Stratos Jets Launches a Referral Incentive Program; Spread the Word

May 16th, 2012

Stratos Jet Charters is pleased to announce our Referral Incentive Program. We are launching this program as an effort to reach other potential air charter flyers through a personal introduction. We believe that our success has come through the relationships we have developed with our clients and that is why we are asking our clients to kindly refer their friends to us. To show our appreciation for your recommendation of our service, we would like to offer a discount towards your upcoming travel plans.

How the Stratos Jets Referral Program Works:

Refer-a-friend. With each referral of a new client that results in a charter flight between June and August, we will send you a $1,000 gift card that you can use for your next charter flight.

The logic behind Stratos Jets’ unique Referral Incentive Program is to get our members involved in promoting Stratos Jets, and what our brand stands for. Stratos Jets’ company culture is what sets us apart from the rest. At Stratos Jets, we are guided by the simple principle of doing what is right, simply because it is right. This philosophy has enabled us to excel at what we do best: providing honest answers, fair market evaluations and superior service.

Our goal is to reach the entire business aviation community. With your help, we hope to reach people who fly privately and help them in the same way we’ve helped you.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Understanding How Cabotage Regulations Differ From Country to Country

May 16th, 2012

In our educational series for our valued clients, we would like to quickly discuss another concept of international aviation, the time “cabotage”.

Cabotage refers to transporting passengers and/or goods between two points in the same country by an aircraft registered in another country. An example of this situation pertaining to the U.S. would be if a service between Orlando and Boston was offered by a non-U.S. carrier, without continuing service to a foreign destination. While this situation is virtually nonexistent in scheduled service, certain charter flights are allowed under U.S. rules.

Especially important to us here in America, the cabotage rules in Canada require special attention. Non-Canadian registered charter operators are prohibited from carrying passengers between two points in Canada. This is obviously of critical importance when chartering private transportation. Stratos Jets can provide you with information and options regarding aircraft-operator nationalities that are other than U.S.-origin when the need arises.

Every country has their own rules and restrictions regarding cabotage within their own borders. We should quickly note that there are no cabotage restrictions for private non-revenue operations as long as the owner, a guest of the owner, or employees are onboard and aren’t paying for the flight.
Because cabotage regulations can differ greatly from country to country, jet charter brokers and operators should routinely verify cabotage restrictions before all international flights. With our extensive experience and knowledge of private jet charter, this is just one of the “little things” that Stratos Jets does to ensure that every flight we arrange is hassle and stress-free.

It’s the exclusive right of a country to control use of its airspace. Your jet charter broker MUST know the rules related to cabotage in all regions you’re operating to in order to avoid major issues. This is just another advantage that the clients of Stratos Jets already enjoy.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Understanding Overflights and International Jet Charter

April 24th, 2012

In our ongoing efforts to educate today’s jet charter consumer, we would like to share with you another technical aspect of jet charter flying, and how it relates to your charter flight experiences with us.

Overflight and International Travel

“Overflight” refers to an aircraft flight over a foreign country or territory. Overflights and/or landing, technical, commercial or traffic clearances (permits) are required in many countries prior to an aircraft entering their airspace or landing at an airport.

All (non-IASTA*) international private and charter aircraft arriving into the United States must furnish a notice of crossing and land at a designated airport for U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection. This typically means stopping at one of a select few major ports of entry to go through customs. However, it is possible to request a border overflight exemption (BOE) and avoid a major first port of entry when arriving in the United States, and proceed to a much larger list of airports when granted.

An approved exemption allows the aircraft to overfly the border and go directly to their home base or any other intended destination where customs clearance is available, without having to make an extra stop to clear. This means you can proceed to a much expanded list of airports with a BOE. Flying directly to your destination without the extra stop in your itinerary greatly increases the convenience to you and reduces your flight time, thus lowering the costs of your charter flight as well.

