Data for 27 companies covered in this spreadsheet:
*Jet card name
*Applicable aircraft
*Maximum seating
*Dedicated owned/managed fleet
*Aircraft sourcing standards
*ARG/US level
*Wyvern level
*Additional access (helicopters, turboprops, etc.)
*Program hour denominations
*Program dollar denominations
The specifics of the aircraft a jet card program grants you access to is a critical factor in decided who you want to fly with. Jet types and even brands and models, quality, passenger seating, operational range, and fleet sourcing should all be considered vis-a-vis your particular private jet travel needs as well as your own comfort levels.
While many card programs offer access to a spectrum of jet types and brands/models, or, in fact, utilize a large global network of charter aircraft of all types and brands/models, some programs specialize by offering only a few types of jets, or, offer access only to a few select types, brands and models. The key consideration for evaluating the applicable aircraft of a jet card program is how much flexibility you need. If your plans are relatively uniform and predictable, just a few select options of jets could easily fit the bill.
Similarly, if your private jet travel needs involved essentially the same, or consistent, numbers of passengers, a limited selection of jets may cover your needs. If the passenger load for you trips varies greatly, you may want to consider a card program that gives access to broader spectrum of jets.
In a general sense, card programs can get you access to private jets via a)a private, company-owned fleet of jets, b) a charter fleet of aircraft managed by the card program company c) a pre-approved population of charter aircraft meeting propriety benchmarks d) a large population of available charter aircraft that meet certain benchmark qualifications from third party organizations like ARG/US or Wyvern or e) any combination of the previously mentioned approaches. If you crave consistency and predictability, down to a jet’s cabin layout and exterior livery, a company-owned fleet may hold appeal. If you are simply looking for the best jet for the trip at hand, access to the vast global charter fleet may sound like the solution.
As far as proprietary, in-house standards, many card programs restrict fleet access to jets newer than a certain year, attach additional benchmarks to available charter aircraft, or employ a proprietary mix of third-party qualifications from leading organizations that rate private jet quality. ARG/US is an independent rating company that examines an operators’ safety track record and assigns a grade to them. If a company operates with a safety record on par or better than its peers, they receive an Gold rating. A Platinum rating indicates a company has undergone a thorough on-site operations audit by the organization. Similarly, Wyvern monitors and grades private jet operators from a more operational/human resource standpoint, ensuring companies are consistently applying best practices via audits and consistent reporting requirements. Wyvern’s highest rating level is Wingman certification.
You may occasionally find the need to access additional lift for certain trips, via helicopters, turboprops or other aircraft smaller or more limited than a private jet. You my also have occasional need for much larger aircraft, as well. While all the companies profiled can certainly assist, some include that access within their card programs, so you can utilize your existing hours or funds to gain that additional access. Others can arrange that kind of on-demand lift as an additional charter operation.
The majority of card programs ordain set minimum hour and/or dollar denominations. This means you have a quantifiable minimum commitment to get involved, although some of the minimums may only provide a few cross-country flights before they are exhausted. Additional set levels of hours and/or dollars may be available. Some companies that offer private jet card programs offer a more “pay as you go” approach or require deposits or advances on an annual or quarterly basis.
Note: Every effort has been undertaken to ensure that all data presented is up-to-date and accurate. Information was sourced directly from the companies profiled and from verified publicly available sources. All data was offered for review and verification to the profiled companies, but some specifics may vary upon contacting the profilees. A blank area indicates that we received no response from the profiled company.
Companies profiled: Air Partner, Inc.; Airstream Jets Inc.; Clay Lacy Aviation; Concord Private Jet; Delta Private Jets, Inc.; ExpertJet; Flexjet; Jet Aviation Flight Services, Inc.; Jet Linx Aviation; JetSet Group; JetSuite; Magellan Jets; Netjets; Nicholas Air; Paramount Business Jets; Private Jet Services Group (PJS Group); PrivateFly; Prive Jets; Sentient Jet; Silverhawk Aviation; Solairus Aviation; Star Jets International LLC; StraightLine Private Air; VistaJet; Wheels Up; Wholesale Jet Club; XOJET