Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Donald Trump's Plane For Sale]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/donald-trumps-plane-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/donald-trumps-plane-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/donald-trumps-plane-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

trump plane
A helpful reader directed us to a rather interesting listing, Donald Trump's personal jet. Trump's flashy Boeing 727-100 has shown up on the Controller website. Lest you have any doubt that it is his, the plane has the Trump T on the tail and a 30-foot Trump logo on the side done in gold leaf. A plane like this usually has 134 seats but this plane was reconfigured to hold just 24 passengers in the lap of luxury.

The 1968 vintage plane was originally operated by American Airlines according to Aviation.com. It has been refurbished with soft beige leather armchairs around a conference table. A separate dining area has seating for five around a wood table and additional seating on an adjacent upholstered sofa. A master bedroom offers a posh place for mid-flight nap.

The listing with AvPro in Maryland says it has new paint and is current with all avionics. It has logged a total of 41,833 hours with 29,664 total landings. Why is Trump selling? Is a new, even more lavish plane in the works, or is Trump, like the rest of us, feeling the pinch of a struggling economy?

UPDATE: CNN Money has a quote from George Sorial from Trump's organization who says that Trump is upgrading to a larger aircraft.

[Thanks, Jay!]

Gallery: Donald Trump's Plane For Sale



Gallery: Trump Projects

Trump Las VegasTrump in ScotlandTrump PhiladelphiaTrump Las OlasTrump Panama

LuxistDonald Trump's Plane For Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donald trumpdonald trump jetDonaldTrumpDonaldTrumpJetprivate jetprivate jet for salePrivateJetPrivateJetForSaleTue, 10 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NetJets Announces Major Pilot Layoffs]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/netjets-announces-major-pilot-layoffs/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/netjets-announces-major-pilot-layoffs/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/netjets-announces-major-pilot-layoffs/#commentsFiled under:

warren buffettNetJets Inc., the fractional ownership and plane leasing company owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has announced major layoffs. Due to a slowdown in business travel and the overall usage of private jets the company is firing 495 pilots.

Bloomberg quotes a statement from David Sokol, NetJets CEO who said that the decision came from looking at current and predicted flight demand. The news comes just around two months after Sokol took over and the company moved back to Columbus, Ohio.

Currently the company owns more planes than it is using. NetJets employs over 3,000 pilots worldwide. The layoffs come after an earlier layoff of 350 non-pilot workers which was announced in September. Some are questioning whether or not the fractional private jet model still has a place in this economy. I think it does but that the scale may be smaller than these companies would like.

LuxistNetJets Announces Major Pilot Layoffs originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berkshire hathawayBerkshireHathawaynetjetswarren buffettWarrenBuffettSat, 07 Nov 2009 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Gisele Bundchen On Her Way To Helicopter Pilot License]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/gisele-bundchen-on-her-way-to-helicopter-pilot-license/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/gisele-bundchen-on-her-way-to-helicopter-pilot-license/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/gisele-bundchen-on-her-way-to-helicopter-pilot-license/#commentsFiled under: ,

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is on her way to a private pilot's license. Bundchen, who is pregnant with her first child with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, spent the summer taking helicopter flying lessons. She has now passed her private pilot written exam and flies several times a week at Shoreline Aviation in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

You need fewer hours in a helicopter than in a fixed wing plane to get a license and it generally takes over $10,000 to log in the necessary flight hours and experience. She is only a month away from giving birth but she is expected to take her checkride next week. The checkride is the practical test in which she will fly with a pilot examiner and be tested on key skills.

People magazine reported earlier this year that she was interested in learning to fly because she is a goodwill ambassador for the UN's Environmental Programme on finding an alternative source of jet fuel.

Gallery: Celebrity Pilots

Brad PittAngelina JolieMorgan FreemanJohn TravoltaHarrison Ford

LuxistGisele Bundchen On Her Way To Helicopter Pilot License originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gisele bunchenGiseleBunchenhelicopter pilotHelicopterPilotThu, 05 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[EXCLUSIVE: Blue Star Jets President Todd Rome's Ten Essential Luxuries]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/11-1-exclusive-blue-star-jets-president-todd-rome-s-ten-essen/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/11-1-exclusive-blue-star-jets-president-todd-rome-s-ten-essen/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/11-1-exclusive-blue-star-jets-president-todd-rome-s-ten-essen/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Click above to see Todd Rome's 10 Luxuries

Todd Rome co-founded Blue Star Jets in 2001 (with CEO Ricky Sitomer) in response to the inefficiencies in the private jet marketplace. It is now one of the world's largest private aircraft charter brokers, offering an unparalleled level of personalized service; their motto is "Any Jet, Any Time, Any Place." Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership; the savings of paying only for trips taken; and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip's specific budget requirement. With its ShareAJet Exchange, Blue Star Jets has lowered the barrier of entry for the private aviation industry for commercial fliers.

