As the CEO of a global company, you already know the benefits of private aviation. No more wasted hours in crowded airports or on the road to meetings, and no more lost baggage that may never show up. A private jet is a solid investment for any decision-maker who has to move freely around the globe.
Still, sometimes it’s tough to justify the cost of an entire plane plus maintenance, storage, and crew. Luckily, with a private jet membership, you can enjoy the same access as if you owned the aircraft without the multimillion-dollar liability.
Private jet memberships are your company’s subscription to the aviation world. These programs offer guaranteed access and consistent pricing, which can be your trump card when trying to beat a competitor to the punch.
How Does a Private Jet Membership Work?
Flying private is a major advantage for corporate frequent flyers, but it’s also time-consuming to prepare. For each trip, you’ll need a dedicated assistant to research quotes and ensure you and your team have the right aircraft.
With a membership program, much of the administrative burden disappears. Companies like Jetly handle scheduling, aircraft availability, and logistics while giving members access to an extensive fleet through a monthly or annual subscription.
Programs and their structures vary, but if you’re interested in seeing an example, click for private jet memberships details and options. In general, subscriptions can include everything from on-demand flight access to concierge-level service and premium onboard comfort. When you factor in the time saved and the flexibility gained, the value is quite clear.
In addition to the upgrade in comfort level, your company receives priority during high-demand periods such as the World Economic Forum or major Grand Prix events. Your provider guarantees a plane will be ready for you with as little as 10 to 24 hours' notice, regardless of season. This doesn’t happen with regular charter flights.
Private Aviation as a Strategic Business Asset
Most of the time, private aviation is dismissed as a luxury line item. Especially if your company is on the smaller side. While there’s no denying that commercial flying is more cost-efficient, when you’re trying to reassure a business partner on the other side of the world, it doesn’t help that you got stuck mid-way, due to unforeseen incidents at your layover airport.
Seen through the lens of operational leverage, having guaranteed access to a private jet is a high-yield business tool. Here’s why:
The Human Capital Multiplier
Time is a non-renewable, extremely valuable resource for most decision-makers. Things get increasingly tighter in a small company, where the CEO is also the lead salesperson or the head of product.
To put things in perspective, let’s say a key executive’s value per hour to the company is $2,000. Your headquarters is located in the US, but you’re extending to other continents.
If a commercial trip to a satellite office takes 14 hours (including layovers and security), the cost would be $28,000 in human capital alone. Compare that to a 5-hour private light jet trip during which the person in question can still work or run meetings.
The First-Mover Advantage
Nowadays, it doesn’t matter if you’re a small player. If you can move faster than million-dollar corporations, you can win the game. In global business, showing up at the right time is often the deciding factor in closing a deal.
When opportunity presents itself, a private jet membership allows your team to be wheels-up in 4 to 10 hours. By the time your competitor catches their commercial flight or decides their next move, you’re already on the ground, having dinner with the prospect.
Information Security
When you prepare for a meeting involving trade secrets or negotiating a sensitive acquisition, travelling commercially can be a risk. You don’t know whose wondering eye falls onto your screen while in an airport lounge or during a flight.
A private cabin gives you the peace of mind to keep discussing strategy while in the air. You can also stay in touch with the team on the ground via high-speed, secure, satellite Wi-Fi.
Embrace the Sharing Economy
Nowadays, the barrier to entry for private aviation is no longer a $10M purchase. Small players can also enjoy the benefits thanks to programs like private jet memberships or fractional ownership. In a world where time is literally money, keep your competitive edge by making sure your team is always on time and in the right place.
