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.