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private jet brokers

Private jet brokers, can you trust them?

Private jet brokers don’t own aircraft and simply sit in between you and the private jet operator. 

It’s no secret that there’s been a considerable uptick in private jet charter in Australia.  Customers new and existing are making the most of increased availability of jets.

For new customers, it can be quite exciting to book your first private jet charter.  The feeling of finally ‘making it’, or giving in to the utility and benefits of flying private. 

While some private jet brokers have closed down during the pandemic, others are making the most of this uptick. However they can get a little greedy when it comes to pricing your trip.  Let us explain.

How do private jet brokers price a charter?

When you provide your itinerary to the broker, they’ll try to get some further information from you such as preferred cabin size, budget and any other requirements outside of the normal to help make a decision on what operator to approach.

Private Jet Broker Australia

Operators will provide the broker with a price to facilitate your trip.  The broker will then add a margin (5-20%) and present you with some options.

All of the process so far is very common, ethical and standard practice.  

But what if you only fly one way, or the jet returns empty back to its home base during your stay at the destination?  Empty capacity is then generated, in which brokers will then attempt to sell the newly created ‘empty leg’.  This is when some brokers get a little greedy.

Should the broker sell the empty leg, they’ll keep all that revenue for themselves.  There’s a fair chance you’ll have no idea about it.  So what’s the problem with that?

You are paying full price for that empty leg to be created and sold.  The broker has added their fee to your price (their profit), and are now making thousands of dollars on top of that thanks to you.  We call it the double dip.  So what can you do about it?

Negotiate a revenue share deal with brokers

In the name of fairness, you should ask your broker if any empty legs are attached to your flight.  If that answer is yes, ask for a share of that empty leg revenue.  There is no reason for the broker to not work out a deal to make everyone happy.

Working with your private jet broker

If they say no, it may be time to thank them for their efforts and find a more transparent company to work with.

How does Airly share empty leg revenue?

In the past few months we have credited or refunded tens of thousands of dollars back to our charter customers from the sale of empty legs, or combining their itinerary with another customer’s saving on empty positioning fees.

When pricing your flight, we will advise if empty flights are going to be marketed, and how much of a potential refund you will receive on the successful sale of said empty flight.  We refund or credit at least 80% of empty leg revenue back to you.

Here’s some recent examples.

On the 17th of April we refunded or credited a total of $9,100 to two separate customers by selling their attached empty legs on a one-way trip.

On the 2nd of May we were able to sell three empty legs attached to a one-way charter.  A total of $10,000 was credited to the customer’s next flight.

On the 8th of May we combined two itineraries onto the one jet saving both of our customers $4,000 each.

On the 11th of May we combined two itineraries onto the one jet saving both of our customers $3,000 each.

trust private jet brokers

In summary, a good private jet broker can help guide you through the confusing world that is private aviation.  But in order to find a good broker you need to keep them honest.

Wheels UP

Wheels UP – The making of an aviation powerhouse

“Wheels up” is a phrase used in aviation to describe the transition from take off landing gear down configuration, to airborne configuration with landing gear, or wheels, retracted. It’s a phrase that evokes progress, speed, and of being on a journey.

Thus, it’s fitting for a pioneer in business and private aviation to be named as such. Wheels Up was founded in 2013 by three New York-based founders. Their founding goal was, and still is, to reinvent private flying through a “revolutionary new business model that delivers the safest, most consistent, and highest -quality aviation solution.” This article explores what that means to members and travellers, the pioneering journey that Wheels Up continues to track, and the company’s leadership in shaping an industry.

“You can’t fail, you pivot.”

Kenny Dichter, Wheels Up Founder & CEO

Wheels Up is a leader in private aviation. And, the brand and legacy it forges only makes sense by looking at its founder, Mr. Kenny Dichter. A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Kenny Dichter made his first millions in 1998 through the sale of his college-founded Alphabet City Sports Records, a label focused on songs often heard in sports stadiums and arenas. In 2001, Dichter co-founded Marquis Jets, the world’s first fractional card private jet program. By 2007, the business was turning over USD700 million per year with 3,500 customers, selling private jet access in 25-hour allotments. That same year, Dichter predicted that Marquis Jets would grow into a billion-dollar business within three years.

