Biden, Buttigieg urged not to hamstring private jets amid reports of domestic COVID travel restrictions

covid travel restrictions

The National Air Transportation Association wrote the President and Transportation Secretary, “We cannot afford to shackle an industry that not only empowers countless businesses across the country and offers essential services”

In a letter to President Joseph Biden and Transportation Secretary Peter Buttigieg, National Air Transportation Association CEO Timothy Obitts warned that if domestic travel restrictions are extended to private aviation, it will hamstring the economy.

Biden mask mandate extends to private jet charters and terminals

private aviation mask requirements

Friday’s late-night mask mandate following President Biden’s executive order extends to Part 135 private jet charter flights, including jet cards, FBOs, and begins at midnight tonight

(Updated) NetJets says the mask mandate doesn’t apply to its flights

Friday’s late-night mask mandate by the CDC following President Joe Biden’s executive order requiring masks to be worn in airports and on commercial airline flights extends to Part 135 charter operations and FBOs, according to a notice sent by the National Air Transportation Association.

Private Jet Card Comparisons reported on the possibility last week after the executive order. The order comes just days in advance of the Super Bowl, typically one of the busiest weekends for private jet flights

Illegal private charter flight reports take a “dramatic uptick”

illegal charter

Newcomers looking for deals and cash strapped private jet owners are causing a surge in illegal charter activity. However, FAA enforcement often misses the mark, industry experts say

Illegal charter can be deadly. Last year’s death of European soccer star Emiliano Sala came on an aircraft not authorized for commercial charters in Europe. It was flown by a pilot who wasn’t qualified. A 2018 Falcon 50 crash that killed both pilots in South Carolina found that maintenance records weren’t up to date. The pilots were not qualified to fly Part 135 charter flights.

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