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What does Bombardier Skyjet do?
Skyjet pioneered real-time, online booking of private jets in 1997 and three years later was aquired by Bombardier, a world leader in aviation and maker of the legendary Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets. Today, Bombardier Skyjet is a recognized leader in jet cards – the fastest growing category in private aviation – as well as a provider of on-demand private jet charter travel.
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What is on-demand jet charter?
On-demand is a term that refers to chartering individual private jet trips. Skyjet arranges on-demand charter trips through its quality network of charter operators for customers who wish to travel anywhere in the world, on any type of jet. On-demand charter is pay-as-you-go – as compared with a jet card, where you deposit funds into an account that are debited as you fly.
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What is the Skyjet Card, and how does it work?
The Skyjet Card is a program designed for customers who fly often via private jet – generally 25 hours a year or more. It works as a debit card whereby the customer deposits funds that are used as he or she travels.
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What are the chief advantages of a jet card vs. on-demand charter?
Skyjet Card customers are guaranteed availability of a private jet when and where they need it, and they are charged simple hourly rates for flying with no extra charges for repositioning or deadheads. In addition, Skyjet pre-selects the operators and aircraft, utilizing only those operators who have successfully passed a third-party, on-site safety audit by one of the approved aviation audit authorities.
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Why is guaranteed aircraft availability important?
When chartering individual trips, jets are usually available – but aircraft supply can occasionally be limited. In such cases, customers would typically either have to adjust their trip schedule, or pay to have a jet repositioned from another location. With the Skyjet Card, customers are assured of a jet with a 12-hour advance reservation. If a jet is not available, Skyjet will reposition one from a nearby location to make sure customers can travel when they want, on quality aircraft.
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What are the advantages of hourly rates with no repositioning fees?
The Skyjet Card’s simple hourly rates take the mystery out of private jet travel pricing. Customers experienced with on-demand charter often are frustrated that the same itinerary on two different days will have two different costs. There are good reasons why this is often the case, but it makes it difficult for on-demand charter customers to know if they paid a fair price for the trip.
In addition, when using on-demand charter, customers are charged for the cost to bring the aircraft back to its home base, unless the passengers are returning the same or next day. By participating in a program such as the Skyjet Card, customers get predictable hourly rates and can avoid charges for the deadhead or empty legs, as well as avoid any repositioning costs to bring the aircraft to their departure point.
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Why is a carefully chosen operator network important?
All charter operators must meet certain criteria to obtain a Part 135 charter certificate. But Skyjet operators have gone above and beyond those requirements by having their operations audited by an independent aviation audit authority. Skyjet uses a very select group of operators who have demonstrated this level of safety, and who operate aircraft that have passed Skyjet’s standards.
Some companies boast about the large number of operators with whom they do business. Skyjet believes that’s a disadvantage for the customer – it just means the broker is utilizing many or all available operators and aircraft. It does not send a signal that they are carefully screening them for safety or aircraft quality.
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What are Bombardier Skyjet’s safety requirements?
Skyjet requires on-site safety audits of all operators, which is the most stringent hurdle for an operator to pass. Skyjet uses three aviation audit authorities that are acknowledged and accepted in the industry: ARG/US and Wyvern. Unlike other companies, Skyjet does not accept a “paper” audit but rather requires an on-site audit. Skyjet also conducts its own evaluation of aircraft to make sure they meet quality standards.
Skyjet's operator crew standards ensure that for every flight you have two qualified pilots who have met Skyjet's logged pilot hour requirements, required logged hours for aircraft type and FAA-approved annual recurrent simulator-based ground and flight school. top |
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Does Skyjet offer different types programs?
Yes. The Skyjet Card includes two program choices that set a threshold on the age of the aircraft. This feature is popular among customers who specifically want to fly on newer aircraft. Additionally, business customers who are flying mostly same-day or next-day round-trips can choose a price option that rewards them for efficient travel. So within the Skyjet Card program, there are choices to fit every customer’s particular needs and wishes.
In addition, Bombardier Skyjet sells the Flexjet 25 jet card, which provides blocks of 25 hours or more on a fractionally based fleet of aircraft.
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How does the Skyjet Card differ from a fractional jet card?
The Skyjet Card utilizes a carefully selected network of charter operators, while the Flexjet 25 jet card utilizes a fractionally based fleet. The Flexjet 25 jet card is ideal for the customer who is willing to pay a premium to fly on newer aircraft managed by a fractional program.
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Does the Skyjet Card expire within a certain period of time?
No, not under the new debit structure.
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Where can you travel on a Skyjet Card?
The service area for the Skyjet Card includes the continental United States and destinations within 200 miles of the U.S. border, plus the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii, .
Additionally, card members can fly between two international destinations through our sister division, Skyjet International / Vista Jet. Based in the U.K., Skyjet International/Vista Jet serves more than 60 countries worldwide, in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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Who is the typical customer of a jet card?
Skyjet Card customers range from large companies and flight departments that utilize the program for “supplemental lift” to individuals who use the Skyjet Card for both personal and business travel.
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How is Bombardier Skyjet different from other jet card providers?
Skyjet’s quality, service and reputation stand out for several reasons:
We are owned by a world-class aviation company that is the only one to offer products and services in every segment of private jet travel – from whole and fractional aircraft ownership to fractional and charter jet cards and even a single on-demand charter trip. No other company has that depth and breadth in its offerings. As a result, we don’t try to steer customers to one solution. We match the customer with the right solution for his or her needs, which means we offer a certain level of credibility and objectivity that is unique to Bombardier Skyjet.
In addition, the name on our jet cards – Bombardier Skyjet – is the name on the aircraft we typically arrange for our customers – Bombardier Learjet and Bombardier Challenger. So we simply have higher standards than the competitive field as a whole. Our safety requirements and the fact that we have intentionally limited our operator network set us apart.
We also have a range of offerings within the jet card category that is unmatched, and a broader geographic service area, including the ability to fly between two international locations through Skyjet International. Most other providers merely have alliances with international companies.
We’ve also been in business for more than 11 years, which makes us a pioneer in our segment and has given us more experience arranging travel for our customers.
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Is catering included?
Yes. Standard catering from the Skyjet Cafe Menu is included on all jet card flights.
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What qualifies a Round-Trip vs One Way Trip?
Flights that are contiguous and return to the original departing airport with an average of 2 hours billable flight-time per day.
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Are my flights tax deductible?
While business travel costs can generally be written off as a business expense, you are best served asking your tax advisor for specifics.
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Can I make payment with a credit card?
Payment is made by wire transfer, check or credit card.
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Do you provide insurance coverage?
Skyjet maintains general liability insurance as well as non-owned aircraft liability insurance. Additionally, Skyjet requires Operators to maintain aircraft liability insurance.
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How do you bill flight time?
Flight-time is billed as actual wheels-up to wheels down flight time with 2/10 hour per segment for taxi time. Minimums apply, and vary based on aircraft type and round-trip or one-way flights.
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How can I receive more information about Bombardier Skyjet?
You are welcome to contact Skyjet at 1.888.2.Skyjet or by email. In addition, feel free to contact your Regional Sales Director.
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