In 2010, Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary company, NetJets, acquired Marquis Jet. Marquis Jets’ innovative, accessible, and flexible ‘jet card’ model bolstered NetJets’ fractional ownership business model. Within two years, NetJets proceeded to place the largest aircraft order in private history, for up to 275 Bombardier aircraft, valued at over USD17.6 billion.

“Rule Number One: Never lose money.

Rule Number Two: Never forget rule one.”

– Warren Buffett

Although the 2010 sales terms of NetJets’ acquisition of Marquis Jet weren’t disclosed, it’s probable that Dichter’s 2007 prediction was realised, with NetJets reporting significant sales increase that year. Today, both Marquis Jets and NetJets continue to operate, with the latter the clear private jet fractional ownership industry leader.

Growth

After selling Dichter took a ‘break,’ founding the highly regarded and cult-like Tequila Avión. Pernot Ricard, the premium liquor portfolio company, increased its ownership of the esteemed tequila brand to a majority holding over a few years.

Wheels Up on Twitter: "Who's excited for @entouragemovie? #WheelsUp # Entourage #EntourageTheMovie http://t.co/gAvX9KBsfd"
“I thought you were in that Avion Tequila deal?” – HBO’s Entourage

In 2013, Dichter along with two co-founders, returned to aviation entrepreneurship with the launch of Wheels Up. The co-founders simultaneously announced their management team along with a USD1.4 billion order for 105 Beechcraft King Air 350i turboprop aircraft. In disrupting and creating new markets, Wheels Up’s business model was premised on a membership / on-demand business model, servicing non-hub commercial services.

Since founding, Wheels Up has gone from strength to strength in under a decade. Within a year of launch the company had over 1,000 members and close to 40 aircraft (King Airs and Cessna Citation jets), and by 2019 the company had over 5,500 memberships (individual and corporate) and owned nearly 100 aircraft.

Importantly, Wheels Up continues to succeed through challenging the industry’s norms through Dichter’s entrepreneurial attitude, manifested in business model adjustments. Although founded on an entirely new premise of membership-based flying access, in 2018 Wheels Up announced a new flight sharing membership offering, Wheels Up Connect. The goal of Connect was to “democratize private flying” by further reducing the unit cost to access the benefits, efficiencies, and economics of business jet aviation. Despite Wheels Up closing 2020 with 10,995 active members and USD690 million in revenue at the end of 2020, they estimate that “90% of people who can afford to fly privately don’t,” or more than a million people in the US, and forecast their 2021 annual revenue to grow to USD912m

Create. Don’t Compete.

The last several years have seen Wheels Up manoeuvering to capitalise on this untapped blue ocean of private aviation travellers. In 2019, the same year that Wheels Up announced their goal of 16,000 active members by 2021, the company started a strategic acquisition spree to bolster their charter operations and membership management platform. Acquisitions included included the Travel Management Company (TMC Jets); Avianis, a B2B communication platform for operators and brokers; Gama Aviation Signature, the largest Part 135 charter operators in the USA; and Mountain Aviation, the largest Cessna Citation X fleet charter operator in the United States.

Blue Ocean Strategy vs Red Ocean Strategy
Blue Ocean Strategy vs Red Ocean Strategy , © Chan Jim & Renee Mauborgne

The underlying logic behind Wheels Up aggressive growth is simple – the company needs aircraft (supply) to meet the untapped private aviation demand. Dichter told Forbes earlier this year that the company will continue to serve the wholesale market and supply the growing demand for members. To fund this exponential trajectory, Dichter has executed what appears to be an astute two-stage plan.

The first stage saw Delta Private Jets, Delta Air Lines’ private aviation subsidiary, merge into Wheels Up and bringing Delta’s 70 aircraft into Wheels Up’s fold in 2020. This merger saw Delta Airlines take a majority stake in Wheels Up, and granted them a board seat.

The second stage of strategic funding is a shrewd twist on Dichter’s previously reported preference to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). In February, the company announced a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger with Aspirational Consumer Lifestyle Corporation. By merging with a SPAC, Wheels Up is expecting to achieve an “enterprise value of about USD2.1 billion,” and cash proceeds of USD790 million, without negotiating the traditional IPO process.