Requests for BOEs are typically required 15 days in advance for single charter flights, and require detailed information about the plane, passengers and crew that will be making the trip.

Because of this, many large fleet operators and fractional jet programs offered by competitors such as Net Jets, Flex Jet and Delta Air Elite have difficulty in obtaining overflight privileges. This is because they cannot schedule the crew and aircraft with enough advanced notice to provide the precise flight details necessary to apply for an exemption.

As a Stratos Jets client, we offer you a flexibility that these competitors can’t offer. We have the ability to arrange your international charter flight through a Part 135 management company with a smaller fleet, who can schedule the crew and aircraft with enough advanced notice to qualify for the overflight exemption.

We are very familiar with the various permissions, diplomatic clearance and traffic rights for any country and how to acquire them, with more expertise than most other air charter providers. We can also utilize airports with customs offices that experience the least amount of traffic, which means less waiting for you and your fellow travelers to clear customs when you arrive.

Whether time is essential or you are planning well-ahead, our experience will make sure that flight clearances and traffic rights are something that you don’t have to worry about when you travel internationally. Stratos Jets is always here to assist you with any unfamiliar requirements and regulations, using up-to-the-minute information on developments which may affect your itinerary. Give us a call and one of our air charter experts will be able to advise you immediately and accordingly.

When you work with Stratos Jets, you have the option to work with a jet charter broker who can find the most appropriate aircraft at the best price who can also offer you overflight services. Wherever you are, wherever you want to go in the world, Stratos Jets can help you.

*Some countries are part of the International Air Services Transit Agreement (IASTA) which does not require special overflight authorizations of other member nations. However there are many large, strategically located countries in the world (most importantly for the majority of fliers in North America, including Canada) that are not a part of IASTA. Countries like Canada negotiate transit agreements with other countries on a case-by-case basis, and overflight exemptions are necessary to those coming back and forth between the two.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Charter a Private Jet to Seven Amazing Golf Destinations

April 24th, 2012

Let Stratos Jet Charters help you create the perfect corporate golf outing to one of the country’s finest golf courses. Luxury golf resort getaways are the best way to challenge your skills on award-winning courses, while enjoying the best hotels and spas that North America has to offer.

No matter the luxury golf resort you choose, when you work with Stratos Jets, you will travel in the safest, most luxurious, and convenient manner possible to your destination — directly and without experiencing the hassle of large, metropolitan airports. We will provide you access to a private aircraft designed to carry you and your corporate party with style and class, and with large storage capacity that will provide ample room for both the luggage and the golf clubs of your traveling party.

The international sport of business, golf offers a way to escape the traditional confines and pressures of an office setting. Enjoy a relaxed environment where you and your clients can get acquainted and talk both business and personal news. To help you plan your next trip, here are seven of the top golfing, luxury resort and spa destinations throughout North America.

Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits Golf Club is one of the finest public courses in the world for the business traveler, ranked behind only the historic Pebble Beach Golf Links in the U.S., according to the most recent FindTheBest’s Golf Courses Comparison 2011. Beautifully situated next to Lake Michigan in Sheboyan, WI, Whistling Straits is associated with The American Club, a luxury resort located in nearby Kohler, Wisconsin. The course has hosted multiple Majors, most recently the 2010 PGA Championship, with convenient Sheboygan County Airport (KSBM) just 15 miles from course.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

Located in Charleston, South Carolina and host to the 2012 PGA Championship, Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course has once again been named the toughest course in America in 2011 by GolfDigest. Located along the pristine shores of Kiawah Island, this exquisitely designed oceanfront hotel is just thirty minutes from downtown Charleston, and captures the spirit, history and charm of the beautiful south.

Their king rooms are among the largest on the East Coast and feature elegant amenities, and the resort includes the luxury spa indulgence and championship golf outing experience that you would expect from one of the East Coast’s finest destinations. You will be hard pressed to find a better locale for a business meeting, sales presentation, conference or other corporate golf outing. Convenient Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI) is nearby, adding to the convenience of your Kiawah Island charter flight.

