From NBAA News Reports

New Flight Charters, Jackson Hole, WY and M&N Aviation, Casper, WY provided schedules, a Challenger 300 business jet, cargo, passengers and logistics to support a January 19 round-trip mission to Haiti. The trip, organized by a charity, evacuated 10 children from an orphanage destroyed in the earthquake. “I can’t tell you how it feels to be able to make a tangible difference in this tragedy,” said New Flight. “Now those 10 kids will have a life of opportunities here in the U.S.”

-from National Business Aviation Association

New Flight Charters Recorded 129 Percent Growth In 2009

January 25, 2010 - Jackson Hole, Wyoming -- Private Jet Charter company New Flight Charters experienced a 129 percent increase in flights arriving or departing Jackson Hole, Wyoming during 2009, according to a press release received by Elite Traveler.

The most popular metropolitan areas for Jackson Hole flights during 2009 for New Flight Charters were: (#1) Scottsdale, AZ; (#2) San Jose/Bay Area, CA; (3#) New York, NY; (#4) Los Angeles, CA; (#5) San Diego, CA; (#6) Salt Lake City, UT; (#7) Palm Springs, CA; and (#8) Las Vegas, NV.

Favored aircraft chosen for these Jackson Hole flights in 2009 included Learjets, Citations, Hawkers, and Gulfstreams, plus Beechcraft King Air and Pilatus PC-12 executive turboprops. Although purposes for flying privately to or from Jackson Hole included business and professional, over 80 percent were for leisure or personal travel.

"The 'word-of-mouth' with Jackson residents and visitors has been great, and our expanding market reach and aircraft availability have allowed us some of the lowest pricing the industry has seen in years, if ever," said New Flight Charters' president Rick Colson. "As the private jet market evolves, the quality private flying options continue to grow." The company also cites their best price guarantee launched in 2009, and a marketing agreement with Chipola Aviation's Learjets as additional reasons for the increase in flights.

New Flight Charters achieved 187 percent growth in sales over the prior four years, the company claimed.

For more information, visit www.JHAirCharters.com or www.newflightcharters.com.

-courtesy Elite Traveler Magazine, www.elitetraveler.com.

JPMorgan: Good Reasons for Bizjet Market Optimism

According to a monthly business jet report issued by JPMorgan this week, the pre-owned market recovery continues though new jet demand is expected to lag. JPMorgan said used inventories fell 50 basis points last month, to 13.6 percent of the in-service fleet, the “second consecutive meaningful decline and further evidence that we are past the cyclical trough in the used market.” The investment firm predicts that pre-owned inventories will decline further in the coming months, though not necessarily in a straight line. Average asking prices for used business jets slipped again, declining 1.8 percent last month. Prices, on average, are 24 percent below the peak last November. “We expect prices to continue falling until inventories, which remain elevated, decline further,” said JPMorgan aerospace analyst David Nadol III. In addition, “We expect a significant lag between improvements in the used market, where inventories remain far above last cycle’s peak, and a pickup in demand for new jets, and we believe this downcycle has further to run,” he said. JPMorgan said it expects the NBAA Convention this month to be quieter than in recent years due to weak order activity and no expected new aircraft launches, “although some optimism due to [improving] used market conditions is warranted.”

-courtesty Aviation International News AINonline.com

Business Jet Sentiment Improving, JPMorgan Says

“We’ve felt a more positive vibe on business jets recently, with used inventory ticking down slightly and flight operations edging upward,” JPMorgan Equity Research aerospace analyst Joseph Nadol III said this week. In its latest business jet update, the firm said pre-owned business jet inventory last month decreased to 14.1 percent of the in-service fleet after hovering in the 14.4- to 14.5-percent range–which seems likely to represent the peak for this cycle–since March.