The winner is…

Having a successful, proven, serial entrepreneur in Kenny Dichter, who is clearly passionate about general and private aviation, and recognises its unrealised potential, is an incredible opportunity for the industry. Travellers benefits through new and more accessible means of transport, at improved value; while the aviation industry benefits from positive disruption, bringing about improvements and progress.

Wheels Up are an industry leader, and Kenny Dichter an incredible change agent.

Wheels Up’s Cessna Citation Excel / XLS
snow escapes by private jet

Airly & Luxury Escapes partner to provide the ultimate snow day-trip.

Airly and Luxury Escapes have taken their partnership to the next level.

Ever imaged spending just a day at the snow?

Waking up and going back to your own bed after a whole day of tearing up the slopes.

It may seem like a fantasy when you consider the near 6 hour drive from Bondi to Thredbo each way.

However the team at Airly and Luxury Escapes have partnered to provide the ULTIMATE snow day trip, which landed on their site recently.

Swap the dazzling city sights of Sydney for the soaring mountain peaks of Thredbo with the ultimate VIP fly-in, fly-out private jet ski experience – perfect for snow-lovers seeking a luxurious way to hit the slopes in style.

Perisher

Departing Sydney on select dates through July and August 2021, this incredible opportunity allows you to spend more time shredding and carving your way down the mountain instead of weaving your way through traffic.

Board a private jet with eight luxurious leather seats (max. six guests) and fast-track your way straight to the slopes.

Airly and Luxury Escapes VIP Snow Day Trip

Enjoy a light breakfast onboard your 35-minute flight as you soar above the magnificent Snowy Mountains to reach Cooma Airport. Upon arrival, be greeted by a private chauffeur, who will transport you to the centre of Thredbo.

Head straight to the Kosciuszko Express or Merritts Gondola, where pre-arranged lift tickets await. Spend the day racing down the mountain and getting your fix of adrenaline before your afternoon return flight to Sydney, with light snacks served onboard.

This experience is really worth calling in sick for.

To learn more visit Luxury Escapes or contact us.

What celebrities have their own private jet?

What celebrities have their own private jet?

Ever wondered what celebrities own a private jet?

Look out Forbes and AFR, here’s Airly’s submission of JetList – the top 10 celebrities who own their own private jet.

Airly’s inaugural JetList

The JetList ranks private jets owned by celebs ordered by price at the time of purchase.

10. Tom Cruise – Gulfstream GIV ($36m)

Gulfstream IV

We like this entry for the fact it’s a little old school. Mr Cruise’s 1998 Gulfstream is still a beautiful jet in its own right. Combined with his classic P-51 Mustang you can tell Maverick loves the nostalgia of aviation.

9. Jay Z – Challenger 850 ($40m)

Jay Z private jet

Beyonce reportedly paid $40m USD in 2012 for the Challenger as a Father’s Day present. What a present!

The 850 is the largest of the Challenger range, seating up to 19 passengers with some of the seats converting to beds for longer flights. The jet also features two bathrooms in the cabin.

8. Jackie Chan – Embraer Legacy 650 & 500 ($50m)

Jackie Chan Private Jet

It’s no secret that Jackie Chan is an avid Embraer fan. He purchased his Legacy 650 for $30m USD in 2012. In 2016, Chan added a brand new Legacy 500 to take care of shorter trips for $20m USD.

We’re yet to see Jackie buy into the new Embraer Praetor range, so watch this space.

7. Jim Carrey – Gulfstream V ($59m)

One of the greatest comedians is the proud owner of this Gulfstream V purchased for $59m USD.

Carrey makes his 1998 jet available for rent when he’s not using it, for around $8,000 an hour.

6. Oprah Winfrey – Gulfstream 650 ($70m)

Oprah Winfrey Private Jet

Ms Winfrey joins other celebrities who have upgraded their jets to the latest and greatest.

Oprah’s previous aircraft was a Bombardier Global Express XRS, showing no loyalty towards her jet manufacturer.

5. Kylie Jenner – Bombardier Global 7500 ($72m)

Kylie Jenner Private Jet

This is a perfect ‘top-shelf’ purchase in the Global 7500. The pink-branded jet is capable of flying 14,260km non-stop.

