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.