By creating a network of charter companies, Blue Star Jets now has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters to Boeing business jets. Prior to Blue Star Jets, Mr. Rome ran a successful broker-dealer firm on Wall Street. He is also Co-Chair of the Diabetes Research Institute, and has made numerous appearances on CNN, CNBC and FOX, among others. When not traveling or working at his office in New York, Mr. Rome enjoys spending time with his family at home in the Hamptons, where Blue Star Jets was one of the key sponsors of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge. In the gallery, Rome reveals his 10 essential luxuries and explains what makes them a must.

Gallery: Blue Star Jets President Todd Rome's 10 Luxuries

Louis Vuitton LuggageSummer in the HamptonsThe Dorchester Hotel, LondonGulfstream IV Private JetClassic British-Made Alvis Convertible

LuxistEXCLUSIVE: Blue Star Jets President Todd Rome's Ten Essential Luxuries originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftBlue Star JetsBlueStarJetsHamptonshelicopterpoloprivate jetPrivateJetShareAJetTodd RomeToddRomeTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[British Airways Challenges Virgin Atlantic Over London-Vegas Nonstops]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/british-airways-challenges-virgin-atlantic-over-london-vegas-non/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/british-airways-challenges-virgin-atlantic-over-london-vegas-non/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/british-airways-challenges-virgin-atlantic-over-london-vegas-non/#commentsFiled under:


You wouldn't think that the Las Vegas to London route would be a popular flight but it seems that rivals British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are in a battle for Vegas supremacy. The first nonstop British Airways flight from London to Las Vegas landed Sunday night at McCarran International Airport. Passengers on the inaugural flight included Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and British Airways CEO Willie Walsh, who was making his first trip to Las Vegas. The picture above shows the water arch used to honor maiden flights.

British Airways plans to run flights on twin-engine Boeing 777s from London to Las Vegas and they are offering some pretty tempting rates. BNET reports that it costs just $276 for roundtrip economy flights from November 2 to December 20 and December 24 to March 28 if tickets are purchased this week. British Airways' London-Las Vegas flights will have 36 business seats, 24 economy plus seats and 212 regular economy seats. Virgin Atlantic has been doing this run since 2006 but British Airways has the advantage of flying out of Heathrow International Airport while Virgin flies out of the less-centrally-located Gatwick International Airport.

LuxistBritish Airways Challenges Virgin Atlantic Over London-Vegas Nonstops originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four people, 400 knots, 1500 nautical miles--that's the slogan of the Stratos 714, a Very Light Jet which I first wrote about a year ago. Aero-News Network has an interview with Alexander Craig, the new CEO of Stratos during the recent NBAA 2009 conference. The company, which is based in Bend, Oregon, is bullish on their Stratos 714 which they say will bridge the gap between VLJ aircraft and full size business jets.

The composite-bodied aircraft will be powered by a centerline-thrust FADEC-controlled Williams FJ44-3AP turbofan which produces 3,030 pounds of thrust at sea level. The company's goal is to create an aircraft that is affordable to own and operate (current price is $2 million). In the interview (video after the jump) Craig doesn't reveal a potential production date for the plane but it appears that progress is being made and we get more news soon.

Continue reading Stratos 714 VLJ Project Continues

LuxistStratos 714 VLJ Project Continues originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aero-newsprivate jetprivate planePrivateJetPrivatePlanestratosstratos 714Stratos714very light jetVeryLightJetvljSat, 24 Oct 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Qantas Business Class on Sale ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/23/qantas-business-class-on-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/23/qantas-business-class-on-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/23/qantas-business-class-on-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,


One good definition of hell: flying 16+ hours in coach. And it's antipodean opposite: flying that long in Qantas business class, which I did a couple of years ago, LAX to Auckland. Not only was I totally comfy in my near lie-flat seat with privacy screen, not only did I totally dig the mood lighting that changed as the trip went on (meant, I think to bring the body clock into some semblance of sync), but I boarded the plane with a bad cold, and I disembarked without it.