The Breakers Palm Beach

A spectacular resort destination on Florida’s Atlantic coast in Palm Beach, The Breakers Palm Beach has lured generations of discerning travelers to its idyllic, Italian-Renaissance setting. Experience the irresistible charm and storied history of this legendary oceanfront resort, which seamlessly blends with an amazing range of world class amenities. The Breakers features two championship courses, The Breakers Rees Jones Course and the Ocean Course, both exclusive to hotel guests and club members. A destination of choice for avid golfers and corporate outings, these meticulously designed courses entice and challenge golfers of all levels. Feel the allure of its glamorous yet classic ambiance, and the warmth and care of its devoted staff, and you’ll quickly discover why The Breakers is a peerless destination. The Breakers Palm Beach is well beyond what you would expect from most other golf clubs, luxury hotels and beachfront resorts in North America. Palm Beach International (KPBI) is your best bet for convenient travel to the resort and spa.

Westin Kierland Resort

The Westin – Kierland Resort and Spa has world class amenities and over 75 high-end stores and restaurants. The development includes Kierland Commons, a mixed-use destination which was completed in 2000 and was the first “lifestyle center” in Arizona. Kierland Commons was one of 10 developments honored as award winners by the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2009 Awards for Excellence, widely considered the land-use industry’s most prestigious recognition program. The Westin Kierland Golf Club is also the finest in the state, featuring 3 beautifully designed, meticulously maintained and challenging 36-hole courses – the Mesquite, Ironwood and Acacia courses. The Scottsdale Municipal Airport (KSDL) is just minutes from your destination.

Casa Palmero

Overlooking the first and second fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links, the elegant and intimate Mediterranean-style estate of Casa Palmero features 24 private rooms, each with wood burning fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs and sumptuous beds. Located between Carmel and Monterey, guests will enjoy a common luxurious living room, library, billiard room and heated outdoor pool. The beautiful grounds of Casa Palmero include an enchanting enclave of lush landscaping, trellised walkways and tiled patios. Guests might thing they are in their own Italian villa, just steps away from their award-winning Spa at Pebble Beach. From a list far too long to list here, just some of the local courses include the world-famous Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay, Poppy Hills and Cypress Point. A golf outing at Casa Palmero and trip throughout the Monterey Peninsula will provide you and your corporate group an experience of a lifetime. Traveling through the nearby Monterey Peninsula Airport via jet charter with Stratos Jets will provide you and your party with the convenience and luxury that you deserve.

Weston Hilton Head Island

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa features three Port Royal championship golf courses, Robber’s Row, Barony Course and Planter’s Row on Port Royal Plantation, as well as the Oyster Reef, Shipyard Club and the Palmetto Hall Plantation Club courses. One visit here and you’ll discover why the area’s beautiful climate, breathtaking scenery and Low Country hospitality provide a world-class golf experience. You can also take advantage of their award-winning tennis courts, renowned spa facilities and outdoor lounge areas. Flying through the nearby Hilton Head Airport is your most convenient and flexible option to reach the resort and golf club.

The Grand Del Mar

Located in sunny San Diego and nestled within the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this premier resort destination seamlessly combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxury of an elegant resort. This destination offers an experience unparalleled by San Diego hotels and lauded by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places To Stay”. It’s little wonder why given its beautiful climate, stunning natural beauty, irresistible spa and dining, and its championship golf course – San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed golf course which winds through the rugged beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The Grand Del Mar is one of Southern California’s premier destinations for corporate golf outings or for that perfect personal vacation. Avoiding San Diego International by utilizing the lower traffic McClellan-Palomar Airport is the best way to travel to your destination.

