon solving the problem of growing larger without loosing the personal contact that I believe drives most of the buying decisions. In the end, one’s choice of a service provider is based primarily on familiarity and trust.

During the past decade we’ve witnessed innovation and advancement in nearly every other facet of private aviation. Many new and exciting technologies have been added to the cockpit and passenger cabin. We’ve also seen significant improvements in security, training, and communications brought about by an intelligent use of the Internet.

In the midst of change and growth, one fundamental truth stays constant; private jet charter is one of the most personal of services. Whatever the future holds for the private jet industry, clients will continue to rely on providers who deliver highly personal and focused attention to their particular needs.

Privacy and Personal Security

The value-proposition offered by private jet travel has always been centered on convenience, like you’re being able to: use regional airports closer to home, park your car just a few steps from the airplane, and escape the time-eating experience of the major airline terminals.

But based on today's pat-down/nude body-scan headlines, travel by private aircraft may be more about your not having to surrender your right to privacy. Regardless of where you stand on the merits or mistakes of the new TSA initiatives, now more than ever, there is a new reason to choose private aircraft.

While all airline passengers are subject to TSA requirements for physical searches of one kind or another, flying on a chartered aircraft does not. And because the TSA has its hands full (pun intended) screening millions of airline passengers each day, private aircraft are likely to remain the best alternative to today's air travel realities.

It's just another factor that can further narrow the gap between the relative costs of an airline seat and the exhilarating and relaxing experience of flying aboard one of Dreamline's pristine aircraft.

And you'll always know who you're flying with.