Okay, I can't credit the flight with that, per se, but I can almost promise you I wouldn't have been in any kind of reasonable condition had I flown the distance in economy.

From now until October 29th, 2009, you can get into the Qantas business class cabin to Sydney and Brisbane from LAX or SFO for $4,439, and fares from New York (JFK) starting at $4,943. (Travel from 330 days on from the reservation date.) That's about 40% off the regular fair, so if you know you've got travel Down Under up coming in 2010, this is a deal you won't want to miss.

LuxistQantas Business Class on Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business classbusinessclassbusinessclassflightqantastraveltravel dealsTravelDealsFri, 23 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lehman Brothers Bids Farewell To Its Last Jet]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/lehman-brothers-bids-farewell-to-its-last-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/lehman-brothers-bids-farewell-to-its-last-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/lehman-brothers-bids-farewell-to-its-last-jet/#commentsFiled under:


The high flying days are officially over for Lehman Brothers. The Wall Street Journal reports that Lehman Brothers has finally sold off its last private plane, a Gulfstream 550 that it bought for about $40 million in 2006. Lehman Brothers Holdings has already sold off two Gulfstream IVs, a Dassault Falcon 50 and a Sikorsky chopper since filing for bankruptcy last year. The planes were often used to cart Chief Executive Richard Fuld and his team of executives to meetings around the world (and to Fuld's several homes). The firm of Alvarez & Marsal continues to sell off Lehman's assets. So far Lehman raised almost $90 million from selling the planes and helicopter, an amount that the WSJ says is roughly 97 cents to the dollar of their book value (purchase price less depreciation). Not too shabby in this market.

LuxistLehman Brothers Bids Farewell To Its Last Jet originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gulfstream 550Gulfstream550lehman brothersLehmanBrothersWed, 21 Oct 2009 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Garth Brooks Will Commute To Las Vegas In Style]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/19/garth-brooks-will-commute-to-las-vegas-in-style/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/19/garth-brooks-will-commute-to-las-vegas-in-style/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/19/garth-brooks-will-commute-to-las-vegas-in-style/#commentsFiled under: ,

How do you lure a star out of semi-retirement? You start with a big paycheck and then you throw in the perks. This week, savvy casino mogul Steve Wynn drummed up excitement at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas with the news that Garth Brooks has decided to play a five-year weekend residency at the hotel starting December 11.

Brooks played two secret shows at the hotel this summer. Steve Wynn, a man whose art collection is clear testament to the fact that he is accustomed to getting whatever he wants, began the push to get Brooks at his hotel. Brooks wasn't an easy fish to land and it took more than a big paycheck to get him to the Encore Theater. Wynn threw in the ultimate executive perk, the private jet. When Brooks retired he vowed that he would drive his three daughters to school everyday. The new 11-seat Challenger jet, courtesy of Steve Wynn, will help him honor that promise, making short work of the commute from Oklahoma to Las Vegas. Brooks described the jet to CNN as having a "cool interior, cool paint job."

What does Wynn get out of the deal? Each ticket at the Encore will be $125 and total sales for the shows could bring in millions. But more important than ticket sales is the fact that he will be drawing people to Las Vegas and to Encore, the luxury hotel he opened when the economy was at its worst. Wynn has been in the casino a long, long time and he knows that getting the people in the door can be the hardest part. Having Brooks as an incentive to visit might just be worth the plane and the paycheck.

UPDATE: Tickets for Brooks' first 20 shows at the Wynn Las Vegas resort sold out in less than five hours.

LuxistGarth Brooks Will Commute To Las Vegas In Style originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challenger jetChallengerJetgarth brooksGarthBrookslas vegasLasVegasprivate jetPrivateJetMon, 19 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Neiman Marcus Unveils 2009 Christmas Book]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/neiman-marcus-unveils-2009-christmas-book/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/neiman-marcus-unveils-2009-christmas-book/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/neiman-marcus-unveils-2009-christmas-book/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Neiman Marcus just unveiled the 2009 edition of the renowned Christmas Book, offering customers the ultimate in cutting-edge, dream-fulfilling gifts. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers and evolved into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts. Among the highlights of this year's catalog:

His & Hers Gift Package, $250,000: An ICON A5 sport aircraft with custom trailer and sport pilot license training for two. The ICON A5 is from a world-class team of engineers and designers who helped create the groundbreaking Virgin Global Flyer, and features an amphibious hull and landing gear to take off and land just as easily on water as on land.