Contact Stratos Jets to start planning your golfing vacation:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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The American Values Series: Redefining Wealth in America

April 24th, 2012

Through suffering the tyranny of King George, the founders of our great country knew first hand what forced dependence upon a king or government led to: Serfdom. They believed so strongly that individual liberty is a divine right, that they pledged their lives, their fortune and their sacred honor to obtain it. They also understood that the greatest way to prevent dependence upon government was for man to keep the fruits of their own labor. This still holds true today.

Personal independence flourishes when individuals are allowed to obtain personal wealth. It empowers them to create and pursue their dreams. It allows others to benefit through the creation of new jobs and services. Wealth, prosperity and success are all byproducts of creating a product or service that people want or need. Wealth creation is not just a value, but a distinctly American ideal. At Stratos Jets, we revere the hard worker, the risk taker, and the dreamer. Small business owners, entrepreneurs and successful individuals are all these, but more importantly, they are an important driver of economic growth.

Throughout our history, this nation has been defined by entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of technology and industry. These successful individuals embody the core American values of self-reliance and independence. Many of these entrepreneurs have shaped our modern society through creativity and provided us with the high standard of living that we as Americans freely enjoy. These people are hard-working Americans who risk much and sacrifice more to achieve their dreams. They deserve the wealth, prosperity and success that follows each of their accomplishments.

It is a founding principle of our country that we should support, not hinder, individual success. This theory is what makes America so exceptional. Our nation was founded on the belief that government should be by the people and for the people. The problem with larger government is not in the services it could provide but with the dependency that it incurs. If we rely too much on the government, then that government fails to be for the people. It becomes a landlord to which we are required to pay into, less we face consequences. We would be giving up our independence and creativity for a presumed security. Benjamin Franklin refuted this thinking thusly, “When people sacrifice liberty for security, they will have neither.”

America is about ensuring that everyone has equal access to their dreams and can take as much or as little of it as their effort allows. Booker T. Washington said that, “I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” We owe the high standard of living we enjoy to the great men and women who overcame obstacles to achieve their personal goals. To criticize their resulting wealth would be to tarnish their memory and to make us hypocritical for enjoying all of the benefits that their success affords our society.

At Stratos Jets, we will continue to promote the ideals that founded our country: mainly that a person’s life is his or hers to live, and that individual wealth is determined by his or her own actions. Stratos Jet Charters is proud to be an example of a successful American small business, and will continue to provide the type of air charter service that supports an opportunistic society where individuals and businesses can flourish.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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New Changes to the Federal Excise Tax (FET) for Business

April 11th, 2012

A Citation X waits on the tarmac

There was a change in the FET that went into effect on April 1st of 2012 which will affect a number of jet charter consumers. We want to share these taxes with you as part of our ongoing mission to educate our jet charter clients. The U.S. economy is back on track, if at a slow pace in comparison to past recoveries from recession. However, this certainly hasn’t stopped the Federal government from looking for more ways to balance the budgets through new and/or increased taxes and fees.

The business aviation industry will once again be affected by several tax law changes made under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the FAA Act), with new changes going into effect on April 1st. As we detailed in our recent Explaining the Taxes You Pay as a Jet Charter Consumer post, the traditional FET, or Federal Excise Tax, is a percentage tax on the total amount paid for air transportation.

For commercial transportation including jet charter (FAR Part 135), the FET takes the form of a percentage tax and also a head tax. Thankfully the current percentage tax of 7.5% for charter flights was left unchanged in the Act; on January 1st, 2012 the domestic segment fee had already increased 10 cents to $3.80 per segment.

Charter operations also pay a reduced rate of fuel tax at 4.4¢/gallon; for general FAR Part 91 flying jet fuel is taxed at the rate of 21.9¢/gallon. These percentage numbers are of little concern for most legal jet charter fliers – as they remain unchanged. Those flying on illegal private jet charters might have something to worry about, however. Their operators (flying privately under FAR Part 91) are not only guilty of breaking most FAA regulations regarding maintenance, flight crew experience, insurance and others, but are also guilty of breaking the law with the Internal Revenue Service.

