How is privatejet industry been affected by the economic and financial crisis? Some aircraft manufacturers such as Eclipse have been hit by the crisis so hard that they went bankrupt, others such as Cessna laid large development projects on ice. In general, the travel budget for business and for private flights has been reduced. Even high net worth individuals less often used privatejets for transatlantic travel and flew first class instead. Also the demand for so called “Emptylegs” has increased.

It is still unclear how the aviation industry will develop in the future. Grand visions and projects such as the Very Light Jets (VLJs) for Europe and the U.S. are now seen much more pessimistic. Some market participants fear that it could take up to ten years to again reach the pre-crisis level (Source: Manager Magazin). A major risk factor in the future could be the price of oil - it makes flying in general and also traveling by privatejets significantly more expensive. The oil spill from BP in the Gulf of Mexico is therefore not only be disastrous for the environment. In consequence of a rising oil price, it could have an great impact on the global aviation industry in the coming years!

That`s why many competitors of Tigercharter look anxiously into the future. The company Jetbird went out of money even before its official launch. Since Tigercharter has a very strict cost management and does not own any expensive aircraft fleet, we will be able to further develop our market share. As a global independent broker of aircraft charter, we will find you the best deal in our network of partners - now - and in the future!

We would be happy to send you a free quote for your desired flight. Please use our contact form.

The British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA) strongly condemns the misguided, politically-driven, disruption by a small number of Plane Stupid activists at London City Airport this morning.

Business Aviation comprises about 8% of Air Traffic in Europe, and it directly contributes some £3.5 Billion to the UK economy, through the employment of some 50,000 people in the United Kingdom engaged in the manufacturing, maintenance and operation of Business Aircraft. Those aircraft are used by a variety of individuals and companies as a tool to improve their performance: Studies have shown that companies with access to business aviation perform around 10 % better than those without.

This efficiency delta results from the five key benefits of Business Aviation: Flexibility and Convenience; Time Savings; Cost Savings; Deal Facilitation and Safety and Security. Businesses constrained to using commercial aviation only are also constraining their staff from attaining optimum efficiency as they wait in check-in queues and obey all the restrictions placed on them by airlines.

Aviation in total contributes about 2% of global emissions. Business Aviation is responsible for less than 1% of that 2%. To put that into perspective, in the United Kingdom that is equivalent to each of us with a car driving just twelve miles in a year. I would ask the Plane Stupid people which they think would have a greater economic impact to the UK – each of us driving 12 miles less per year, or abolishing Business Aviation?

In a sustainable economy it is clear that Business Aviation is far more environmentally efficient than other forms of transport in terms of value-added per unit of emissions, and it is obtaining the highest possible ratio of economic benefit to quantified emissions that is key. Prudent use of Business Aviation, in combination with an infrastructure of other alternative travel modes, is a boost to the UK and European economies which should be encouraged rather than attacked. Businesses forced to compromise on this critical issue by insufficient access to Business Aviation in the UK will not equivocate; they will relocate to a region or country better served by access to Business Aviation – to the detriment of our economy. Just as BBGA believes that Business Aviation is disproportionately valuable for the economy, it follows that it should be disproportionately advantaged compared to activities which have little or no economic value – such as the twelve annual car miles I mentioned earlier.

BBGA would be keen to establish a dialogue with Plane Stupid to address the serious issue of transportation CO2 emissions, but like many other pressure groups seeking to make a point irrespective of the facts, they seem more interested in attention-seeking than engaging in meaningful discussion. Until we have this dialogue, their activities can only be regarded as a dangerous disruption of other people’s legal and economically-valuable activity.

British Business & General Aviation Association

During talks the participants can exchange information on relevant topics. These talks include aircraft, new models of aircraft, aircraft maintenance, aviation technology, charter, cargo handling and of course the initiation of business contacts. The first EBACE took place in 2001. Since then, the exhibition has grown to the most important event in the field of business aviation in Europe.

