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[MySky Aircraft Available For Order]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/26/mysky-aircraft-available-for-order/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/26/mysky-aircraft-available-for-order/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/26/mysky-aircraft-available-for-order/#commentsFiled under:

MySky Aircraft, Inc., developer of the MS-1 second-generation light sport aircraft, has announced that orders are now being accepted for the new airplane. The first deliveries of production models are expected in November, 2010. The all-composite plane has a fighter-style bubble canopy and a side stick control. It has a cruise speed of 120 knots with a range of 636 nautical miles.

The MS-1 Mentor model comes equipped with front panel flight and engine instruments, ELT, nav lights and wing tip strobes, and has a base price of $124,500. The MS-1 Elite is equipped with the MySky Flight Information Center in both front and back panel, back up analog airspeed and altimeter indicators, magnetic compass, Garmin VHF com with intercom, and GTX-327 encoding transponder. The base price of the MS-1 Elite is $132,500. Upgrade options are available, including Porsche-style leather-and-rosewood interior, AmSafe seat belts with airbags, night flight package, and flight automation options. MS-1 customers may secure their positions on a first come, first served basis with a refundable deposit of $3000.


LuxistMySky Aircraft Available For Order originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftairplaneplaneSat, 26 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Piaggio Aero P. 180 Avanti II: Are Turboprops The Answer In A Tough Small Plane Market?]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/25/piaggio-aero-p-180-avanti-ii-are-turboprops-the-answer-in-a-to/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/25/piaggio-aero-p-180-avanti-ii-are-turboprops-the-answer-in-a-to/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/25/piaggio-aero-p-180-avanti-ii-are-turboprops-the-answer-in-a-to/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a tough year for small private plane companies with layoffs and plant closures but not everyone is floundering. Piaggio Aero, makers of the P. 180 Avanti II have announced the addition of three new service centers in Ft. Lauderdale, Toronto and Montreal. The announcement came one month after Piaggio's expansion with West Star Aviation at its East Alton, Ill. facility. Since 2008, the Piaggio Aero brand has doubled its North American service network. The success of the P. 180 Avanti II is a combination of its sleek Italian styling (Piaggio Aero Industries' Chairman, Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari, is also vice Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A.) and its fuel efficiency. The plane is the fastest turboprop aircraft combine the speed of a light cabin jet with the cabin of a mid-size craft that can hold nine people. It can hit cruising speeds of more than 402 ktas. but requires a third less fuel than most business jets. The new service centers are now open with more planned for 2010.

Gallery: Piaggio Aero P180 Avanti II

LuxistPiaggio Aero P. 180 Avanti II: Are Turboprops The Answer In A Tough Small Plane Market? originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piaggiopiaggio aeroPiaggioAeroprivate planePrivatePlaneturbopropFri, 25 Dec 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Morgan Freeman Gets A Jet For Christmas]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/morgan-freeman-gets-a-jet-for-christmas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/morgan-freeman-gets-a-jet-for-christmas/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/morgan-freeman-gets-a-jet-for-christmas/#commentsFiled under: ,


One of our favorite celebrity pilots actor Morgan Freeman has a new toy for the holidays, a fancy new private jet. Gulf News reports that Freeman bought the SJ30 plane which was produced by Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates-based Emivest. Earlier this year as my colleague Jared Paul Stern reported, the SJ30 set a world speed record from London to Dubai in just 7hr 7 min including a fuel stop in Istanbul. The six-seater can retain sea level cabin pressure at 41,000 ft., reducing jet lag, and can fly more than 2,800 miles nonstop at speeds of up to 630 mph. It sells for approximately $8 million.

Freeman flew the plane from Los Angeles to Dubai to attend a a press conference at the Executive Flight Center at the Dubai Airport Free Zone to announce the sale of the new SJ30 from Emivest to Freeman. The Gulf News article says that Freeman is expected to stay in the UAE until December 27.