Technically, the operator (and through them, the flier) actually owes a bit more tax than what they have paid for their flight. In theory, they could be tracked down by the IRS to collect past due taxes due and potential penalties on all previous illegal charter flights. This could be of great importance as government agencies like the IRS have become much more aggressive in their pursuit of additional “revenue sources” in recent years.

What does concern Part 135 fliers is that prior to this most recent FAA Act, the 7.5% FET on air transportation services did not apply to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less, when operated on a non-established line (including most jet charter flights).

Under the new FAA Act, these exemptions have now been repealed. This means jet charter consumers who fly in lighter jets should be aware of these increased taxes due, and their potential to raise the cost of business and personal aviation services.

We are at least thankful that the new FAA Act did not include more new taxes. Although there was substantial debate regarding the replacement of the current FET with per-aircraft user fees, these changes were strongly opposed by ACANA (Air Charter Association of North America) and were not pursued in the Act. Also absent was the proposal to make tax depreciation schedules longer for business aircraft, another welcome development.

Despite the new FAA Act, the call for new taxes on general aviation is unlikely to end anytime soon. For example, the White House budget for 2013 recently proposed a new $100-per-flight fee for air traffic services, in addition to all current federal taxes already being paid. “Taxing our way to prosperity” seems to be the stance of the current administration, which we adamantly oppose.

We have been vocal as a small business ourselves, and as part of our leadership role in ACANA, that business aviation spurs economic growth – resulting in increased productivity and the expansion of the national economy. This translates to higher overall employment and a larger tax base, creating a win-win situation for everyone. We oppose any new legislation that would raise taxes or fees on FAR Part 135 operators and their customers, who we certainly believe are paying their fair share already.

Stratos Jets also supports straightforward tax laws and regulations, so that all operators and consumers clearly understand how their flights will be taxed. A bill recently introduced in the Senate would completely eliminate the tax paid by commercial jets, while increasing the general aviation fuel tax rate to 49¢/gallon. Though there will certainly be tough debates ahead, this could potentially be the change we’ve been searching for.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of the taxes you pay as jet charter consumers, and also gives you the facts that you need if you wish to advocate on your own behalf with your locally elected political representatives. At Stratos Jets, we believe an educated jet charter consumer is our best client. That’s why we work hard every day to provide the facts, figures and other information that you need for this vital education. If you have any additional questions on these tax law changes and how they relate to you the jet charter consumer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at: 1.888 478-7286.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Understanding the Differences Between Wet Leasing and Dry Leasing an Aircraft

March 20th, 2012

Stratos Jets explains the differences between dry leasing and wet leasing an aircraft

At Stratos Jet Charters, we understand that the world of business aviation, and private jet charter in particular, can be confusing to the average consumer. We believe that a knowledgeable consumer makes better decisions, and saves money, which is why promoting consumer education is one of our primary goals. The goal of this article is to help you understand the differences between aircraft leasing and private jet charter, and what it means to you, the paying customer.

Why Do Operators Lease Aircraft?

In general terms, a lease is a transfer of an aircraft without transfer of title. The owner of the aircraft, or lessor, retains legal title to the aircraft, but transfers possession of the aircraft to the lessee. You might ask why operators lease aircraft from owners in the first place. The first reason is to provide a temporary increase in capacity. This happens more frequently with commercial airlines, too, though charter jet operators may also have a short-term need for extra capacity too.

The second reason is more straightforward – money. Leasing an aircraft is an alternative to outright aircraft purchase for a variety of reasons ranging from practicality to cash flow. Many operators wish to fly without the financial burden of actually purchasing an aircraft, which is a perfectly understandable position. The problem comes in, however, when the lease is set up in a way to circumvent FAA rules and regulations.