Algonquin Round Table Experience, $200,000: Exclusive dinner party at NYC's legendary Algonquin Hotel (above) with guests including Christopher Buckley, Roz Chast, Nora Ephron, Malcolm Gladwell, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Adam Gopnik, John Lithgow, Anna Deavere Smith and George Stephanopoulos. Proceeds to benefit First Book, the 2009 Christmas Book Charity.

2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, $105,000: Limited to only 50 examples, the bespoke version of Jag's new flagship features a supercharged 5-liter V8 that delivering 470 hp, a custom interior of butter-soft navy and ivory leather and Zebrano matte wood accents, and includes a five-piece set of matching Jaguar luggage in navy blue leather.

HALL Artisan Wine and Art Experience, $20,000: Learn organic, artisan winemaking firsthand, tour the estates in Napa and the art collection, and have the opportunity to create your own personal vintage in a private blending session with HALL's Winemaker with a custom vintage bottled for you. Includes accommodations at Auberge and a private dinner party with Ambassador Kathryn Hall.

Maker's Mark Master Distiller Experience, $7,500: All-access, VIP experience with Maker's Mark Master Distiller, Kevin Smith. Spend a day making whiskey, step by step and take home two bottles of the rarest Maker's Mark - golden bottles etched with your likeness and dipped in gold wax with 24-kt gold flecks. Includes luxury accommodations in Louisville and a gourmet dinner hosted by Bill Samuels, the 7th generation of Maker's Mark.

Get In The Christmas Spirit With AOL Radio's 10 Best Christmas Songs.

LuxistNeiman Marcus Unveils 2009 Christmas Book originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When it comes to flying cars, it looks like the Transition from Terrafugia might be one of the ones most likely to actually be available to consumers soon. We've been following this story for a couple of years along with some other projects but the engineers behind this one have persevered where others have failed.. In 2006 some graduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology began working on the Transition Personal Air Vehicle. The two-seater craft can go from being a plane to a car in less than 30 seconds. The wings can be quickly folded and stowed for road use. In the sky it can cruise up to 450 miles at over 115 mph.

Aero-News Network reports that the Terrafugia Transition prototype has had completed the first phase of its four-stage test program, logging in 28 flights. The second prototype will take into account all modifications deemed necessary after the first phase. Terrafugia is still planning first delivery for 2011 and the projected purchase price is $194,000. Check out an Aero-News video of the Terrrafugia Transition after the jump.

Continue reading Flying Car Gets Closer To Production

LuxistFlying Car Gets Closer To Production originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flying carFlyingCarterrafugiaterrafugia transitionTerrafugiaTransitionWed, 07 Oct 2009 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultimate Escapes Offers Free Airfare To Attract Members]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/03/ultimate-escapes-offers-free-airfare-to-attract-members/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/03/ultimate-escapes-offers-free-airfare-to-attract-members/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/03/ultimate-escapes-offers-free-airfare-to-attract-members/#commentsFiled under: ,

Destination club Ultimate Escapes has sweetened the deal to attract new members. They are now offering new club members free airfare for a year to any Ultimate Escapes destinations. By purchasing a membership between now and December 31, 2009, new members, their families, and friends will be able to fly at no cost to more than 150 Ultimate Escapes destinations worldwide on the airline of their choice. Airfare is paid for the first year of membership, or up to $25,000.

The club offers multi-million dollar homes in desirable destinations across the world from ski towns to beaches and cities located throughout Central and North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, There are three tiers of membership: Premiere entitles you to homes with an average value of $1 million, Signature membership offers homes valued at around $2 million and Elite membership includes stays in home with an average value of $3 million. Within each tier there are bronze, silver, gold, platinum and platinum plus levels of membership with escalate in price based on the amount of days. A Premier Silver membership costs $95,000 plus one year membership dues of $9,500.

LuxistUltimate Escapes Offers Free Airfare To Attract Members originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I think it takes a lot of courage to start a small air charter business at a time when taking a private charter has become a shorthand symbol of corporate greed and worse. But the allure of a private charter, of being able to skip the slog of commercial flying, continues to attract many. Kavoo, a new company out of Danbury, Connecticut, hopes to attract flyers in need of a little relief.