The August decline was the largest in 26 months and all classes exhibited lower inventory, according to JPMorgan. Business jet flight activity in July stood at 304,000, exceeding 300,000 monthly movements for the first time since November 2008, the investment company said. Monthly flight operations are now 16 percent above “the February bottom and have increased sequentially for three consecutive months,” though the July numbers were still down 15 percent on a year-over-year basis. Nadol added that business jet sentiment could continue to grow more positive in the near term with the Gulfstream G650 rollout approaching on September 29 and the NBAA Convention next month in Orlando, Fla. “While we expect near-term optimism, we are not calling the bottom of the production cycle,” he noted. “Further production cuts seem likely next year, particularly for large jets, and while used inventories peaked in November 2001 last cycle, deliveries did not trough until 1Q03.”

-courtesty Aviation International News AINonline.com

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Cessna Parent Textron Sees Bizjet Recovery in 2011

During a Textron business update yesterday, company chairman and CEO Lewis Campbell said he is seeing trends of economic stabilization, though he admitted that subsidiary Cessna Aircraft is still “fighting its way through the most difficult down cycle, maybe in the history of the business jet industry.” While he added that 2010 is going to be a “tough year” for Cessna, he believes that the business jet business is “very strong” over the longer term, with a “modest recovery” expected in 2011.

Campbell projects that revenues at Cessna will grow by 6 to 8 percent annually over the next four years. Textron president and COO Scott Donnelly later said he is now seeing positive trends for Cessna, such as an easing of pre-owned Citation inventory over the past four consecutive months and a flattening out of average daily business jet utilization through the summer after more than 18 months of decline. Meanwhile, Campbell said the outlook for the company’s Bell Helicopter division is a little brighter, with the softening for civil helicopters orders more than offset by defense sales. He projects that Bell will see 9- to 11-percent annual growth in revenues between this year and 2013.

-courtesy Aviation International News AINonline.com

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Cessna Raises Business Jet Campaign

Cessna has created a web site to maintain momentum on the ad campaign aimed at convincing corporate aircraft owners to keep using their planes. The campaign, now dubbed Cessna Rise, continues the theme that real CEOs aren't afraid to use jets to make their businesses more competitive." In the face of empty rhetoric, business aviation speaks for itself. So pull your aircraft out of its hangar and put it to work," says the latest ad, which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. "The companies that do, will be the very ones who lead the world back to prosperity."

The campaign to restore the public acceptance of business aviation is evolving and Cessna's approach is to urge companies to address the issue head on. It's principal slogan urges companies to rise "above the skeptics, above the naysayers, to the challenge.

From www.cessnarise.com:

KEEP FLYING

Shame on those who suggest that business aviation is little more than a corporate frivolity. Focusing on facts over hyperbole, it’s glaringly apparent why you fly. Study after study shows companies operating business aircraft outperform competitors that don’t. It’s simply about availing yourself of the tools to do your job.

Let’s remember that it isn’t simply about shuttling executives. (In fact, 86% of those aboard business aircraft aren’t at the executive level.) Among other things, business aircraft transport parts that keep assembly lines running. They efficiently move specialists to solve problems that might put thousands out of work. Not to mention, corporations donate thousands of hours to securely transport government officials—some of whom are the very ones who seem to have business aviation in their crosshairs of late.

Business aviation provides access to almost ten times the number of airports served by the airlines. That translates to multiple daily site visits with confidential business conducted en route, instead of hours of downtime flying commercially. Factor in ever-shrinking commercial airline routes—nearly 100 of which were cut last year alone—and you have an even more compelling case.

In the face of empty rhetoric, business aviation speaks for itself. So pull your aircraft out of its hangar and put it to work. The companies that do, will be the very ones who lead the world back to prosperity.

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A Thank You from the president of the NBAA for contacting congress.

Rick Colson
New Flight Solutions, Inc.
Jackson Hole, Wyo. 83001

Dear Rick,

Thank you for supporting the business aviation community with your letter to the members of Congress representing Jackson, WY. It is important that the people in our industry remind policymakers in Washington that business aviation generates jobs, economic activity and local investment in every state and Congressional District in the country.

If you have any questions or need more information, I invite you to contact NBAA's offices at any time, at (202) 783-9000. We will be glad to assist you.

