Many of us in the charter world are often delighted to read or hear that business travelers and affluent individuals are becoming disenchanted with commercial flights, crowded airports, flight delays, and inconvenient schedules. But the truth of the matter is that if we were to bring less than 1% of those passengers into the private jet charter arena, our current processes would fail on all levels.
Let's face it. It takes at least half a dozen phone calls, faxes, or emails, before you can get a charter estimate – which may or may not be correct. Then if you have the pluck to go for it, you still need the aircraft "owner approval". Without "owner approval", which may take from 2 hours to a week to reach you, you're back to the drawing board again calling operators, leaving messages, faxing… ah! the faxing. All this, folks, and you have not boarded the plane yet.
Increased aircraft utilization presents many challenges as well. If we are to add a tiny fraction of unhappy airline passengers to the private jet charter circuit, we will have to fly the airplanes upwards of 1,200 to 1,500 hours a year. Has anyone done that before? Rarely if ever. First, it is unclear whether the aircraft currently flying can withstand this level of utilization. Second, aircraft owners traditionally fly less than 400 hours a year and they seldom hire more than one pilot and one co-pilot, and maybe, if the aircraft management company really insists and promises miraculous charter revenues, a third pilot is recruited.
So the question begs itself: How will an operation whose processes are designed to accommodate this low - very low - aircraft utilization, stretch itself to fulfill 1200 to 1,500 hours of flight time? What will happen to its operational safety controls, its maintenance standards, its customer service levels? Well, let's focus on service levels today in periods of peak demand where a passenger will pay $30,000 for a five hour flight on a mid-size jet with a toilet that doesn't flush, a bathroom door that doesn't close, and a heating system that is malfunctioning – this happened to me. Do you imagine yourself in below freezing temperatures at 41,000 feet without climate control or lavatory facilities? Then top it all off with a credit card bill of $30,000? This is not the sign of a careless aircraft operator, rather the sign of an operator who lacks the quality control processes that are adequate to support high production volumes.
The source of the problem is that current pricing mechanisms do not warrant investment in an aircraft for the purpose of charter. Aircraft owners are subsidizing the current price levels. Charter revenues barely cover the aircraft management and operational costs, and almost never reach levels necessary to cover an aircraft's cost of ownership. At the same time in the charter world an aircraft flies empty 40% to 60% of the time. Passengers are paying for "repositioning" flight time, and for the aircraft returning to its base empty after having been dropped off at their destination. In summary, the passengers are paying more than they should and the investors are loosing money. How long do you believe this situation will continue?
A number of aircraft management companies are addressing this problem through mergers and acquisitions, hoping that with a larger fleet and a larger network they might be able to reduce the number of empty flights. Agreements with owners are being changed and new agreements are designed to favor charter over owner use of the private jet. But the Holy Grail of charter industry is still in its infancy: distribution. Distribution means that passengers are given the ability to shop and book private jets with the same ease and access they have when shopping and booking other air-transportation solution. Today this kind of access is offered only on www.privatejetspecialist.com and affiliate web sites.
PrivateJetSpecialist.com delivers consumers everything they need for researching, planning, and purchasing private jet charters. The company is providing direct access to a broad world-wide selection of private air-transportation solutions including private jets, turboprops, and even reciprocating-engine aircraft. The site offers a side-by-side comparison of every aircraft available on the selected route. Passengers can evaluate the differences in cabin height, luggage capacity, number of seats, presence of lavatory facilities on board, flight times, and prices. Unlike other websites that offer only estimates. This is the only web site where you can actually process the entire booking on-line. It is designed to emulate a standard travel website. It is identical to booking an airline seat, except that in this case you're booking the aircraft.
The pressures exerted by the sustained high demand from business travelers and affluent individuals today must result in a fundamental change in how the private jet charter industry is handling this boon. The industry has received an unprecedented invitation from the marketplace to gear up its production methods and processes for a future where private air-transportation will be accessible to a far greater number of passengers. These passengers are already learning to think of private jet charter as a serious alternative to airline products. Are we ready?
George J. Khairallah is the President of BusinessJet Class, the private jet charter GDS. Visit His websites BusinessJet Class and Private jet charter for more information.
Accessible Wheelchair Travel – A Guide To Enjoying Vacation On Wheels
Not long ago, traveling from point A to B might be a tedious task not to mention traveling abroad. Today, wheelchair bound individuals have the opportunity to travel abroad, set sail on a cruise, or take a drive cross-country to Grandma’s house.
However, handicapped vacationers must realize that there will still be extra challenges, even in travel. So, take some advice, avoid a few pitfalls, seek assistance from the professionals, and do a little research before beginning to explore the world on wheels.
Life is full of pitfalls, and traveling is no exception. Unfortunately, many people are in the tourism business are working for the money, and meeting customer needs is not always on the priority in their minds.
Two summers ago, Tina’s personal experience taught a hard lesson. They were looking forward to a family weekend in a neighboring city, and reservations were placed at a local motel chain. Specifically told to the hotel staff, the travelers needed handicapped accommodations for three. Upon entering the room, to their surprise, one queen-sized bed was not what they thought they saw. The clerk has the audacity to suggest the room was rebooked without the children.