In 2009 about 400 exhibitors and around 60 aircraft will be displayed. The most exciting topic this year is how the aviation industry and the exhibition will face the current difficulties in the economic environment and how the crisis can be best managed.

EBACE Homepage

The private jet broker knows the market very well and represents the interests of the customer to the airline. He tries to get the best price-performance ratio for his clients. Because the broker usually acts independently and does not have its own aircraft fleet, unnecessary emptylegs will be avoided. Also it is not in his interest, to sell you expensive flight time of his own private jet. The broker knows which aircraft will fit the best to the customer and will take care, that all the formalities (eg passports) will run without problems. Upon request, the broker is responsible also for additional services such as a limousine service.

How to find appropriate private jet broker? In principle, like any other company - through recommendations, industry directories, search engines or advertising on the Internet. A good charter broker works only with audited combined airlines, that will meet all the international safety standards. He checks whether all the required insurance is available, or if the airline in any other way in the past has been conspicuous. In other words - the private jet broker deals all around the interests of his customers - he wants the customer to travel safely and comfortably and reach its goal without problems - at the most favorable prices.

save much time with a private jet

The following examples will give you an idea about the approximate price of private jet flights. The offer will be a hard quote incl. all taxes, crew expenses, landing fees and first class catering etc.

Munich – Pisa
One way trip
5 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 01:05 hrs.
from EUR 6.900,- / GBP 6.500,- / USD 8.900,-

London – Jersey – London
Round trip - within a day
4 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 00:42 hrs.
from EUR 5.700,- / GBP 5.400,- / USD 7.500,-

Alicante – Malaga - Alicante
Round trip - within a day
8 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation II)
Flight times app. 00:50 hrs.
from EUR 11.900,- / GBP 11.300,- / USD 15.600,-

London – Jersey – Strasbourg – London
Return within a day
8 passengers
Small private jet (e.g. Citation Bravo)
Flight time app. 0:41 – 1:14 – 1:10 hrs.
from EUR 9.000,- / GBP 8.300,- / USD 11.650,-

London – Cannes
One way trip
25 passengers
Turboprop (e.g. Dornier 328)
Flight time app. 02:05 hrs.
from EUR 25.600,- / GBP 23.900,- / USD 33.400,-

London – Bergerac - London
Round trip - two days stay
80 passengers
Airliner Jet (e.g. Fokker 100)
Flight time app. 01:45 hrs.
from EUR 47.400,- / GBP 43.950,- / USD 61.500,-

New York – Paris
One way trip
10 passengers
Heavy Jet (e.g. Gulfstream III)
Flight time app. 07:30 hrs.
from EUR 65.900,- / GBP 63.100,- / USD 86.900,-

Dublin – Ibiza - Dublin
Round trip - four days stay
60 passengers
Turbo Prop (e.g. ATR 72-200)
Flight time app. 03:50 hrs.
from EUR 69.100,- / GBP 66.200,- / USD 91.300,-

Upavon – Mons - Upavon
Round trip - within a day
5 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 01:20 hrs.
from EUR 9.500,- / GBP 9.000,- / USD 12.300,-

Brussels – Pristina - Brussels
Round trip - within a day
4 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 02:55 hrs.
from EUR 13.900,- / GBP 13.250,- / USD 18.200,-

Havanna - Nassau
One way trip
6 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet II)
Flight time app. 01:10 hrs.
from EUR 13.700,- / GBP 13.000,- / USD 17.800,-

Manchester – Salzburg - Manchester
Round trip - four days stay
4 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 02:00 hrs.
from EUR 15.800,- / GBP 14.900,- / USD 20.700,-

Birmingham - Riga
One way trip
4 passengers
Light Jet (e.g. Cessna Citation Jet)
Flight time app. 02:55 hrs.
from EUR 9.500,- / GBP 9.000,- / USD 12.300,-