Again, thanks, Rick, for your support.

Sincerely,

Ed Bolen
NBAA President and CEO

The below letter was sent by president to congressional representatives in support of business aviation, in light of recent disparaging news and viewpoints surrounding legislation about the economic bailouts.

Rick Colson
President & Founder
New Flight Charters
Jackson Hole, Wyo. 83001-9302

January 29, 2009

Representative Lummis
Senator Barrasso
Senator Enzi

Dear [recipient name was inserted here],

I am Founder & President of New Flight Charters, headquartered in Jackson, WY, and I am sending this letter to request your support for the interests of our company, and the others in WY that utilize general aviation aircraft as part of their business.

As you may know, business aviation is an important contributor to the national and state economies, and is a critical business tool. My job and my company would be at risk if the government were to restrict the ability of a company to use general aviation aircraft in the conduct of our business.

The business aviation community is a diverse composite of individuals, companies, organizations, educational institutions and government. They all share a common need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world, especially in the current, challenging economic environment.

The use of a business airplane is good not just for companies, but for communities across the U.S. Business aviation often serves as a critical transportation lifeline for communities across the country. "With about 100 U.S. cities having lost airline service in the past year, it's easy to understand why so many smaller towns have found business aviation to be a critical lifeline for their economic development.

In the 111th Congress, you will undoubtedly consider legislation that could impact my business, and the broader general aviation community. I would ask that you support legislation that recognizes the critical importance of this mode of transportation to the success of U.S.
businesses, the economic development of small towns and rural communities, and the jobs of hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers

Thank you for your time and attention to my concerns, and for your service to the state of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

Mr. Rick Colson
307-734-7750
President & Founder
New Flight Charters

Letter to Congress Regarding TARP Funds & Business Aircraft

- The below letter was sent from the NBAA to member companies including New Flight Charters, announcing that due to it's and other aviation company efforts, certain damaging language has been removed from the TARP language. The language would have required businesses receiving TARP funds to divest of business aircraft, as if it were a detriment to the company and only some executive perk. The language would have meant further job losses in aviation manufacturing and would have hurt the industry. It potentially would have also reduced the number of private jets available for jet charter, as many are business and corporate jets that charter when they are not being productive for their owner. -

Dear NBAA Member Representatives,

As you know, the business aviation community has been challenged from a number of corners in recent weeks. Last Friday, NBAA notified Member companies of an alarming provision included in a House proposal to amend the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that would require all businesses receiving TARP funds to immediately divest of business aircraft. The proposal had the potential to severely harm businesses trying to navigate the unforgiving economic climate, and fuel job losses for countless people in the general aviation community.

NBAA is pleased to report that earlier this afternoon, this harmful provision was removed from the House proposal. The House may approve the final version of the bill as early as tomorrow.

Clearly, this is an issue where the business aviation community effectively made its voice heard and its concerns known to elected officials. NBAA has long said that efforts by the Association in Washington are most effective if its Members also reach out to Congress. Using NBAA's Contact Congress resource, Association Members explained to their elected officials the value of business aviation as a mode of transportation, the numerous jobs associated with it and the critical role it plays in communities across the U.S.

My thanks to all those in NBAA's Membership who used Contact Congress to send Congress an unequivocal message of opposition to the TARP proposal. The messages to Congress, which were sent from all across the country, provided a single, unified voice on an issue we knew was of critical importance to our industry, especially in these challenging economic times. Today's outcome demonstrates that when we make our concerns known to our elected representatives, we can help shape a positive agenda for the business aviation community.