Reaching a three-comma status via her makeup brand, ‘Sky Ky’ was just one of Ms Jenner’s big ticket items during a spending spree in 2020.

4. Donald Trump – Boeing 757 ($100m)

Donald Trump Private Jet

Purchased from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011 the ‘T-bird’ has become an iconic jet in the sky’s.

Normally a jet liner, the Boeing 757 was refurbished to accommodate 43 passengers with bathrooms featuring 24 carat gold fixtures!

Having spent the last 4 years on Air Force One we’re not quite sure where Mr Trump sits following reports of him flying on a Citation X ($4m USD) in recent weeks.

3. Bill Gates – Gulfstream 650ER x 2 ($140m)

As we researched on our JetList, we were surprised to see the Microsfoft founder owns a single Global Express ($40m).

However, after further digging, we learned that Mr Gates and his foundation also own 2 x Gulfstream 650ER private jets, valued at $70m USD each. The Bill & Melinder Gates Foundation also owns 2 x Challenger 350’s via NetJets, and other smaller aircraft.

2. Mark Cuban – Various ($280m+)

The popular internet billionaire broke records in 1999 paying $40m USD for his Gulfstream V. It was the largest internet transaction at the time!

Since then Cuban has also added two Boeing Business Jets to his hangar. One of which is used by his NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, and the other his Boeing 767 which he also makes available to charter.

1. John Travolta – Various

Taking our inaugural number one place is John Travolta and his fleet of jets. When you can land your jet in the backyard and park it out the front of your mansion, it’s hard to not give him top billing.

It’s difficult to get a combined value of his fleet. With a vintage Boeing 707, Challenger 601 and EA500 being just 3 of his 6-11 aircraft.

He’s clearly quite the collector.

Learjet

End of an era: Vale the Learjet – long live the business jet

They said I’d never build it; that if I built it, it wouldn’t fly; that if it flew, I couldn’t sell it. Well I did and it did and I could.

William P. Lear, founder of the Lear Jet Corporation, and designed of arguably the world’s first business jet.

On February 11, 2021, Bombardier, who purchased the Learjet company in 1990, announced an end to production of all Learjet private jets. This marks a sad milestone for aviation, for it heralds the end of an era. For decades, since the company’s first aircraft, the Learjet 23, the name Learjet was synonymous with private aviation, business aviation, and aviation leadership.

While the Learjet name may be consigned to history, fortunately business and private aviation manufacturing, innovations, and business models continue to thrive.

Learjet 75 Liberty
Bombardier Learjet 75 Liberty

History of Lear Jet

The first Learjet 23 was delivered in 1964. It was the brainchild of inventor, businessman, and high-school drop out William (Bill) Lear. Over 46 years Lear was granted over 120 patents, contributing significantly to radio and aviation. He is, however, best known for creating a new category of fast and efficient business jets, and a brand that to many is the definition of a business jet. Before Lear Jet there simply was no business or private jet category – VIPs, states-persons, and celebrities that could afford to fly privately were limited to airliner-type aircraft.

The Learjet 23’s genesis began in Switzerland in the 1940s, where the Flug- und Fahrzeugwehrke Altenrhein (FFA) company was developing a domestically designed and manufactured fighter jet – the FFA P-16. The P-16 was never introduced into service and the program cancelled in favour of the proven British Hawker Hunter – but Bill Lear saw promise in the aircraft’s fundamental design as a business jet, having previously and unsuccessfully based preliminary designs on a US experimental aircraft named the Mississippi State University XV-11 Marvel.

In 1960 Lear founded the Swiss American Aircraft Corporation in Switzerland and began work on the initially-named SAAC-23 Execujet. In 1962, frustrated by slow progress in Switzerland, Lear moved SAAC’s factory tooling to Wichita, Kansas and renamed the company the Lear Jet Corporation. Production began in 1962 with the first flight of the Learjet 23 taking placing the following year. On October 13, 1964, the first production aircraft was delivered and over a two year production run 101 Learjet 23s were delivered.

The Learjet makes sense
Aviation Week – 5 July 1965

Learjet Legacy

Fast forward 25 years, and it was the Learjet 31 that ultimately delivered on Lear’s vision of the definitive business jet.