To a receive a specific price on your requested flight, please use our inquiry form, send us an e-mail or contact us by phone. Once we receive your desired flight information, we will send you a quotation by e-mail: Get a charter quote

Ready for take off

Different types of use

More and more companies are using their own jet or share one with other companies. But you don`t have to own a private jet just to use it once in a while. Alternatively there is the possibility to buy just a share of a private plane. The price for such a “fractional ownership” is between 500,000 to 1.5 million US $. At least 1 / 16 share of an aircraft has to be acquired. Another possibility is to buy a fixed quota of flying hours. These are usually 25 or 50 flight hours. The price of a flight hour is determined by the size and class of the aircraft. The flight hour for a small jet costs about 2.500 $, for a larger private jet, that is also used for transatlantic flights it may be around 6.500 $. The most flexible way to fly with a private plane, is to contact an aircraft charter company or so called private jet broker. This way you have to pay only the costs of the desired flight including a small brokerage fee of about five percent. The payment is similar to a normal scheduled flight: Before the flight the amount has to be paid either by bank transfer or by credit card. In the so-called “hard quotes”, all the costs of the flight are included. The price for the flight will therefore only change if the customer wants to change the flight.

Cost Factors

The cost of a private business jet flight emerge and depend on many factors which are listed here:

Age of the aircraft
A new aircraft is more expensive than an old one. Also the number of flight hours already completed and whether the aircraft interiour has received a refurbishment.

Maintenance of aircraft
After a certain number of flying hours some parts of the aircraft have to been exchanged. As almost every private jet costs about many millions, the financing costs of such a plane can not be ignored.

Security Status
All aircraft and pilots have to regularly been audited and verified by independent inspectors. In addition at regular intervals pilots have to pass training and exams.

The size of the aircraft and aircraft class
The size of an airplane depends primarily on the number of passengers. Similar to cars there are different classes of comfort. Besides the number of passengers and desired comfort class, also the length of the flight is important. Depending on the size and range, the private jet has to make intermediate stops to refuel. Some flights, such as transatlantic flights can be, due to the limited business jet range, only carried out by larger aircraft.

The duration of the flight or stay
With a single flight without returning, under certain circumstances the aircraft has to fly back empty without passengers. During a stay for a day or two there will occur costs for the stay of the pilots and crew.

Departure and destination airport
Depending on the location of the airport, there is no private jet available. It may has to fly over from another nearby airport. Apart from the location of the airport, you have to take into account the current market situation. During certain major events, the distribution of the existing free private planes can vary very much.

Airport charges
Apart from take-off and landing fees there may be some more charges, such as service and parking of the aircraft.

Cost of kerosene

Catering - Food and beverage

Additional exclusive services
These may be transportation to the airport with a limousine service / helicopter or other things such as accommodation in hotels or the procurement of tickets for certain events.

Price example

London – Jersey – Strasbourg – London
Return within a day
8 passengers
Flight time 41 – 74 - 70 minutes
A small private jet will cost of about 9.000 EUR /11.650 $ / 8.300 GBP
 
To a receive a specific price on your requested flight, please use our inquiry form, send us an e-mail or contact us by phone. Once we receive your desired flight information, we will send you a quotation by e-mail or fax:
Tigercharter - Private Jet Broker

The proposal could affect air operators, but also fractional jet ownership companies of any airplane weighing more than 12,500 pound - nearly all of the jets will be over this limit. The meeting at Westchester County Airport was the first of five scheduled nationwide. More than a hundred aircraft owners argued that the proposed rule will have a major impact on general aviation. Also the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) the lobbying group for the private jet industry says the rules are “overly broad,” expensive and cumbersome.

The requirements will hit especially smaller airports, which do not have the funds to match the large airport security protocols. This adds cost and bureaucracy, but the new proposals will not significant enhance security. As the world is facing the most dangerous financial climate since the great depression, is this the time to harm an industry which  already has suffered that much?