Demanding different accommodations, the clerk immediately provided a room suitable for three, with one exception - no handicapped shower. Oh well, compromises can be made for two days. No such luck! Returning to the room at night, a big problem became very apparent. The bathroom door is not wide enough for a wheelchair to enter.
Lesson learnt: Do not allow travel nightmares to plague an already challenged life. Learn from the mistakes of another, and ask specifically for the disabled person’s needs to be met. Instead of asking for a handicapped room, ask for a wheelchair accessible room. For some reason, many establishments assume handicapped people do not have families. Make sure the rooms are big enough. Unbelievably, many businesses will try to cut corners and try to rent an unacceptable room, rather than admit the motel does not have the necessary accommodations. Nor will the staff helpfully suggest a competitor with a suitable room. Do not place the reservation online. Talk directly to a person, and get a name.
Seek some advice, and seek help from professionals, especially when taking a cruise or traveling abroad. For instance, companies like Access Network specialize in assuring the customer’s special needs are met. Travel around the world, and know the establishments cater to physically handicapped guests. Whether going to Egypt, Africa, or anywhere else, travel agencies, with the disabled in mind, can tell a person the best places to stay, the nicest places to eat, and the handicapped accessible tourist attractions. That’s what you need.
However, even with the help of a travel agent, a little research can also prevent an inaccessibility problem from ruining a wonderful vacation. For instance Apparalyzed is an online support organization for paralyzed people. In giving support and advice, Apparalyzed also has travel recommendations including shelter, food, and fun.
So, before you kennel the dog, lock up the house, and starts exploring the world, listen to some sage advice. When looking for accommodations, be specific as to any special needs, such as a bigger room, wheelchair accessible shower bathroom. Speak to a real person, not a computer. Seek professional assistance before traveling abroad, and do a little homework before signing on the dotted line. Take the “dis” out of disability, and enjoy life to the fullest measure.
Moses Wright is the owner of Wheelchair. He provides more useful information on Electric Wheelchairs and Wheelchair Van on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
Duck, North Carolina: The Outer Banks at Their Best
Located near the northern end of the Outer Banks, Duck is a quiet beach town that offers stunning stretches of sand and numerous opportunities for adventure off its shores. If you are searching for a relaxing vacation destination without any of the glitz and glamour that can overwhelm your peaceful and serene getaway, then Duck, North Carolina is the perfect place for you.
Although Duck Beach is only a few miles long, it makes wonderful use of every grain of sand along its breathtaking expanse of unspoiled coastline. In addition to the spectacular scenic beauty, visitors will find that the beach is rarely crowded, meaning they never have to fight for a prime sunning spot from which to begin their adventures. While swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding are all popular in the waters off Duck Beach, the shelling here is excellent since the Outer Banks extend further into the waters of the Atlantic than anywhere else in the state.
For those looking to experience an exciting offshore adventure, there are numerous nearby outlets offering jet ski, boat, and kayak rentals in addition to parasailing and scuba diving expeditions. Set out on an outbound excursion and explore the sound at your pace aboard a kayak or get your feet wet with a brand new experience during a surfing or hang-gliding lesson. No matter what kind of adventure makes your heart beat a little faster, you can enjoy it all in Duck.
When you need a respite from the sun and want to stretch your legs a little, head to the Scarborough Faire Shops for a shopping experience unlike any other. Rather than a large, impersonal shopping complex, the shaded boardwalk, complete with massive oak trees, and the quant boutiques blend seamlessly into the small town atmosphere of Duck. Browse shops that offer a range of items from clothing and unique pottery to specialty foods and kitchen items. And when you need to re-energize after a long day of perusing the various stores, head to one of the excellent eateries such Elizabeth’s Café for top-notch cooking and wine selection.
To learn more about the coastal environment, head out on one of the 60-minute walking tours offered by the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (also called the “Duck Research Pier”). This internationally-recognized facility conducts research to evaluate the ocean’s impact on the coast and provides informative and specialized tours at 10 am from mid-June through mid-August. Since the free tour makes its way over sand trails that can be difficult to navigate, be sure to dress appropriately.
Although it is located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the finest attractions in the Outer Banks and certainly should not be missed. While you can take on the seemingly endless dunes from any location or angle, the 1.5-mile Sand Trail is a best bet for excellent views and easy accessibility since it originates out of the parking lot of the visitor’s center. If you are feeling up for a challenge, try to tackle the Soundside Nature Trail, located on the south side of the park, for an intense climb that culminates in spectacular views of the coast. However, any roll or run down the side of a dune will also get your heart-pumping and leave you absolutely speechless.
Duck has everything you need for a relaxing getaway without any of the frills to distract you from its pristine and stunning natural beauty. For the ultimate accommodations located near a picturesque sandy beach and the gentle melody of the Atlantic, consider a Duck North Carolina vacation rental that comes complete with all the comforts of home. Enjoy amenities such as a washer and dryer, wireless internet, and plenty of space in an environment that is more stunning than you ever imagined. To experience the tranquil waterfront adventure you always wanted, browse a wide selection of Duck NC vacation rentals today to find the one that matches all of your needs.
