Charter to Caribbean Islands Just Got Easier

Over the Holiday Season, Blue Star Jets, a leader in corporate and private jet charter services has seen an increase in reservations for individuals seeking to charter a jet to the Caribbean Islands. Blue Star Jets attributes this to recent troubles facing commercial airlines losing luggage and numerous flight cancellations. As such, individuals are seeking alternative ways to arrive at their exotic destinations this winter season. They also are able to fly to more exotic locations without the hassle of plane transfers increasing the chances for concern.

Todd Rome, CEO of Blue Star Jets stated, “The individuals who seek a charter jet to the Caribbean Islands and around the globe rely on the corporate jet charter industry to keep deadlines and travel time at a minimum. People are beginning to look for convenience, efficiency and safety over price for themselves and their family.”

Spotlight On: The CSeries

One of the private jets you may find yourself on when you arrange a flight with Blue Star Jets is the Bombardier CSeries, a business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace.

According to the manufacturer’s website:

The Bombardier CSeries is the only family of aircraft designed specifically, without compromise, for the lower end of the 100- to 149-seat market. CSeries is the perfect balance of proven methods, materials and leading-edge technology to meet the airline needs for 2013 and beyond.

This competitive aircraft family will be built with unmatched operating economics, optimal environmental friendliness, total life-cycle support, unparalleled passenger appeal, superior operational flexibility and mature reliability levels at the entry into service.

The aircraft features an optimized cabin design for widebody comfort and storage, an aluminum lithium pressurized fuselage, better fuel economy, and other ‘green’ features such as reduced CO2 emissions and noise.

It also features larger windows and wider seats for enhanced passenger comfort.

The Right Jet for the Right Job

When it comes to private jet charter, the type of aircraft for your particular needs is an important decision. The charter company you choose should have a variety of aircraft types available. Blue Star Jets has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide. The aircraft shown below are representative models within their respective classes.

Turbo Props
The lightest aircraft aloft combines the use of twin propellers and a turbine engine to fly. With a conservative use of fuel, the turbo prop is the most cost-efficient aircraft for short-service flights. Ideal for short to mid-range flights. Capacity to hold 6-8 passengers, average cruising speed of 280-315 mph and average nonstop range of just over 1,000 miles. In addition, we have turbo prop airliners which hold 12-29 passengers.


Helicopters
Quick on and off the ground and agile in the air, helicopters are a versatile air travel option that allows ultimate accessibility. Capacity to hold 4-6 passengers, averaging cruising speed of 150-194 mph and average nonstop range of 450-591 miles.

Light Jets
A sleek entrance into the jet class, light jets feature pressurized cabins and can fly at higher altitudes than their prop counterparts. A smooth ride, with the luxury of a quiet engine. Most economical choice for short to mid-range trips. Capacity to hold 5-8 passengers, average cruising speed of 400-560 mph and average nonstop range of 1,500 miles.


Medium Jets
The most versatile of the fleet. With the comfort of the larger aircrafts and agility of smaller models, the medium jet ofers a best-in-class experience. Capacity to hold 7-9 passengers, average cruising speed of 510-590 mph and average nonstop range of 2,100 miles.


Super Medium Jets
A masterful aircraft for executive travel, specifically for long-range flights. A step up from the mid-size allows more space and fuel capacity. Capacity to hold 8-10 passengers, average cruising speed of 490-590 mph and average nonstop range of 3,400-3,600 miles.


Heavy Jets
With impressive cruising speed and cabin space, heavy jets embody optimum performance. The largest size aircraft that doesn't require a major airport runway, while still covering long distances. Capacity to hold 9-15 passengers, average cruising speed of 500-560 mph and average nonstop range of 4,000 miles. In addition we have access to Boeing Business Jets which hold 15-23 passengers.

Jumbo Jets
More commonly known as a commercial airliner, this aircraft, available through Bluestar Jets, is anything but. Traveling at higher speed with greater range, the jumbo jet can fly the globe delivering any entourage any distance. Whether it's a sports team or a rock tour, this member of the fleet can be configured for executive, coach or even private travel with bedrooms and any other amenity you can think of.


For more details on particular aircraft, visit the Blue Star Jets website.