 
More information at:  http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2009/20090106-001.php

VLJS - Aircraft facts

VLJs will come equipped with high-tech safety and navigation equipment, which will allow them to fly into small airports – also if the weather conditions aren`t very good.. Unlike turboprops, which cruise below 30,000 feet (9,000 meters), VLJs cruise between 30,000 and 40,000 feet (9,000 and 12,000 meters) at around 430 mph. As flight times are usually very short, some of those VLJs aircrafts don`t have toilets. 

• Crew: one or two pilots
• Capacity: four to six passengers, depending on cabin configuration
• Cruising speed: 370 knots (425 mph, 685 km/h)
• Empty weight: around 3550 lb to 5,550 lb (1,600 kg to 2,500 kg)
• Useful load: around 2,400 lb (1,050 kg)
• Range: around 1,295 mi (2,050 km)
• Takeoff distance: between 2,155 ft and 3,150 ft (650 m – 950 m)
• Landing distance: between 2,050 ft and 2,380 ft (620 m – 730 m)

VLJS - Advantages

The very light jet or VLJ will be much cheaper, than private jets before. That`s why private aircraft charter will be affordable to a much wider range of clients in the future. Even if you can’t afford a private jet, you might soon be able to make a business trip on one. VLJs can land on runways as short as 3,000 feet (900 meters), which will allow them to fly into small airport closer to your wanted destination. Even at major airports, private planes are handled separately. They have a special terminal and professional customer service. Depending on your flight, private aviation can be available within a few hours of your phone call.

VLJS - The market

From the beginning, the cost of acquisition and ongoing operational costs were considered in the design of the plane. Therefore the new very light jets are directly competing with high-end piston and turboprop aircraft. The private jet aircraft market has experienced for last couple of years an remarkable growth. In 2008 Sales of business jets were exspected to hit an alltime record. Unfortunately this growth has been stopped by the financial crisis, which became visible in September 2008.  

VLJS - Industrie

About a dozen companies are developing VLJs. New aircraft prices vary from $1.5 million to around $3 million for some seven-to eight-passenger VLJs. Cessna Aircraft Company, delivered the first ever production VLJ, the six-seater Citation Mustang in November 2006. Adam Aircraft announced that they had an order of around 300 jets. Because of financial problems, Adam Aircraft ceased operations in the beginning of 2008 and had to declare bankruptcy. The Eclipse 500 produced by Eclipse Aviation was the second of a new class of Very Light Jets (VLJ). On 19 September 2008 Eclipse’s largest customer, DayJet, representing 1430 orders for the Eclipse 500, ceased flying operations for financial reasons and indicated that a return to flying was “unlikely”. Production of the Eclipse 500 was halted in mid-2008 due to lack of funding and the company entered bankruptcy on 25 November 2008.

VLJS - Future

The financial crisis beginning with failures of large financial institutions in the United States, has rapidly evolved into a global crisis resulting in a number of company failures and declines in various stock indexes. This also had a big impact on the aviation industry.  The low-cost very light jet (VLJ) industry fell short of expectations in 2008 and also 2009 will be a very tough year. Because of the worlwide recession, the demand for very light jets will slow down.

Depending on the configuration, the G650 seats 18, has a kitchen and bar, individual entertainment system, satellite phone service and wireless Internet access. With around 60 million US $, this private jet is also one of the most expensive.

See concept designs of this private jet and watch the interview with Gulfstream Aerospace President Joe Lombardo.

In this blog we want to inform you about news, background information and also personal opinions about private jets, aircraft charter and aviation in general. 

Being experienced in various aspects of the aviation business since 2005 we are now offering our private jet charter services to a broader client base through the internet. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany we carried out VIP charter operations in Europe, Middle East and worldwide.

Your feedback is always welcome and we are looking forward to 2009, even when the last couples of month have shown, that the financial crisis will have an big impact to the aviation industry.

Best Regards from the Tigercharter Team