|
Whose jet are you really on? This is one of the most important questions you can ask any private jet service provider and the answer may not always be clear.
Unfortunately, it is common for private jet providers (including aircraft operators, brokers, fractional ownership programs, and membership card programs) to quote and sell a flight, then place you on another company's aircraft. In fact, providers often advertise a wide-ranging fleet and outsource 25% to 100% of the flights to any one of the roughly 2,500 aircraft operators in the industry.
This is especially true during scheduling or mechanical issues when a backup aircraft is provided. These situations can even occur with large, well-known companies with perceived higher safety standards. Customers may book a private jet through a well-known carrier, but be placed -- without knowing it -- on a small independent one whom they know nothing about.
Jets.com has taken the lead in addressing this market inadequacy. First, every aircraft operator, pilot and jet must meet our high safety standards (less than 10% of aircraft operators in the industry meet our requirements). Secondly, our customers can view not only who operates the aircraft, but also third-party verification of safety ratings and pilot experience. Unlike similar programs, we clearly provide this information to every customer prior to each and every flight.
Yes, we take a different approach than other private jet programs. However, we recognize that knowing who maintains operational control of the aircraft is an essential aspect of safety.
Next month I will address issues to consider when selecting a safe, quality private jet provider.
Nathan McKelvey
President/CEO/Founder
Jets.com
www.jets.com
|