Tips for Business Travelers: Car Rental

If you’re traveling on a private charter jet for business, there’s a good chance you’ll be renting a car when you arrive at your destination. Here are ten tips for business travelers that could make your next car rental a breeze instead of an accident scene:
1. Do you have to rent a car? The best way to avoid rent-a-car hassles is to avoid renting a car in the first place. Do you absolutely need your own wheels or can you use public transportation, shuttles and taxis to get where you want to go? Conference resorts cater to the non-driver. In Orlando, Florida for example, a variety of transport services are available to take you to conference destinations -- at a fraction of a car rental cost. If your final destination is an urban center, weigh the taxi fares against parking garage costs, possible parking tickets and the trouble you may have negotiating unfamiliar streets.

2. Membership has its privileges. No doubt about it -- if you are going to rent cars, you should join car rental frequent traveler programs. While upgrades and frequency points are terrific, one of the best benefits you receive with some is the ability to bypass lines. With National Car Rental's Emerald Club membership, you can go from baggage claim to car without stopping at the counter. Alamo's Quicksilver program lets you arrange for your car at a kiosk. Car rental companies want the frequent flyer's business. Once you pick the one that suits your needs -- try to to stick with it.

3. Review your company's travel policy. Does your company restrict the type of car you can rent? Will the expense for the SUV or convertible be turned back by the accounting department? Before you rent, make sure what is and isn't approved. Some companies may cover a car rental expense over the weekend if that mean a lower airfare for the business trip. Does your corporate card cover additional insurance and additional drivers? (see Tip#5). Check it out -- before you rent.

4. Reserve ahead of time and try to arrive early in the day. Again, it helps if you are a preferred customer -- but always try to make your reservation as soon as possible.Write down the confirmation number and verify the class of car and guaranteed rate. If possible try to get the information from the company in writing, through your corporate travel department. One day -- or even hours prior to your trip, verify the reservation again. Even with a confirmed reservation, you may be out of luck if you arrive late in the day when cars have just turned over.

5. It's always a dilemma for travelers -- do you really need the optional loss or collision damage waiver (LDW/CDW). Understand your company travel policy about CDW. If you use a personal credit card for business expenses, check to see if it covers collision and liability for rentals. It may, but some cards don't cover certain vehicle types, long-term rentals or rentals in some countries. Extra insurance fees can really add up, but so can the cost of an accident.

6. Gas up now or later? Should you prepay for gas? It depends. Understand your company policy and the price implications. If you think you will be running late, trying to catch the last flight home, check off the fuel prepayment option. Review all of the rates before you sign the contract.

7. Sign up additional drivers on the spot. If you're sharing driving duty with a business colleague, make sure they are listed as an additional driver before leaving the parking lot. You'll find that most car rental companies have a policy where co-workers can sign on for free. Don't skip this step - only authorized drivers should be behind the wheel in rental cars - or you'll be liable if there's a problem.

8. Study your car on the outside. Take a few minutes looking over the car before pulling out. Check for scratches and dents. If you find anything, be sure to get this documented. If there is a line at the counter inside, have this documented at the gate leaving the lot. You will be held liable for car damage, unless it is written down. Don't get stuck paying for a stranger's damage. Look at the tires, check out the brakes and lights. If the car is unsafe - switch it - no matter how late you're running for your next meeting.

9. Familiarize yourself with the car's interior and control panel. Get the air just right and find your kind of music on the radio. You don't want to be searching for the windshield wipers while you're doing 65 in a sudden downpour. If the car has anti-lock brakes - and more than 50% of today's rental fleets do - practice braking before heading out on the highway.

10. Know where you are going. Many overconfident business travelers leave the lot without a clue how to get where they are going. If you haven't been to the location before, get directions and a map. Some car rental companies offer in-car navigation systems, such as Hertz's Neverlost.

Blue Star Jets SkyCard™ Offers Alternative to Fractional Jet Ownership

Looking for a cost-effective alternative to the high cost of fractional jet ownership? Blue Star Jet's SkyCard(tm) could be just the ticket.



The Blue Star Jets SkyCard offers unprecedented convenience and flexibility for all your private jet needs. As a cost-effective alternative to the high cost of fractional aircraft ownership, the SkyCard entitles members to special privileges and services designed to make your private jet charter experience the best it can be.

One look at the SkyCard vs. Fractional comparison illustrates the overwhelming benefits of the

Blue Star Jets SkyCard. The Blue Star Jets SkyCard Program offers:

• Five levels to match your personal and business private jet travel needs


• Each card level offers special charter jet services on Blue Star Jets, including free upgrades


• Allows you to extend available SkyCard flight privileges to anyone in your family or company


• One SkyCard is all that you need for any private jet flight


• Your own personal travel consultant


• Personal concierge to assist with travel, dining and entertainment needs

Blue Star's SkyCard program has no membership fees, no aircraft acquisition costs, no monthly aircraft management fees, and no long-term contractual commitments. Visit Blue Star's website for more information.