Only 200 Learjet 31s were produced between 1988 and 2002, with many of these still in service. Often referred to as “the Porsche of the sky,” the 31 combines the empennage-mounted engine design with the distinctive “Longhorn” wing configuration. With seating for eight passengers, the jet is capable of climbing at over 5,000 feet per minute, reaching cruise altitude of 47,000 feet and 0.81 March in 28 minutes. A service ceiling of 51,000 feet puts the Learjet 31 in rarefied air. With efficient fuel consumption and field performance, both the Learjet 31 and the slightly upgraded 31A are still favoured by many passengers and operators today.

Learjet 31
Learjet 31

Having sold a significant portion of his company to the Gates Rubber Company in 1967, the Gates Learjet Corporation was acquired by Integrated Acquisition in 1987 and renamed the Learjet Corporation. In 1990, Bombardier Aerospace purchased the company and initiated a clean-sheet design and marketing of the “Bombardier Learjet Family.”

Celebrating the legend of the Learjet

The Learjet 60 was the first of this new lineage, followed by the Learjet 45. Similar to how the 31 revolutionised business aviation, the Learjet 45 fused the operating economics of a light business jet with the comfort of a mid-size jet, while remaining true to Learjet’s excellent performance. The Learjet 75 is the final jet to bear the Learjet name, with first delivery having taken place in 2013 and production ceasing this year.

Learjet 45
Learjet 45

The future of business aviation

The end of the Learjet marque is nostalgic, but should not be seen as a bellwether for the business aviation industry. For several decades, the business and private aerospace industry has been increasingly fragmenting – offering a relatively small pool of consumers an excessive amount of aircraft options. By comparison, the commercial aviation sector has consolidated to effectively two manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing. The private jet industry has several – Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, and even Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets. For reference, Airbus and Boeing delivered 723 aircraft in 2020, while global business jet deliveries numbered 644.

Consolidation is a natural part of the evolution of any industry as technologies advance and market expectations grow.

Jensen & Copier, The Pros and Cons of Industry Consolidation, OEM Off-Highway, 31 Aug 2020

The business aviation industry is likely behind commercial aerospace in terms of industry consolidation maturity. A Deloitte 2017 analysis of the merger and acquisition trends in aerospace and defense anticipated (generally) that “aerospace and defense companies would increasingly look to M&A (and joint ventures) as a means to grow, specifically by expanding product portfolios, gaining new technical capabilities, and expanding into new geographies.”

Deans, Kroeger & Zeisel, The Consolidation Curve, Harvard Business Review, Dec 2002

This industry consolidation is good for operators, owners, and travelers, in bringing cost efficiencies and technological advances together. Competition is healthy, and we can expect there to remain a handful of business jet manufacturers; but some consolidation in a high-capital, regulatory intensive, and difficult to enter industry is beneficial for all.

While the brand may not be seen on aircraft beyond this year, over fifty years of Learjet’s innovations and progress will continue to serve Bombardier’s business aircraft competitive advantage, and deliver value to operators and travelers.

Learjet 35A
Learjet 35A
Adelaide by private Jet

Fly to Cooma and Adelaide by private jet; new routes added to the SHARED program

After celebrating 300 members on our SHARED private jet membership the team have announced the addition of Adelaide and Cooma to the network.

Fly to Adelaide by private jet.

The changes come along with price increases to the entire network. These were necessary to help combat rising costs, less-predictable demand and to help activate more private jet flights in a shared environment.

Make the most of your Airly Private Jet Membership

Fly to Adelaide by private jet

As a result of the changes we have included Adelaide and Cooma as new destinations.

Adelaide will be accessible from Melbourne and Sydney airports.

Cooma will be a seasonal option from Sydney perfect for Winter.

Fly to Cooma by private jet

To take advantage of these changes you need to be part of Airly’s SHARED program.

First of all download and register the Airly private jet app. Then you can apply for membership.

Falcon 2000LX in Sydney

Falcon 2000LX lands at Sydney

Dassault Aviation’s philosophy behind their successful Falcon range is simple – to enable business aviation. In this article we take a look at the Falcon 2000LX.

