Fly Jet Methods

Aircraft Food Catering 101

2011-11-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever showed up at the FBO and lamented on the sparse offerings of the vending machines? With a little pre-planning there are vast options above and beyond the vending machines to please most palettes.

AIRCRAFT CONSIDERATIONS

The type and size of aircraft you are chartering has the biggest impact on what can realistically be ordered with optimum satisfaction. There is little point in expecting a hot meal served over many courses in a turboprop or light jet without an oven,stove or microwave. In these cases, any food expected to be served warm or hot will need to arrive by the caterer fully cooked and packed to maintain its temperature. Similarly, turboprops and light jets lack space to store items requiring cold storage. Many of these aircraft do have ice drawers, however space would be limited to a few choice items. In addition, plan on space needed to accommodate serving trays and platters,flatware, napkins and a trash receptacle.

As you move up in aircraft size, generally you can expect more options to prepare and store catering items. Many mid-size jets come equipped with warming trays or microwaves, while large-cabin jets will quite possibly be equipped with cold storage space and warming/cooking ovens.

TIME THE DINING EXPERIENCE

Considering your flight time, especially short flights, will have an impact on what and how much catering can realistically be served and consumed comfortably. Considering the flight time should always factor in to your order, whether you are ordering hors d’oeuvres on elaborate multiple course meals, otherwise someone else will benefit from some great leftovers.

WHEN AND HOW TO ORDER

The best time to start planning your catering order is when you first plan your trip. JetMethods works with local food caterers who specialize in aircraft catering, however we are also happy to work with independent caterers of your choosing.

For those multi-leg trips, catering will require working with different vendors with different capabilities. You should be prepared to work with those variations as catering options could be limited depending on where you are traveling. Again, knowledge and preparation is the key.

Catering requirements such as your likes, dislikes,allergies, vegetarian, vegan, etc., should be determined early to ensure proper delivery and satisfaction. A JetMethods Flight Coordinator is available to assist with your catering requests, recommendations, or to simply answer a question.

And if all else fails, keeping some loose change for vending machines is not a bad idea.

Security And Convenience For The Business Traveler

2011-03-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today the need for travel by air for the business traveler is more essential than ever before. The personal security for the Corporate Officers, CEO's, Board Members and such, has grown more demanding than in recent decades. Twenty to thirty years ago, companies were concerned that their competitors would track their flight activity, and had to take considerable steps to disquise their destination, and now it's even more important than ever. There are many forms of air travel-flying a Private Chartered aircraft is by far the most time and cost effecient than the airlines, especialy when flying VIP's to multiple locations in one day. Private Charter also provides more priviacy, security and the convenience, which is not provided by commercial airlines. Some larger corporations have in house travel departments, and in some cases, their own company aircraft, for those that don't, they coordinate travel with a local charter company or airlines. Jet Methods friendly, dependable and professional staff will ensure a private, secure and effecient trip every time.

Bonus Depreciation for Aircraft is Back!

2010-12-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

On September 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law legislation that includes a provision for "bonus depreciation" to accelerate cost recovery of strategic business purchases this year, including those of business aircraft.

The measure, included as part of an overall legislative package for small businesses, passed the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate earlier in September.

The act extends 50% bonus depreciation for new equipment purchases to 2010. The extension is retroactive, and will therefore apply to all qualifying 2010 purchases. Bonus depreciation applies to new parts, components, avionics and the like, and new aircraft without regard to cost.

Aircraft delivered in 2011 may also qualify if they meet certain production-period requirements and were contracted for after 2007 but before 2011. For non-commercial aircraft, the law requires a minimum of a 10% or $100,000 deposit (whichever is lesser), as well as an estimated production period exceeding four months, and a cost in excess of $200,000.

Should you be contemplating a new aircraft purchase, give Jet Methods a call to discuss your objectives under the new bonus depreciation rules.

Business Flight Activity Picking Up

2010-12-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

According to the latest monthly Argus TRAQPak report for August, business flight activity continues to climb, up 1.7%, versus August 2009. By market segment, midzise business jet activity surged by 8% and light jet activity ticked up by 0.6%, while turboprop and large-cabin jet flying fell 1.2% and 2.4% respectively. Part 91 flight activity rose 2.4% with the midsize jet traffic rising a modest 8.1%.

The FAR Part 135 charter market continues to improve over last year for most segments. In August, charter flying fell a slight 0.3% from a year ago however the midsize charter jet activity jumped 12.9%. Overall, domestic Part 135 charter flying shows a 5.89% increase through the first half of the year compared with the same period last year.

Aircraft Sales Stagnant
The pre-owned market has stalled according to JPMorgan’s latest business jet monthly report. All turbine segments continue to trend down. Turboprops are nearly flat, losing less than a percentage point. The Vref Light Jet Index lost 3.8% in the recent quarter. Mid-size jet prices were off an average of 4.1%, and Large Jets dropped 3.3%. Pre-owned aircraft sales have remained sluggish this year, taking an additional 77 days to sell as compared to the same period in 2009.

According to Jetnet, the used business jet inventory for sale in July was down 2.8 points to 14.9% from the peak of 17.7% in July 2009. On a bright note, Business Jet transactions through the first seven months of the year are up 33.8%, while inventory is declining, the report says.

Summer Weekend Packages

2010-08-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Jet Methods is offering special weekend pricing to those hard reach "Coastal Winery" destinations such as SanLuis Obispo, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Napa Valley and many more. With these distinct Central Coast and Valley regions containing dozens of wineries to explore, its sure to be a relaxing weekend you will remember and enjoy.

Our signature Red Carpet service will arrange for a car and driver to pick you up at your home and bring you and your guests to Jet Methods, where you will simply board our aircraft and fly away. Upon your arrival your ground transportation will be waiting to take you to your destination.

Spring Weekend Packages

2010-08-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

We are offering special weekend pricing to those hard to reach "Grand Canyon State" destinations. Whether it's golfing, hiking, biking, rafting, water skiing or relaxing, Arizona is as diverse as it is beautiful.

With five distinct regions and dozens of National Parks to choose from, you can fly safely, comfortably and direct to Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Scottsdale and many others.

Winter Weekend Package

2010-01-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Jet Methods is now offering special weekend pricing to those hard to reach Ski Resorts. No over crowded airports, flight delays, or 6 to 10 hour drives. You can now fly safely, comfortable and non-stop to Mammoth, South Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley and many others. This Special Package includes complimentary Champagne, Hors d'oeuvres and door-to-door service for 4.

Our signature red carpet service will schedule a car and driver to pick you up at your home, bring you and your guests to our facility where you will simply board our aircraft and fly away. Upon arival your ground transportation will be waiting to take you to your destination.

King Air B200, the most economical way to fly!!

2010-01-09T14:02:00.001-08:00

The King Air B200 cruises at 335 miles per hour and accommodates up to nine passengers with club seating for four. Its newly appointed cabin interior featuring a refreshment center and in-flight accessible luggage compartment makes it an easy and convenient way to travel.

Jet Down to Cabo in Style with our Cabo Trip Package!

2010-01-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

Charter an aircraft from Jet Methods and stay at an Exclusive Villa.... also offering Concierge Service and many vacation rentals to choose from. We are now partnering with Teri Sowers of Cabo Trip www.cabotrip.com or www.cabotripnow.com and are offering an exclusive discount package. Make sure you ask for Teri and tell her Jet Methods sent you. Refer to Promo Code JM2010 in order to get your discounted rate. Contact us today!
760-930-9315 ~ www.jetmethods.com.