Buyers' Guide

The World's Top-rated FBOs
July 25, 2012
The relationship between the private jet operator and the fixed-base operation (FBO) is symbiotic, as neither could exist without the other. FBOs provide aircraft fueling, cleaning and watering; storage hangars and parking tie-downs; catering; meeting spaces; and, in some cases, maintenance.
Buying aviation insurance
July 25, 2012
Buying aviation insurance
Five years ago, a Falcon 900 with 15 people aboard was taking off from Santa Barbara, Calif. When the aircraft failed to climb, the pilots aborted the takeoff but the Falcon struck a berm at the end of the runway, collapsing the nose landing gear rearward. The pilots did manage to stop the jet and avoid what could have been a catastrophic loss.
10 steps to a successful aircraft financing
July 25, 2012
10 steps to a successful aircraft financing
The business jet finance market is changing, just like the rest of the world economy. It’s becoming more highly regulated, more conservative and more international. Its biggest challenge is the surfeit of cash that many aircraft buyers have on hand with no compelling place to invest.
Considering a fractional share? Ask yourself six questions
July 19, 2012
Considering a fractional share?
Largely because of the recession, the past few years have not been kind to the fractional-jet-share business. Many customers have opted for other forms of lift after having been disappointed by the residual valuations they received for shares when their contracts ended. Others have simply decided that this is no time to tie up a large sum in a capital purchase.
Cabin Electronics Manufacturers 2011
July 1, 2011
Cabin electronics options continue to expand and improve. At the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention last October, it seemed as though every other exhibit featured airborne high-speed Internet connectivity, e-mail access through BlackBerries or iPhones, wireless interfaces, Blu-ray players, high-definition screens or docks for MP3 ­players.
The Best FBOs 2011
July 1, 2011
To determine which of more than 1,700 FBOs around the world best serve their customers, BJT's sister publication, Aviation International News, conducts an annual survey of its readers regarding the experiences they have encountered. There are two kinds of FBOs: chains, which may manage dozens of facilities around the world; and independents, which may own but a single FBO.
Business Aviation Caterers 2011
July 1, 2011
For the most dedicated business aviation caterers, there is no greater compliment than the smile that follows a bite of praline pecan French toast or maple duck breast with wild rice and blackberry juice. And among those who fly privately, there exists no shortage of folks who ­appreciate a fine meal, perfectly prepared and served.
Aviation Insurance 2011
July 1, 2011
When BJT's 2010 Buyers' Guide appeared a year ago, all signs suggested a shift toward an aviation insurance market characterized by increasing premiums, restricted coverage availability and more rigid underwriting criteria.
What it really costs to fly privately
July 1, 2011
Adding more ­passengers can sometimes make travel by business jet even less e
What does it really cost to fly privately and how do those expenses compare with the price of airline travel? BJT computed the roundtrip cost of a New York-to-Paris trip for four passengers via airline first class and via a wholly owned and chartered Gulfstream 550.
Up Front: July 2011
July 1, 2011
Our fourth annual Buyers' Guide has arrived. We've packed its pages with everything you need to know to be a smart business aviation consumer in this slow-to-recover economy, including the latest information on new aircraft models, financing, insurance, catering, completions, cabin electronics, FBOs and more.

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Quote/Unquote

“[New billionaires in fast-growing countries] have to buy longer-range airplanes. If you’re flying from Mongolia to Nigeria, it’s either a three-day journey flying commercial or a nine-hour flight on your jet.”

-Steve Varsano, owner of London’s The Jet Business