Falcon 2000LX in Sydney

That is, Dassault’s vision is to help others realise the benefits of business aviation, such as corporate development and growth, as well as traveling flexibility.  Having delivered over 2,500 Falcons, Dassault have been a market leader in the wide cabin, long range aircraft segment for over 50 years.  Additionally, through Dassault Aviation’s Defense business, the Falcon jet range benefit from the advanced technological innovations developed for combat aircraft, including cockpit systems, digital flight control systems, head-up displays, flight qualities, and aerodynamics.

History of the Falcon 2000

The Falcon 2000, certified in 1994, introduced several features that progressed the private jet beyond its tri-engined predecessor, the Falcon 900, and set the Falcon family on its successful trajectory to an industry leading marque.  A decade later and the Falcon 2000LX improved on the 2000’s features through modified wings and blended winglets, improving climb performance and range.

Falcon 2000LX touches down in Sydney

Last week, a newly Australian-registered Falcon 2000LX landed at Sydney Airport.  From a comfort perspective the LX’s 6.1 ft tall, 7.7 ft wide, and 26.3 ft long cabin is spacious, light, and well-appointed for its extended range capability.  Although the aircraft is designed to hold up to 19 passengers, the newly arrived one is luxuriously configured for eight passengers with the cabin arranged in two distinct areas of a forward double club arrangement, and the rear with four-person conference table plus a two-person lounge available once the seat belt sign is extinguished.  Two of the forward area seats can fold down, allowing comfortable lie-flat napping.  The windows are large, filling the cabin with natural light, and the forward seating area offers in-seat audio-visual facilities.  A comprehensive galley, stand-up lavatory, and 134 cubic feet of accessible baggage space round out the long-range comforts of the Falcon 2000LX.   

Falcon private jet cabin
Falcon 2000LX forward cabin

From a performance perspective the sharp looking winglets make an incredible difference over the standard 2000.  Although the LX has the same airfoil and wingspan of the Falcon EX, the winglets increase the LX’s range by 200 nautical miles to over 4,000 nautical miles with eight passengers.  From Sydney Airport, this range grants access to destinations from New Zealand across to much of South East Asia.  The winglets also help the jet climb to FL410 in just 18 minutes, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW308C engines that provide slightly more thrust and performance than the 2000, and provide the jet with a cruise speed of 482 knots at 39,000 feet.

The rear cabin
Rear club configuration

A pilot’s delight

The elegant and modern dual-crew cockpit employs the functional and simple Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 fully-integrated avionics suite, centred around the Honeywell EASy Avionics panel, and four large flat panel display screens. The aircraft comes standard with an Allied Signal Flight Management System, Collins Doppler weather radar, and a dual channel Integrated Avionics Processor System.  

The Flight Deck

The Falcon 2000LX embodies the benefits of business aviation through its understated performance, and inherent flexibility.  But perhaps most notably, it exemplifies Marcel Dassault’s famous quote, “for an aircraft to fly well, it must be beautiful.”

And now, it is available to Airly members and charter clients.

Shared private jet flight

Initiating your first shared private jet flight

Airly is Australia’s first private aviation startup that enables members to initiate or opt into a shared private jet flight for the price of business class.

If you’re unfamiliar with our private jet membership, click here to learn more.

This article is designed to be a short tutorial on how to initiate your first flight on our private jet app.

Shared private jet
Our VP of Membership & Experience, Lee, with the Phenom 300.

How to initiate your first shared private jet flight

Log into the Airly app, and scroll down to the ‘Travel in Style’ section. Select ‘SHARED FLIGHT’ and then tap the gold ‘Book a Flight’ button.

Shared private jet Step One

Next, select your departure and arrival airports. We’ll only show the airports available under the SHARED program here.

Shared private jet Step Two

Once your route is set it’s time to select a date. When you click the DD/MM/YYYY field you’ll be shown a calendar which may also have orange and green dots on particular days.

These dots indicate if there’s a pending (orange) or activated (green) SHARED flight already initiated on that particular day along with the price per person.

Shared private jet Step Three

Once you select the date, provide the number of passengers travelling and click ‘Search’.

Shared private jet Step Four

Next in view will be the flight initiation and results page.

Below the flight initiation window are a list of pending or activated SHARED flights that match your request on or around your dates.

If any of the existing flights don’t suit, go back to the top of the screen and click ‘Initiate now’.

Shared private jet Step Five

You’ll then be asked to provide a departure time. So enter that and click continue (remembering to stick with 24 hour format).