Kavoo's fleet includes an 8-passenger King Air 200 and Cirrus SR-22 single-engine planes. The company is owned by Curtis Brunjes and Richard Humphrey, who are also owners of Curtiss Aero, a two-year-old aviation maintenance shop and flight school located next to Kavoo at the Danbury Airport. When air travelers require larger aircraft including jets to get them to farther destinations faster, Kavoo plans to be its customers' single point of contact for all of their air charter needs through its extensive preferred provider network.

I recently chatted with Garrison Leykam, the Director, New Business Development for Kavoo.Leykam, whose career includes a long history in both travel and the music industries wants to take the independent spirit of smaller record labels and apply it to flying offering passengers the benefits of personalized service. I had a few questions for Leykam on the future of the charter industry, flying in general and why flying private can, in some cases, make financial sense.

First of all, why the name Kavoo?

Kavoo is a takeoff on the aviation term "cavu" meaning "ceiling and visibility unlimited;" the ideal flying conditions in which there are neither large clouds nor haze. Using the new spelling of Kavoo not only gives us a unique branding identity but it also extends the meaning to reinforce our vision of Kavoo as the new generation of air charter.

It's pretty daring to start an airline charter business at time when many others have flamed out, what do you think will help Kavoo succeed where others have failed?

Thousands of air taxi services are operating with a single airplane in a confined geographic area whereas Kavoo is pursuing national branding of its services. Our founders, Curtis Brunjes and Richard Humphrey, have enabled Kavoo to operate debt free without a capital investment in a huge fleet of aircraft. Our ability to create a national footprint is built upon utilizing planes owned by others on a revenue share platform. It's a win-win all around. More buyers can purchase planes with Kavoo helping them to offset their operating costs and Kavoo grows its fleet. The ultimate winner is the Kavoo customer whose choices of when and where to fly with us grow exponentially.

What do you see as the future of private jet travel, do you think it will return to the rate it was at prior to the recession?

I believe that the future of private jets will continue to be a very important mode of transportation for a specific market segment. There has been a recent decline in jet travel due to a combination of economic pressure and public scrutiny. But, I truly believe that this segment will bounce back. Most importantly, private jet travel needs to be deployed in an economic way, namely, toward smaller size aircraft. Right now, a properly-sized VLJ doesn't exist in the marketplace but it's coming. As this occurs, we'll see an increase in the number of operations as opposed to the number of seats and truly small jets will do well.

Continue reading Kavoo Launches New Charter Service

LuxistKavoo Launches New Charter Service originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eurocopter has just unveiled a new nautical-themed helicopter concept designed specially for use on superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show, in partnership with luxury yacht broker Edmiston. The exterior of the twin engine Eurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin by Andrew Winch Designs (AWD) is meant to evoke the contours of ocean waves via curving raised polished stainless steel trim lines. Yacht-inspired interior teak flooring, leather wrap-around adjustable sport seats fitted with carbon fiber back shells, fold-down central armrests, and "floating" LCD screens with headphones combine to offer the ultimate in luxury transport, along with bespoke touches such as the yacht's name etched in the rear windows. "The key idea behind my concept is endless comfort, be it on land with a Range Rover, at sea with a yacht or in the air with a helicopter," Winch notes.

[via JamesList]

LuxistEurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin Concept for Superyachts originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EdmistonEurocopterhelicopterMonacoMonaco Yacht ShowMonacoYachtShowsuperyachtyachtThu, 01 Oct 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gulfstream Shows Off G650 Jet ]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/30/gulfstream-shows-off-g650-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/30/gulfstream-shows-off-g650-jet/http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/30/gulfstream-shows-off-g650-jet/#commentsFiled under:


Don't count the private jet industry out yet, there are still plenty of jets planned to hit the market when the economy gets sunnier. Gulfstream just unveiled their new flagship business jet, the Gulfstream G650, at company headquarters in Savannah. The aircraft was first announced in March 2008 and will start customer deliveries in 2012. Around 7,000 people gathered at the new G650 manufacturing building for the grand unveiling of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range jet. The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet and can travel 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach with a maximum operating speed of 0.925, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can also climb to an altitude of 51,000 feet, which allows it to avoid traffic and inclement weather for a smoother ride. The aircraft seats 11-18 passengers and has 16 panoramic windows and in-flight access to 195 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment. A first flight is planned for later this year and it is expected to be certified in 2011.

Aero-News Network reports that among the attendees was Congressman Jack Kingston (R), who talked about the jobs associated with the manufacture of the Gulfstream line. "There may be some members of Congress who had their doubts about corporate jet travel," he told the crowd, "I am not one of them."

