PORTUGAL/INTERNATIONAL. Defying troubled market conditions, Jet Republic, a new private jet airline targeting the business travel market, was launched today.
Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Jet Republic has placed an order worth around US$1.5 billion for 110 Learjet 60 XR aircraft, targeted to fly to more than 1,000 airports in Europe, including the UK, on an on-demand basis. The company claims this is the largest single European business aircraft order ever made. [Click here to view a video about the new airline].
Jet Republic is targeting what it describes as the 3 million “ultra-rich” people across Europe. At the launch yesterday, CEO Jonathan Breeze dismissed suggestions that the state of the aviation industry allied to difficult economic conditions made this a risky time to launch. He told reporters that the private jet sector is still enjoying strong growth, despite market conditions.
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Jet Republic is “a sensible, profitable, logical business” insists CEO Jonathan Breeze |
“This, coupled with the fact that we believe there is significant room for improvement in the level of service provided by the private jet aviation sector, means there is a very strong and real opportunity for us to take a significant share of this market,” he told the Press Association.
Breeze claimed the company would offer better service than other airlines, including a 24-hour customer concierge service, inflight BlackBerry connectivity, dedicated inflight service attendants, proper espresso coffee and iPod movies.
Its website notes: “Our concierge is a PA, a social secretary, a personal travel planner and local expert no matter where you are. It’s a virtual executive aide, on-call day and night, ready to respond to any requirement with the full resources of our worldwide network. It’s the ultimate lifestyle enhancer for lives that can be every bit as demanding as they are glamorous.”
Breeze described the venture as a “sensible, profitable, logical business”, telling Times Online “I think the challenge in the financial markets simply changes the metrics… if anything it probably strengthens the proposition,” he said.
The company is backed by Euram Bank, a private Austrian bank.
On its website Jet Republic says it is offering part ownership of a jet as well as other pre-payment card plans. Card Membership is the entry-level option to join Jet Republic – passengers buy flight time using a Private Jet Card in 25-hour units or more, with no further obligation.
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