PorterJets launches fixed-rate jet card program

The launch of PorterJets’ fixed-rate, guaranteed-availability jet card program isn’t about an airline from Canada entering the jet card and private jet space.

In this case, New York-based PorterJets is not affiliated with Canadian scheduled air carrier Porter Airlines.

PorterJets, instead, was founded by 15-year private aviation veteran Daniel Naaman, who started selling charter flights when he was 19.

He aims to build a boutique brokerage that maintains high-touch service as it grows.

In addition to private air, it will sell yacht charters and villa rentals, book hotels, and handle ground transportation.

There is also a concierge service to handle dinner reservations and secure tickets.

Naaman says the extra revenue streams will bolster high levels of service.

So far, it has booked 625 client flights via ad hoc charters.

All customers will have a managing partner or managing director empowered to make decisions as a point of contact.

70.7% of Private Jet Card Comparisons subscribers say they are open to working with boutique providers.

Naaman says his fixed-rate jet cards will be inclusive (except deicing) and eschew nickel-and-diming, which he says is typical of the industry.

Personalized service includes VIP catering and focusing on getting to know the customer, such as stocking your favorite spirits and giving personalized welcomes.

“Many clients say they don’t care if there is something to welcome them onboard, but they appreciate the personal touch. That’s the connection we want to provide,” Naaman told Private Jet Card Comparisons.

PorterJets jet card

PorterJets fixed-rate jet card guarantees availability in the Continental U.S. with 12 hours notice.

Fixed rates apply to flights within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coast.

There are no peak days

Hourly rates apply across six cabin categories.

Hourly pricing is available for light, superlight, midsize, super-midsize, large cabin, and ultra-long-haul aircraft.

Light jet hourly rates are $7,500, including a 7.5% Federal Excise Tax.

The rate applies to buying anywhere from 1 to 50 hours, with discounts for buying 50 or more hours.

It’s flexible, so you can buy as many hours as you want. For example, if you only want to buy six hours, you can buy six hours of flight time.

The rate lock lasts until you use the hours, and hours never expire.

There’s no fuel surcharge.

WiFi is guaranteed across all categories, and pets are welcome.

The program is refundable as well.

So, what’s the catch?

Light jet daily minimums are 75 minutes plus 15 minutes of taxi time, so the minimum charge is 90 minutes.

The midsize and super-midsize minimums are 120 minutes plus 30 minutes of taxi time, which is 150% higher than the standard 12 minutes per segment.

Large cabin and ultra-long haul jets carry a 180-minute minimum plus 30 minutes of taxi time.

Like other boutique broker programs, the biggest catch is that one-way flights are not changeable and non-refundable if you cancel after booking, incentivizing customers to wait until the last minute to book.

PorterJets will also create customized jet cards based on specific routes, aircraft types or international areas, Naaman says.

There are eight employees, and Naaman says his goal is measured growth.

Where does the Porter name come from? That comes from his father-in-law.