UPDATE: Re: questions on price it should be around $65 million.

Gallery: Gulfstream 650



[via Upscale Swagger]

LuxistGulfstream Shows Off G650 Jet originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Helicopter, a popular New York shuttle service offering scheduled helicopter service between two heliports in Manhattan and Kennedy International or Newark Liberty International Airports shut down last week. The company started up over three years ago but was in financial trouble. The U.S. Helicopter website says that the shutdown is temporary while the company regroups and gets additional financing. A senior vice president of the company told the NY Times that the company plans to be up and running again by late November.

LuxistU.S. Helicopter Stops Helicopter Shuttle Service originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It was an idea that flopped phenomenally in the past (see Silverjet, MaxJet and EOS, three business-only London to NYC flight companies which all folded) but now British Airways is giving luxury all-business service between London and New York a shot. However the fact that the airline will fly just 32 passengers on an aircraft normally fitted for 100 people doesn't sit well with some environmental groups. The Guardian reports that environmental group Plane Stupid will stage a protest at London City Airport tomorrow as the maiden flight launches, angered by the fact that recently British Airways CEO Willie Walsh had pledged that the airline would do its part to fight climate change. The layout of the plane means that each passenger is basically responsible for three times the emissions of a regular flight.

British Airways will offer twice daily service on Airbus A318s with flat beds and access to the internet. Round-trip fares will start at around $3,00 but go up to nearly $8,000 for more flexible tickets. Flights leaving from London will be forced to make a brief refuelling stop at Shannon airport in the west of Ireland because the London City airport's runway is too short to handle an A318 aircraft with a full fuel load. In order to ease the journey, BA is arranging for passengers to use the Shannon stop to clear US customs and immigration.

LuxistBritish Airways To Launch Luxury NYC-London Flights originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week USA Airways unveiled the latest seating option for business class travelers on trans-Atlantic flights. The Envoy Suite offers four abreast seating in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone design in a business class cabin. The redesigned cabin layout allows each customer to face forward and away from the aisle in a lie-flat, 180° recline seat with direct aisle access. The seats offer a panel that includes a 110-volt universal power outlet, satellite telephone and USB port as well as an entertainment system with a 12.1" adjustable touch-screen. The Envoy Suite will make its debut on one of US Airways` Airbus A330-200 aircraft in December 2009 with the remainder of the A330-200 fleet installation completed by summer 2011 for a total of 15 aircraft. Each A330-200 will offer 20 Envoy Suites.

LuxistUS Airways Unveils Envoy Suite originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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netjets adPrivate jet company NetJets has announced major job cuts. The company, which is owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, will cut 350 jobs, five percent of its work force. The Columbus Dispatch also reports that the company is delaying an expansion of its Port Columbus campus. The project was to be one of the biggest economic-development projects in Ohio and Columbus fought valiantly to lure NetJets to Ohio. The company had promised that the $200 million expansion could create as many as 800 jobs within six years. The company had not accepted any public money for the expansion. Cash incentives were to be made in the form of reimbursement.

Like many jet operators NetJets has struggled in the economic slump. It lost nearly $350 million during the first six months of 2009. Many charters and fractional businesses have had layoffs in the wake of major decreases in business travel and some have folded up shop completely. Ohio government officials expressed confidence that the company would continue to stay in the state and would be an economic powerhouse once again.

LuxistNetJets Announces Major Job Cuts originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wynn Las Vegas And Zero Gravity have created a new getaway package that combines two different experiences, a spa weekend and a weightless flight on September 19. Guests will enjoy spa treatments at the Wynn Las Vegas and then go up on Zero-G's G Force One specially modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft for the experience of weightless flight. The package includes a two-night stay at Wynn Las Vegas, complimentary upgrade to Tower Suite Room and a choice of either one Custom Massage or one Classic Facial.

The Zero G flight leaves from McCarran airport. Once in the zero gravity zone, you can fly, flip and play in the safety of a padded cabin while video cameras capture your every move. The ZERO-G Spa Experience with Wynn Las Vegas is offered at a price of $5,746 per seat plus tax (based on double occupancy). The next Las Vegas flight from Zero G isn't until next year but other flights including a Halloween flight from Miami (time to break out the Superman costume?) are available.

LuxistStay At The Wynn, Play In The Sky originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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