Gallery: Celebrity Pilots

Brad PittAngelina JolieMorgan FreemanJohn TravoltaHarrison Ford

LuxistMorgan Freeman Gets A Jet For Christmas originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrity pilotsCelebrityPilotsmorgan freemanMorganFreemansj30sj30 jetSj30JetMon, 21 Dec 2009 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama's Vacation Bad News For Small Planes In Hawaii]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/obamas-vacation-bad-news-for-small-planes-in-hawaii/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/obamas-vacation-bad-news-for-small-planes-in-hawaii/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/21/obamas-vacation-bad-news-for-small-planes-in-hawaii/#commentsFiled under:

President Obama's first vacation in Hawaii as President may be good news for Hawaii's struggling tourism industry but according to Aero-News Network it's a big headache for those operating small planes in the area. A Presidential Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for most of Oahu will restrict most of the general aviation in the area during the Christmas holidays. The TFR does not affect regularly scheduled commercial passenger and all-cargo carriers operating under TSA-approved standard security programs and procedures. Flights that can't take place include training flights, practice instrument approaches, aerobatic flight, glider operations, parachute operations, ultralight, hang gliding, balloon operations, agriculture/crop dusting, animal population control flight operations, banner towing operations, sightseeing operations, model aircraft operations, model rocketry, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Pilots and aircraft operators in the area are said to be outraged by the restrictions. The restrictions are based on the ones used to protect President Bush while at his Crawford, Texas ranch but the area being covered is much different. Many pilots feel that their having their wings clipped because of a Presidential vacation is unfair. In the article a seaplane tour operator said that he was forced to but his business on hold for two weeks because of the TFR. For small businesses taking off these two busy weeks surrounding Christmas can be devastating.

LuxistObama's Vacation Bad News For Small Planes In Hawaii originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aviationhawaiioahuobamatravelMon, 21 Dec 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Charter Service Offers Inflight Laptops]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/13/new-charter-service-offers-inflight-laptops/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/13/new-charter-service-offers-inflight-laptops/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/13/new-charter-service-offers-inflight-laptops/#commentsFiled under:

Flying seems to be getting less and less luxurious but one new private jet charter service, Safari Air, seeks to change all that. The service, which is based out of Orange County, California's John Wayne Airport flies Gulfstream jets around the world. But the service has several key features that make it unique. The first is the inflight service which includes the use of a Macbook laptop and Bose headset during flight as well as afternoon high tea, an amenity kit, fine wines and the service of an inflight concierge. The airline also buys carbon offsets for every single passenger mile sold.

Flights from John Wayne Airport to New York cost $5,950 and the charter airline is planning to add a variety of resort destinations. The most luxurious experience is Safari Air's Around the World package. The 21-day adventure on a Gulfstream IV includes stops in Quebec, Edinburgh and Cairo before an African safari through Kenya and Tanzania followed by visits to India, Hong Kong, Guam and finally Hawaii. The trip costs $144,500 per person.

[via Geek With Laptop]

LuxistNew Charter Service Offers Inflight Laptops originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jet chartersJetChartersprivate charterPrivateChartersafari airSafariAirSun, 13 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeroyacht 110 by Wally Comes with Icon A5 Plane]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/aeroyacht-110-by-wally-comes-with-icon-a5-plane/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/aeroyacht-110-by-wally-comes-with-icon-a5-plane/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/aeroyacht-110-by-wally-comes-with-icon-a5-plane/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gregor Tarjan, designer of the Aeroyacht 110, a superfast 110-ft. catamaran equipped with an Icon A5 exploration airplane, has commissioned Monegasque yachtbuilder Wally to construct the avant-garde craft. Representing the first model of a sleek, new range "embodying the ultimate high-performance, supremely styled world yacht," the Aeroyacht 110 will be one of the largest composite multihulls in the world. As standard equipment the craft will come fitted with a two seat Icon A5 amphibious, retractable and fold-able sports plane, launched and retrieved from a specially designed pod. The yacht, which is expected to do 35 knots at full speed, will be ready for delivery in 2011.