Sincerely,
Ed Bolen
President and CEO
National Business Aviation Association

National Business Aviation Association
1200 18th Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
202-783-9000
www.nbaa.org

Light Jet Maker Eclipse, Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
11/26/08

Eclipse Aviation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today and it appears ETIRC, the company controlled by current CEO Roel Pieper, is moving to consolidate its hold on the troubled planemaker. According to a news release from Eclipse, the company is "seeking court approval for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing and procedures for the sale of substantially all of its assets under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code." At the same time, it announced it has a buyer for the assets, described as "an affiliate of ETIRC Aviation S.a.r.l., Luxembourg" and that the deal is subject to "higher offers." According to court documents filed by Eclipse in support of the petition, the company owes investors about $577 million and has racked up about $135 million in debt to vendors and suppliers. "In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, it is clear that the sale of the Eclipse business through the Chapter 11 process is the right course of action to maximize the value of the business, secure its future and protect the best interests of Eclipse's stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees and creditors," Pieper is quoted as saying in a release. "The successful sale will position the business for aggressive global expansion, allowing the company to fulfill its promise and solidify its position as the world's leading manufacturer of VLJs." And to address the current cash crunch, Pieper has cut a deal with existing shareholders and lenders to keep the company alive in the interim. The company is asking the Delaware court, where the petition was filed, to approve the interim financing package quickly so Eclipse can honor its commitments. Once approved, this financing along with other relief requested from the Court, will position Eclipse to pay wages and salaries, honor employee benefits, service customer aircraft and continue manufacturing operations throughout the sale period. The company also announced that Peg Billson, president and manager of the company, has resigned "to pursue other career opportunities."

Cash-crunched 'Very Light Jet' Maker Cancels AOPA Expo Exhibits
11/4/08

Albuquerque, N.M.-based Eclipse Aviation yesterday confirmed that it scrubbed its planned attendance at AOPA Expo this week in San Jose, Calif., as it seeks to cut costs during its continuing search for financing. “We had to make the difficult decision to cancel our attendance at AOPA as part of our efforts to conserve cash,” a company spokeswoman told AIN via e-mail. “We continue to look for financing in the midst of global economic difficulties.” With aircraft production slowed and lawsuits from customers and suppliers mounting, Eclipse is reportedly trying to raise between $200 million and $300 million to continue operations. Two industry analysts last month predicted the company will likely run out of cash and cease production of the Eclipse 500 very light jet by early next year. Meanwhile, Eclipse is still awaiting certification from the EASA, which the company has said would pave the way for “hundreds” of European and Russian orders for its VLJs. Eclipse CEO Roel Pieper said in September that Eclipse would have EASA certification by the end of last month, but this didn’t happen. The spokeswoman couldn’t provide AIN with a new estimated date for European certification, saying only, “We expect it soon.” -AIN Aviation International News

Bizav safety slips in first nine months of ’08
10/8/08

By by Chad Trautvetter, Aviation International News

According to data released by aviation safety consulting firm Robert E. Breiling Associates of Boca Raton, Fla., there has been a “considerable increase” in the number of accidents (both fatal and nonfatal) and fatalities involving business jets and turboprops in the first nine months of this year. In the first three quarters of last year, there were 39 accidents (12 fatal) and 32 fatalities involving turbine-powered business airplanes; the fleet experienced 56 accidents (17 fatal) and 49 fatalities in the same period this year.

Among business jets, there were 22 accidents, including five fatal accidents with 22 fatalities in the first nine months of this year, up from 18 accidents (five fatal) and 14 fatalities in the same time frame last year. Business turboprops experienced 34 accidents, including 12 fatals that claimed 27 lives, during the three quarters, compared with 21 accidents (seven fatal) and 18 fatalities during the same period last year.

In the first nine months, Part 91 professionally flown corporate jet operators were involved in five nonfatal accidents and one fatal accident causing five fatalities; last year there were only three nonfatal accidents. Turboprop operators in the pro-flown category experienced two nonfatal accidents and one fatal accident that claimed 10 this year, versus only one nonfatal accident last year.

During the first three quarters, Part 91 nonprofessionally flown business jets were involved in six accidents, including one fatal accident with five fatalities, compared with two fatal accidents that resulted in four fatalities last year. Turboprops in this category experienced nine nonfatal accidents and six fatal accidents that claimed six this year, versus seven nonfatal accidents and three fatal accidents that claimed eight.