Wet vs. Dry Leases

The charter industry has two primary types of aircraft leases regulated by the FAA. They are classified as either a “wet” lease or “dry” lease. A “wet lease” is an arrangement whereby a person or organization that owns an aircraft agrees to provide it and at least one crew member to the lessee, and more importantly, also agrees to provide the proper maintenance and necessary insurance as well. By contrast, under a “dry lease” – a term not directly defined in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) – a person provides the lessee an aircraft without a crew.

A wet lease is an exception to the simple definition of a lease because it does not involve transferring possession of the aircraft. The lessor maintains operational control of the aircraft under a wet lease. Without a specific exemption, a wet lease requires an FAA commercial operating certificate. A wet lease is typical of a compliant Part 135 operation; in contrast leased aircraft shared under Part 91 typically involve dry leases.

Legal vs. Illegal Charters

The trouble arises when some operators try to use aircraft sharing as a cover for chartering out their aircraft without the benefit – or demands – of a Part 135 certificate. They circumvent the regulations by dry leasing their aircraft through one company under their control, and then supplying the lessee with pilots through a separate company also under their control. In other words, they are essentially providing a wet lease, while at the same time, avoiding responsibility for proper maintenance, insurance and other components of a Part 135 charter. Clever, but not allowed.

Under current regulations, the lessee (user) must have the independent right to select the crew. The FAA views any “transportation package” – the same person offering an aircraft dry lease and a separate pilot services agreement – as an illegal jet charter. The FAA has gone further by stating that a scheme may be illegal if the entity leasing the plane directs the use of any particular crew, even if they aren’t connected to them in any way, financial or otherwise.

Thus, your private jet charter is illegal if it does not follow these rules and regulations. This is important for you — the consumer — to understand since the safety requirements, training and qualifications for the crew, insurance, and a number of other critical items have not been verified and/or guaranteed on the flight you have chartered. In other words, a dry lease is risky because the maintenance is unknown and the crew experience requirements are almost non-existent.

When it comes to private jet charter, we believe that you should always receive the best return for your investment. This means flying on the safest and most relevant aircraft for your individual charter flight. At Stratos Jets, we only work with Part 135 aircraft operators that have been vetted for safety by leading auditors — Wyvern and ARG/US — to ensure the safety and integrity of their operation. We also impose in-house flight crew experience and insurance requirements on our vendors through the Stratos Jets Approved Vendor Program. We pride ourselves on our ability to educate our consumers about their operator, while we stay constantly informed of our vendor’s progress on each and every charter flight.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Exploring the Many Benefits of Private Aviation — Week Three — Flexibility and Airport Accessibility

March 19th, 2012

Charter a private jet for flexibility and airport availability

At Stratos Jet Charters, an Orlando-based air charter agency, we understand the demands of today’s top business professional. Our clients are successful individuals who need to travel quickly and efficiently, with the knowledge and security that their charter flight is of the highest quality, at the best available price. Stratos Jets excels in meeting these needs through our dedicated team of air charter agents, excellent in-flight concierge services, and extensive network of leading Part 135 aircraft operators.

As an active member of the Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), Stratos Jets is a strong supporter of ACANA’s mission to educate and inform consumers about the benefits of private aviation. Recently, statements from the Obama administration have shed a negative light on private aviation, painting it unfairly as a wasteful and unnecessary “luxury item.” Given the White House’s repeated attacks on the private aviation industry, it is especially important for us to dispel the myth that jet charter service is merely a play-thing of the rich. We want our clients, along with potential consumers, to see private aviation for what it truly is — an essential business tool and driver of the U.S. economy.

Long before President Obama launched his attacks on our industry, individuals and corporations from around the world recognized the value of private aviation. Yet these individuals are not the self-serving and fiscally irresponsible people the White House would have them to be. Collectively, they represent some of the most economically-important industries in the world, such as oil and gas, real estate, trade and finance. These individuals have discovered that one of the many benefits of jet charter service is the flexibility to travel whenever and wherever their business takes them.