Shared private jet Step Six

Finally you will see a summary of the flight that will be initiated.

You can provide the preferred payment method before agreeing to the terms and selecting ‘Initiate’.

Shared private jet Step Seven

From here a flight will be initiated and other members will be notified and invited to opt in.

No payment will be made till the flight is activated.

Now is the time to sit back and let our app and member care team process your request and work to activate your flight.

If you wish to review the flight or share the details with other friends who are on Airly’s SHARED private jet membership you will find this pending flight under ‘My Trips’ tab.

If you’re unsure, just reach out to your member care team for advice.

Private Jet Etiquette

Private jet etiquette: From NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire

Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire has weighed in on the private jet etiquette debate.

Private Jet Etiquette with Amar'e Stoudemire.
Amar’e Stoudemire via Instagram

Only known to those who fly private frequently, there’s an unofficial guide to etiquette when flying on a private jet.

Speaking recently with Bloomberg, the NBA legend detailed two of his tips, but we’ll add a couple more to make this article more informative.

Private jet etiquette Tip 1: Leave the red wine for later

The first tip Stoudemire brings up in the interview is around the consumption of wine onboard a private jet.

Most private jet cabins feature light-coloured seats and carpets and you don’t want to be that person spilling a nice Shiraz onto cream leather.

Amar’e suggests to stick with the whites or Rosé.

Tip 2: The host always boards the jet first

It can be quite exciting flying private for the first time.

But as you’re grabbing those selfies as you board, make sure you’re not pushing past your host to get on first.

Stoudemire believes the host should always board the private jet first in a sign of appreciation and perfect etiquette.

Private Jet Etiquette Boarding

Tip 3: Be punctual but not too early

This tip comes from our Member Care team.

One reason private jets are a preferred method of travel is the ability to adjust schedules and timings to suit.

You don’t fly private to sit in a lounge for 2 hours, you fly private to be able to grab a quick snack and be wheels up in ten minutes.

We suggest getting to your departure lounge location 15-20 minutes prior to departure.

Should you be running late, let your captain and/or member care specialist know as airport slots may need to be adjusted.

Tip 4: Know your (luggage) limits

Make sure you discuss luggage allowances with your member care specialist.

Some private jets we frequently use, like the Phenom 300E, can take a serious amount of luggage.

However, there are some jets that will struggle to fit multiple suitcases per person.

To avoid embarrassment and keep your experience smooth and seamless on the tarmac, simply reach out ahead of time and ensure what you will bring with you can fit.

Private Jet Etiquette Ask Questions

Tip 5: There are no stupid questions

Flying private can provide some of the most positive and memorable experiences.

But for those new to the industry, there may be questions you have but you may be too afraid to ask.

This tip is to promise to you that there are no stupid questions.

If you have a question, concern or comment do not hesitate to ask your member care team.

Did we miss any etiquette tips? Let us know via Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Private jet interior

Never miss a private jet empty leg

If you signed up to the Airly private jet app chasing a discounted one-way flight you may be missing out, for one of two reasons.

The first reason is because someone booked the one-way before we got a chance to promote it.

The other, and more likely reason, is because you weren’t notified by the app.

Private jet interior

The app looks for those who have searched a particular route, and also looks for the user’s home airport. If your home airport matches the flight’s arriving or departing airport you’ll receive a notification.

But we need to know where your home airport is, so this article will explain how to set your home airport in several taps.

How to set your home airport on the Airly app

First of all, log into the app, then tap ‘Account’.

Next tap settings.

Then tap update profile.

Here you can keep your details up to date. But for this demonstration let’s update your home airport.

You’ll be invited to start typing your home airport, or IATA code (e.g. SYD for Sydney’s Mascot Airport, or BWU for Bankstown). Begin typing and you’ll see the available options. Click the preferred airport then select ‘Save changes at the bottom’.

And you’re done!

Although you may be inclined to choose the closest airport to you, try to locate the closest major airport.

If, for example, you lived close to Parafield Airport in Adelaide we’d recommend selecting Adelaide Airport is there is a greater likelihood a private jet would fly into Adelaide (ADL) instead of the smaller Parafield.

If you’re unsure, just reach out to your member care team for advice.