LuxistAeroyacht 110 by Wally Comes with Icon A5 Plane originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplanecatamaranIcon A5IconA5WallyyachtFri, 11 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alitalia Sells Off Art]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/alitalia-sells-off-art/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/alitalia-sells-off-art/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/11/alitalia-sells-off-art/#commentsFiled under:

Embattled Italian airline Alitalia has sold off some of the art that once hung inside its first class cabins and lounges. The Italian national airline filed for bankruptcy last year and this sale was part of the breakup of the assets. A group of Italian investors have continued on with the brand, relaunching it with a new terminal in Rome.

The auction included paintings by Futurist artists like Giacomo Balla and Enrico Prampolini and works by Italian artists. One piece that didn't sell was a Gino Severini piece "Zeus Gave Birth to the Sun" said to be valued at 500,000 euros. That piece may be sold privately. Overall the auction brought in 1.2 million euros.

LuxistAlitalia Sells Off Art originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alitaliaalitalia airlinesAlitaliaAirlinesartgino serveriniGinoServeriniFri, 11 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Four Reasons Business Jets Are Back in Style]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/06/four-reasons-business-jets-are-back-in-style/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/06/four-reasons-business-jets-are-back-in-style/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/06/four-reasons-business-jets-are-back-in-style/#commentsFiled under: ,

Private jet travel is back! When we were in the depths of the financial crisis, the best way to fly was a sure way to attract criticism, especially when the Detroit auto executives showed up before Congress a year ago and had to explain why ailing companies were forced to shell out for the perk. Well, the private jets are coming back into style, but it's more for pleasure than business.

Business jet manufacturers delivered only 615 in the first three quarters of 2009, a steep decline of 37.8 percent year-over-year, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. According to Jack Petlon, CEO of Cessna, though, there are signs of life. "With the financial collapse that occurred there was a lot of anger, a lot of hurt, a lot of people reaching out and striking at what became an image and the image was a corporate business jet," he told Forbes. He continued, "We as an industry are now spending our time righting that wrong perception."

Here are four facts you may not have know about business (and private) aviation:

Continue reading Four Reasons Business Jets Are Back in Style

LuxistFour Reasons Business Jets Are Back in Style originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness jetbusiness jetsBusinessJetBusinessJetscessnacongressNational Business Aviation AssociationNationalBusinessAviationAssociationprivate jetprivate planePrivateJetPrivatePlaneSun, 06 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[$1.5 Monaco Grand Prix Gift Package With Custom Supercar]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/02/1-5-monaco-grand-prix-gift-package-with-custom-supercar/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/02/1-5-monaco-grand-prix-gift-package-with-custom-supercar/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/02/1-5-monaco-grand-prix-gift-package-with-custom-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Last month we reported that the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report is offering the world's most expensive Christmas gift this year - a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. The profligate publication has a few more eye-popping offerings as part of its Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal smorgasbord of over-the-top exclusives. Among the most enticing is a $1.5 million Monaco Grand Prix gift package, consisting of the following: a VIP experience at the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix F1 races in May; round-trip private jet travel from North America to Nice, France, and helicopter transfer from Nice to Monte Carlo for a party of four; five nights' accommodation in the top-floor suite at the luxe Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort; privileges aboard a private 170-ft. yacht that will provide a prime vantage of, and tender service to, four days of racing and activities; and last but not least a custom Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder (above) "as a keepsake".

Luxist$1.5 Monaco Grand Prix Gift Package With Custom Supercar originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChristmasFormula 1Formula1Franceholiday 2009Holiday2009MonacoMonaco Grand PrixMonacoGrandPrixMonte CarloMonte Carlo Bay Hotel ResortMonteCarloMonteCarloBayHotelResortprivate jetPrivateJetracingRobb ReportRobbReportSpykeryachtWed, 02 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Continental Joins Cashless Cabin Trend]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/01/continental-joins-cashless-cabin-trend/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/01/continental-joins-cashless-cabin-trend/http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/01/continental-joins-cashless-cabin-trend/#commentsFiled under:


If you are flying Continental Airlines this holiday season you can leave your cash in your wallet. The airline has announced that starting today, the flight crews will only accept credit and debit cards for on-board purchases (except duty-free purchases). The crew will have new hand-held devices meant to be more convenient for customers.