Part 135-operated business jets and turboprops experienced 23 accidents (eight fatal) and 26 fatalities in the first nine months, compared with 22 accidents (seven fatal) and 20 fatalities last year. The major fractionals continued their fatality-free history, but this segment did record two nonfatal accidents in the first three quarters, versus only one nonfatal accident in the same period last year.

 

Hawker's New Four-Passenger 450XP Light Business Jet
10/5/08

By Karen Di Piazza, CharterX

Sunday, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft Corp. announced it would manufacture a new four-passenger, light jet, titled the 450XP. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW535D turbofan engines is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and comes with a 5,000-hour time between overall (TBO). Each engine provides 2,965 pounds of thrust.

Before anyone tries to dub this aircraft into the very light category, don't. Just because it's a four-passenger jet, it doesn't mean the aircraft falls into the VLJ category. The maximum take off weight on this jet "will increase from the 16,300-pound limit found on the Hawker 400XP to 16,650 pounds," says HBC. The aircraft affords operators to carry an additional 350 pounds of fuel at maximum payload.

Based on a 2010 date, the new jet is priced at $7.695 million. The Hawker 450XP is said to have a long-range cruise speed improvement from the Hawker 400XP's 414 knots to 421 knots. The 450XP's climb performance also improves, according to the plane maker, with the time needed to reach flight level 37,000 feet, "minimized from 18 to 14 minutes, ensuring more efficient air traffic control operations." 

The 450XP will have the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, the same system found in larger Hawker business jets. The fully digital avionics elevates pilots' awareness, knowledge and capabilities to a higher level, featuring three, eight by 10-inch displays, as well as digital radio and audio systems, according to HBC.

First flight of the aircraft is scheduled for the second quarter of 2009; Federal Aviation Administration certification is planned for the second quarter in 2010. European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification is expected in the third quarter of 2010.

 

BUSINESS AVIATION GAINS TRAVELERS WHILE PREMIUM AIRLINE RIDERSHIP LANGUISHES
6/18/08

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-An extensive analysis by the Stanford Transportation Group, a leading U.S.-based aviation consultancy, has revealed that the number of best-paying passengers of U.S. airlines has stagnated at low levels while the number of travelers using business aircraft is reaching new highs. The results indicate that travelers on business aircraft now generate a record 41% the number of passenger trips as those made by airline first-class, business-class and full-fare coach passengers combined.

Stanford Transportation Group (STG) has completed its biennial review of premium passenger activity in the U.S. domestic airline and business aviation markets. STG analyzed the number of one-way U.S. domestic passenger-trips by fare category and developed estimates of ridership on business aircraft—jets and turboprops. “Premium” airline traffic is defined as those passengers traveling on first class, discounted first class, business class, discounted business class and full-fare coach tickets as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 10% ticket sample. These are passengers who pay a premium for added comfort, privacy or the need to depart without advanced planning.

“As a group, the number of premium trips has fallen from 20% of overall airline travel prior to 9/11, to less than 10% of airline travel,” said STG Managing Director Gerald Bernstein. Business aircraft travel is estimated from analysis of FAA and NBAA data, commercial data sources and utilization surveys; it is all considered “Premium.”

“Premium airline travel has remained static and at a low level for several years,” said Bernstein. “Despite the rise in total airline passenger trips through 2007, the number of premium trips has stalled at 41 million. Airline reports for early 2008 indicate reductions are likely this year.”

“Conversely, growing business aviation acceptance, fleet growth, the expansion of fractional programs, pre-paid flight card programs, and the development of new business models enabling lower trip costs have driven a steady expansion in the number of travelers using business jets and turboprops,” he said. “There are approximately 16 million one-way trips taken annually on business jets and turboprops. In 2007, the number of trips using these aircraft was 41% the number of trips made by Premium airline passengers. This is clearly a vastly different competitive landscape than existed even eight years ago when business aviation travel account for only 16% the number of Premium airline trips.”

“This can’t be a desirable trend for the airlines,” Bernstein continued, “it’s tough for most of the carriers to make a decent profit with over 90% of passengers flying on discount fares. This erosion of Premium travel diminishes the one group where the airlines are able to make a profit,” he added.