Every day, Stratos Jets agents work hard to connect these individuals with the most appropriate aircraft for their individual needs. We can provide small, mid, and heavy-sized jet options for domestic and international charter flights, all within approximately four-hours notice. This provides our clients with the freedom to customize their business charter flights entirely around their personal needs or itinerary.

Only private aviation can offer the type of flexibility that business executives need to compete in our ever-changing economy. If a CEO needs to travel with a large party with additional security, for example, we can arrange for security guards to be aboard the charter aircraft. If a real estate firm needs to survey a prospective piece of land, we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate the itinerary.

Having access to multiple airports across the country has become an important asset for small and medium-sized companies throughout the U.S. The economic downturn, combined with rising jet fuel costs, and the recent European emissions tax (see our recent article on the EU-ETS), have led many airlines to drop several of their less popular routings from their scheduled service. Several of Stratos Jets’ clients are medium-sized businesses that need to travel regularly between offices in disparate locations, such as Minot and Willingston, North Dakota.

At Stratos Jets, we have access to approximately 14,000 airports nationwide, which allows us to provide access to smaller, regional airports that are scattered across the country. In comparison, commercial carriers have access to about 500 domestic airports. As a result, jet charter service providers, such as Stratos Jets, can offer these companies a cost-effective travel solution that supports their expansion efforts and promotes job growth.

In addition, Stratos Jets has access to about 4,300 charter aircraft that meet with the strictest safety standards in the private aviation industry — our own. All of the Part 135 aircraft operators in our approved vendor network are independently certified through leading third-party safety auditors — ARG/US and WYVERN — and must also meet all FAA, DOT, and in-house safety requirements. Stratos Jets has specific pilot training and flight hours for all pilots, as well as ensuring two pilots for each charter flight.

Considering the flexibility, accessibility and safety of business aviation, it is hard to see the logic behind any of the Obama’s administration’s attacks on our industry. It is our sincere hope that our three-part series has educated you on the valuable role that private aviation plays in bolstering our national economy. We will continue to present evidence to support our belief that business aviation is an essential tool for rebuilding our national economy. Hopefully, by educating both our clients and consumers, we will inspire more small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of the flexibility of business aviation.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Exploring the Many Benefits of Private Aviation: Week Two: Security and Convenience

March 9th, 2012

Business executives discuss project on private jet

Stratos Jet Charters, an Orlando-based air charter agency, plays a vital role in both the private aviation community and local Orlando economy.  Not only have we helped hundreds of individuals get to their destinations on the safest, most reliable charter aircraft in the industry, but we have helped American businesses compete in today’s global economy.  We hope that the necessity of private jet charter will continue to be self-evident amid increasing negative reports from the White House.

Unfortunately, the political atmosphere of the 2012 presidential election mixed with lackluster news about job growth has made the Obama administration seek scapegoats to lay the burdens of the national economy upon. Private aviation, being an expensive, yet critical service for American businesses is too often a target for biased and uninformed political speeches.  In recent campaigns, the Obama administration has focused on vilifying private jet charter for individuals and corporations, regardless of the needs that business aviation has met.

Private aviation provides both security and convenience, which are essential qualities for America’s top job-creating companies.  Many clients that we have helped are politicians and public figures whose personal safety would be at risk if they chose to fly commercial. The secluded cabin aboard every private aircraft ensures that these individuals travel with only the people they know and trust. They also have the ability to travel with security professionals, such as bodyguards, which allows them to focus on job-creating activities, instead of their own personal safety. President Obama, himself, travels aboard his own private aircraft — Air Force One — for security reasons, although he chooses to omit this fact in his speeches against private aviation.

More often than not, charter flights are arranged for corporations whose members, due to the global nature of today’s markets, are required to travel great distances, sometimes several times in one day. Private aviation also allows business executives to meet the critical need of meeting with customers, clients and prospects face-to-face. Given the long security lines and inconsistent scheduling of commercial travel, it would be next to impossible for these individuals to travel last-minute, coast to coast, on a commercial airline to see a prospective client. It’s harder still for these individuals to get any work done while traveling aboard a noisy, crowded commercial carrier.

