The Source For Jet Card Research

The Source For
Jet Card Research

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

  • Jet Card Features

    Different providers offer different features. If you’re comparing jet cards, make sure you know all the key features, so that you can buy the one that best fits your requirements.
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  • The Leading Jet Card Providers

    There are a wide variety of jet card providers in the market. Here are the leading providers including the largest issuers.
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  • Fuel Surcharges

    A walk through of fuel surcharges and an example calculation.
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  • Comparing Jet Cards

    The cards from the leading providers have slightly varying features. Make sure you're comparing "apples-to-apples".
    Read More
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In direct response to the COVID-19 outbreak, PrivateFly launches a jet card program to address the surge of new clients turning from commercial airline travel to private aviation. This fixed hourly rate, guaranteed availability jet card is designed for frequent flyers who, in the ‘new normal’, are turning to private jets for safer travel, more control over personal budgets, and ultimately minimizing potential exposure to the deadly virus. Card holders can also fly in the USA through a partnership with sister company Sentient Jet.

On announcing its half year results, UK public company Air Partner Plc (London Stock Exchange: AIR) said the number of new JetCards sold is up 50% on the prior period. They expect the increased interest to continue due to the safer environment offered by private aviation. In particular the company experienced exceptional levels of trading from COVID-19 related work in their Group Charter and Freight divisions.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) authorized the Treasury Department to provide up to $32 billion to compensate aviation industry workers and preserve jobs. This included both commercial and private aviation companies. Here’s a look at the largest private jet and jet card companies that received some of this funding.

As the world continues to battle the challenges of COVID-19, recent data proves that many businesses and individuals are turning to private aviation for a safer way to fly. The bottom line: private aviation and the use of jet cards are on the rise again, especially compared to commercial flights.

It is true, numbers are up since the onset of the pandemic, but the industry still has a way to go to fully recover. FlightAware CEO, Daniel Baker stated, “On Saturday, June 20, Business Aviation traffic surpassed 2019 numbers for the first time since the initial decline with 2.5% more flights than the same day last year. Weekday recovery still has ground to make up but continues to trend upward.” 

Membership and jet card provider Magellan Jets has launched two new pay-as-you-go membership programs. As the world rethinks how to travel safely in the age of COVID-19, Magellan Jets is expanding its product portfolio. The company says that while it was once prudent to fly on commercial airlines for economic reasons, it’s now more prudent to invest in safer and more private travel options.

One of the largest jet card companies, Sentient Jet, is seeing new and existing members turn to private aviation as a trusted resource as the COVID-19 lockdown unwinds. They ascribe this to travelers seeking out the safety and convenience of flying private and jet cards, when compared to commercial options.

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, jet card provider Air Partner has seen a more than a 210% increase in request volumes for future flight bookings during May, compared to last May. This increase in inquiries is for private flights heading into June through August, with many clients seeking alternative solutions for flying to frequented leisure destinations or traveling for essential business matters. 

All the major jet card providers have been enhancing their policies and procedures to make travel safer for both passengers and crews. These changes start with guidelines from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and then build from there.

The charter and jet membership provider JetSuite, has filed for bankruptcy this week in the court in Delaware. Prepaid memberships represent a significant proportion of the outstanding debts.

The global aviation company saw worldwide growth of 21% in its Program membership – the Vistajet equivalent of a jet card program. The company has introduced stringent procedures to screen aircraft and crew for the coronavirus.

The large jet card and fractional private jet company has started to use its own aircraft to put its pilots and other crew members in place. This program to ferry crew has been put in place to limit the exposure of passengers and flight crews to Covid-19. The company has also treated its planes with an antimicrobial coating system.

Jet Linx, a large jet card membership company, has announced that it is applying the BIOPROTECTUs System to disinfect and protect its fleet of 112 jet aircraft, private Base terminals and facilities throughout the United States. The BIOPROTECTUs System by ViaClean Technologies, encompasses an array of EPA registered and FDA compliant technologies that disinfects and inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria, fungi, algae, mold and viruses as well as provides long-term antimicrobial protection for 90-days.

Wheels Up Citation Excel

While NetJets and Wheels Up have some things in common, their programs and benefits give individual and business flyers much to consider. We have delved into these two private aviation companies, comparing the details of pricing, services, aircraft types and sizes, and member perks.

Private aviation company Magellan Jets has assembled a specially-curated gift box, including a 10-hour jet card membership, for this holiday season.

Delta Private Jets (DPJ) has several different membership and jet card offers that are available through the end of the year. DPJ is the only private jet company affiliated with a major commercial airline, and it leverages this parental relationship to offer some unique benefits.

One of the largest jet card providers, Sentient Jet, has some special offers for new card buyers this holiday season.

The private aviation company, Airshare, offers a twist on most competitors’ hours-based programs. By using a day-based model for both their fractional and jet card programs, the company says their clients can get more flight time hours. With the business traveler in mind, the company focuses its attention in the Midwest and Texas with newer expansions into the Upper Midwest, to optimize round-trip day travel for clients. This article provides an overview of the company highlighting their jet card and aircraft choices.

When it comes to jet selection, features, perks, and membership flexibility, two of the largest jet card providers are NetJets and Sentient Jet. These private aviation giants have been around for several decades offering a wide selection of choices. This article puts these two card companies head to head, zeroing in on their Jet Cards, how they differ and what sets them apart.

The new membership program, Elevate, aims to offer a risk-free private jet membership with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Global private aviation company VistaJet saw a 31% increase in new members in 2018. It recently celebrated its 15th birthday with a forecast for continuing growth this year.

The private aviation firm Wheels Up just launched a new membership tier, Wheels Up Connect. This new level provides access to shared flights and empty legs on the closed fleet of King Airs and Citation Excel/XLs’s. Connect members can also access the suite of lifestyle benefits available for all Wheels Up members.

The private light jet operator has some special offers for new members this holiday season.

The large jet card provider has some special offers for new card buyers this holiday season. 

The private jet company offers two membership programs - the Club Card and the Executive Card. These both provide guaranteed availability in any size jet category, guaranteed hourly rates, plus an Elevated Lifestyle benefits program that includes partnerships with over a dozen luxury services.

Vista Global, the newly formed parent company for VistaJet recently took in $200m in additional funding. They are putting some of this to work straight away by buying XOJet, one of the largest on-demand charter and private jet membership companies in North America.

Detailed Jet Card Comparisons

Get side by side comparisons of the leading membership and jet card programs in North America.

Compare all the main features. See the differences.

Details on NetJets, Flexjet, Sentient, Wheels Up, Airshare, Air Partner, Magellan Jets, XO and more.

Plus get fractional jet comparisons, details on charter operators and the SherpaReport Guide to Private Aviation, which walks through the different products and their pros and cons.

Overall become a smarter buyer.

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