Jet service flies jockeys, trainers around the world

An article in the Saratogian on private jet charters reports that privat jets ‘work miracles’ at getting leading jockeys and trainers to big races on time.

The aviation feats are the stuff of legend as they shuttle riders and horsemen from track to track throughout the country and all parts of the globe. Two years ago, Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey was in the third race at Saratoga, slated to race later that day in the $1 million Haskell at Monmouth Park. The plan was to fly Bailey from Saratoga County Airport to a facility adjacent to New Jersey's Monmouth Park, about an hour's air time away.

This month alone they've flown high-profile horsemen such as Shug McGaughey, Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher to major races outside Saratoga. Pletcher, for example, went to Chicago's $1 million Arlington Mile.

For trainers, to whom every second counts, private flights offer convenience, speed and a guarantee that they'll get where they're headed on time, not having to worry about cancellations, as sometimes occurs with regular commercial airlines. The price seems expensive, but to horse owners that want to protect their investments, it's worth every penny and the cost is divvied up when multiple clients share flight time.

Pittsburgh Airport Expands Enclave for Private Jets

There aren't many places in Western Pennsylvania that can boast about playing host to Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger, Sidney Crosby, Al Gore and a host of other athletes, politicians and celebrities.

The Business Aviation Center at Pittsburgh International Airport is one of them. A local company, joined by local politicians and Allegheny County Airport Authority officials, opened a new 30,000-square-foot jet hangar and 7,250-square-foot charter terminal and office center at the airport yesterday.

The firm believes the $5 million expansion, which doubles its space, will further enhance its ability to serve corporations, sports team charters, private operators and general aviation enthusiasts.

Officials also are hoping the charter terminal will better accommodate the sports teams that use it, including the Steelers, Penguins, local universities and visiting squads.
Current corporate clients include FedEx and Bayer.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said the center is a key component of the region's economic development efforts, offering corporations a place to house their jets and easy access to them.

"In this global economy you need these types of facilities," he said. "It is key to us remaining competitive."

The facilities also help the region compete for events like the U.S. Open and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which produce a lot of corporate and private jet traffic.

"These are the types of facilities you put in those proposals," Mr. Onorato said. "This goes a long way in allowing us to be competitive in those proposals."

The facilities have been used by the Steelers and Penguins as well as a number of politicians, including George W. Bush when he was a candidate, Dick Cheney, Mr. Gore and John Kerry.
Mr. Woods used the center when he came to Oakmont before the U.S. Open for a practice round.

Last year, about 50,600 passengers took off and landed from the facilities in Pittsburgh, a 41 percent increase over 2005.

The company provides fueling and deicing, maintenance, ground transportation, catering, and hangar and ramp space for corporate and private jets and charters.

Charter Flights Offer Many Benefits to Business Travelers

Due to the post-911 increase in airport security and boarding procedures, chartered flights have taken off as the new convenient way to fly. Last year, the air charter industry introduced thousands to the advantages of private jet charter.

Often the money saved is the biggest benefit to busy executives who otherwise would be at the mercy of the scheduled flights. Chartered jets offer luxury surroundings, and the convenience of traveling when and where you want. Security is not an issue on private jet flights and the increase in productivity can make up for the additional expense. There are instances when chartered flights are not the best solution. For example, if flying very long distances or overseas, chartered flight may not be the best solution. However, if you need to fly to many locations in a certain timeframe, are traveling in a group, are traveling to a location not close to a major airport, or if the scheduled flights don't suit your needs, chartered flights are the answer.

Additionally, the flexibility of charter flights is a major advantage. You have the ability to land and take off whenever and wherever you want without worrying about flight schedules. By setting your own departure time, you can save money on hotel rooms, car rentals and dining.

While more than 50% of commercial flights travel between only 20 of the country's major airports, charter flights reach 12,000 airports that are not accessible to normal airlines. This allows you to avoid the nosy, crowded major airports.

With all these benefits, chartered flights can meet your need for luxury, comfort, safety, and privacy that will allow you to more productively spend your time.

Welcome to our New Blog!

Welcome to our new Blog. We have big plans for providing a great deal of information, resources, the latest news and other interesting information about private jets using this medium.

Blue Star Jets is the world's most comprehensive and efficient private jet brokerage company. With access to operators of the largest networks of luxury private charter jets, Blue Star Jets arranges access to the ideal private aircraft for any given flight to any destination in the world on a moment's notice.

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