Stanford Transportation Group (www.stgsf.com) was founded in 1995 to specialize in market and business strategies for regional, business and general aviation aircraft manufacturers and users. Its headquarters are in San Francisco, California. Other offices are in Washington DC and Tokyo. STG has worked closely with clients on three continents, including major airframe manufacturers, engine manufacturers, airlines, investors and financial institutions. STG’s mission is to provide clients with industry-focused counsel to affect optimal decision-making in the complex and highly competitive aviation marketplace.

AIRLINE CUSTOMER RATINGS DIP FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
4/10/08

Do-it-yourself flyers have another year to remain smug, as the annual airline quality rating survey reveals a continuation of their five-year slide. For those needing more incentive to fly privately, airlines' on-time performance is off again, and ratings continue to erode in mishandled luggage, denied boarding and customer complaints. The shortfall is blamed, in part, on higher fuel prices and "safety problems." On the bright side, despite some bad press over maintenance issues, Southwest Airlines continues bucking the trend, topping the ratings in on-time performance and customer satisfaction. Passengers say they appreciate Southwest's more relaxed attitude. - Courtesy of Flying Magazine.

NEW FLIGHT CHARTERS REPORTS RECORD 2007 REVENUE AND CUSTOMER GROWTH
2/22/08 press release

Amplifying it’s standing as a private jet charter leader, New Flight Charters today announced that it achieved record revenue and customer growth in 2007. In addition to increases in charter jet availability and staffing, in 2007 New Flight Charters increased its revenue by 31 percent and saw its number of return clientele double. The company ended the year with more than 1,600 customers flown to 312 airports in 14 countries.

New Flight Charters’ strong financial results were driven by the company’s price and service options, increase in private jet availability, and the growing number of travelers that fly privately for business or leisure. These fliers are abandoning older fractional and pre-pay jet card models in favor of New Flight Charters, which offers greater flexibility in aircraft choices and pricing along with premium level service. By focusing on one charter at a time, the company provides the best private flying options available in the industry for each and every flight, at costs up to 35% less than traditional jet card and fractional providers. This superior value and service has been a key reason for New Flight Charters’ sales growth of 137 percent in the past 3 years of operation.

Leading Private Jet Industry Insiders Call On New Flight Charters
In 2007, New Flight Charters saw an increase in customers, including FAA Operators themselves, and has been called “our in-house brokerage” by leading private jet operators. New Flight Charters is rated by D&B (Dun & Bradstreet) and is a respected, quality provider called on by jet charter industry insiders. “Our expertise in locating and utilizing the best available aircraft in quality and price has made us a source for industry members themselves, and is something we take great pride in,” said Rick Colson, President and Founder of New Flight Charters. The company’s senior managers also carry personal Airmen Certification from the FAA, something few jet charter brokerages can claim.

New Flight Charters Credits Savvy Private Jet Fliers
“Companies and individuals are becoming more sophisticated buyers of private aviation,” said Rick Colson, “Consumers are realizing the options and value of one way on-demand charters compared to jet cards and local operators. They are using different types of providers depending on their flight needs.” For example, New Flight Charters offers Los Angeles (VNY) to New York (TEB) one-way for $30,000 all-inclusive in a new Citation X super-midsize jet seating 8 passengers comfortably, and with a flight time of only 4 hours, 35 minutes. Jet card providers charge over $42,000 for the same flight in a similar size aircraft.

 

 

 

 

Aircraft owned by New Flight Charters are operated under Air Carrier Certificate CCJA746C by Centurion Flight Services, Inc. New Flight Charters performs as agent for the customer and arranges all flights on behalf of charter clients with FAA-certified and DOT-registered FAR Part 135 direct air carriers, or foreign equivalent, who exercise full operational control. Home  |  Aircraft  |  Pricing  |  Reviews  |  Empty Legs  |  Company  |  Safety  |  Contact  |  Privacy Policy  |  Links Copyright © 2003-2012 New Flight Charters