Today’s competitive market demands immediate action. Commercial airlines are constantly delayed due to weather and layovers, which causes too much uncertainty for business travel. Through our reputation as an industry leader, Stratos Jets is in the unique position to offer fill empty-leg and one-way charter flights from our network of leading Part 135 aircraft operators. Point-to-point pricing, empty-leg and one-way flights all provide Stratos Jets’ client the tools for taking their businesses wherever opportunity finds them. We offer competitive pricing on many such flights, and in most cases, deep discounts.

Bottom line — the security and convenience afforded by business aviation allows today’s top executives, in addition to small and medium-sized business owners, to efficiently and conveniently travel, which only serves to add to our economic growth. At Stratos Jets, we believe that the government’s negative statements pose a significant threat to not only the private aviation industry but to American companies’ competitive environment and the personal freedoms of individuals.

In the next few weeks, Stratos Jets will explore the many advantages of private aviation, along with the disadvantages inherent to the White House’s negative opinions on our industry. Our goal is to paint a truer picture of private aviation: that it is not a toy misused by the ultra-rich but an essential tool for today’s economy. Hopefully, by educating consumers on the many benefits of private aviation, such misinformed opinions can not withstand a prolonged public debate.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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Exploring the Many Benefits of Private Aviation: Week One: Time Savings

March 7th, 2012

Two Businessmen meet in front of a private jet

At Stratos Jet Charters, we’ve talked with you at length about the many advantageous features of business aviation and private jet charter as a whole. However, it also pays to take a step back and remember why the travel itself is so beneficial in the first place. In the economic environment we have today, your business cannot afford to miss out on any possible opportunities. When the chance to build critical relationships or capitalize on potential new business presents itself, our clients can answer the call.

Getting to and from destinations in half the time is a big reason why our clients fly private. When you charter a private jet through Stratos Jets, you can travel to your destination quickly, and deplane just as fast. This is due to the basic operational nature of private travel and because we can often use smaller airports and those most suited to the business aviation. You can step directly into ground transportation when required, which your Stratos agent can coordinate for you with a simple request.

You can actually WORK on a private flight as opposed to commercial travel, where this can be impossible. Productivity is a hallmark of the most successful business owners and executives which can make this benefit very important. The ability to actually work on the plane, while also enjoying a level of comfort and amenities not available to commercial travelers, means that you can accomplish more in less time with private jet charter. Ask yourself: How much is your time worth per hour?

We also note that as the “instant messaging culture” has grown over the last decade, face-to-face meetings and social engagement has become a rarer commodity, to the detriment of business relationships as a whole. Yes, these forms of communication are inexpensive. And as economic pressures have begun to mount on many small and mid-sized businesses, “virtual” communications have become more frequent. Sometimes it takes a reminder to realize the high value of in-person contact and how this strengthens vital relationships for your organization or business. In the same way that a handwritten note will gain the attention far better than an email, there is no substitute for meeting someone eye to eye and shaking their outstretched hand.

When deciding whether to have an online or a face-to-face meeting, consider whether the relationships everyone will form are more valuable than the cost of traveling. This is true regardless of the business climate, but especially so during times of economic turmoil. If you answer “yes”, which is often the case, then return on investment says you should go for the good of your company. Jet charter affords today’s business owners and executives that opportunity.

Regardless of the political flavor of the month — which happens to be vilification of private travel — the benefits of charter aviation to small business in America should not be understated, as it can be a driving factor in the success of any organizations. It facilitates real human contact, while allowing individuals to efficiently travel and be productive while doing so.

Stratos Jets can provide you with multiple aircraft options – across a range of budgets – for your most important meetings, to help you and your firm achieve long-term success.

Contact Stratos Jets:

1.888.478.7286

info@stratosjets.com

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