Continental says the change is a result of customer feedback from those tired of fumbling for money and making correct change. The hand-held devices read cards for purchases of alcoholic beverages and headsets but also provide sales information for the airline to help better manage product inventory. The new cashless system is be available on all Continental Airlines mainline flights, except for service to and from China as Continental is still working on a process for accepting that country's predominant credit card, The China Union Pay card. Cash is still being accepted on Continental Express, Continental Connection and Continental Micronesia flights but plans to switch to a cashless cabin on those flights in the first quarter of 2010.

As our sister blog Daily Finance recently reported, Delta has also switched to the cashless cabin. On the Daily Finance article there is a spirited debate going on in the comments about the legality of banning cash and about whether or not it really is more convenient for the business traveler to use a credit card. It seems likely that the cashless cabin is a trend that will only increase as time goes on. I'm just waiting for the airline iPhone app that lets you pay directly from your phone.

LuxistContinental Joins Cashless Cabin Trend originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cashless cabinCashlessCabincontinental airlinesContinentalAirlinesdelta airlinesDeltaAirlinesflightsTue, 01 Dec 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Robb Report</i> Offers the World's Most Expensive Xmas Gift for $500 Million]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/20/i-robb-report-i-offers-the-worlds-most-expensive-xmas-gift-f/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/20/i-robb-report-i-offers-the-worlds-most-expensive-xmas-gift-f/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/20/i-robb-report-i-offers-the-worlds-most-expensive-xmas-gift-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Looking for a really unforgettable Christmas present for that special someone this year? That glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report has just the thing - a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. The eye-popping present, the world's most expensive, is part of the profligate publication's Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal offering of over-the-top exclusives. The recipient will receive an Airbus A380 (above), the world's largest jumbo jet, and a bespoke megayacht, both customized by renowned designer Patrick Knowles. The interiors will complement each other creating what Knowles calls a "custom personal brand" for the lucky owner. There's one catch - considering the backlog on A380 deliveries and the time required to design and build a custom megayacht, the giftee will have to wait at least six years to get their hands on the toys.

LuxistRobb Report Offers the World's Most Expensive Xmas Gift for $500 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airbus A380AirbusA380giftsmegayachtPatrick KnowlesPatrickKnowlesprivate jetPrivateJetRobb ReportRobbReportworlds most expensiveWorldsMostExpensiveyachtFri, 20 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Air France Plans Deeper Job Cuts]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/air-france-plans-deeper-job-cuts/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/air-france-plans-deeper-job-cuts/http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/air-france-plans-deeper-job-cuts/#commentsFiled under:

Air-France is planning its first cross-Atlantic flight with its shiny new Airbus A380 jumbo jet but not all is rosy for Europe's largest airline. Air France-KLM has announced plans to trim 1,700 jobs next year following a worse-than-expected quarterly loss. The company is blaming the numbers on fuel hedging losses and poor cargo traffic. Passenger revenues were also down 17.2 percent but the effects of that would have been offset partly by a reduction in capacity. Air France-KLM had previously announced earlier cuts so this new staff reduction means that the airline carrier will enact 4,500 job cuts in the year to March 2010, reducing its global workforce to 105,000. Another reduction by March 2011 will trim the workforce by a further three to five percent by March 2011 in an effort to lift profits by 500 million euros for March 2012.

LuxistAir France Plans Deeper Job Cuts originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air franceAirFranceairlinesjobsklmThu, 19 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST<![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 Olas Trump 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british airwaysBritishAirwayslas vegasLasVegaslondonnonstop flightNonstopFlighttravel dealsTravelDealsvirgin atlanticVirginAtlanticMon, 26 Oct 2009 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Stratos 714 VLJ Project Continues]]>http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/24/stratos-714-vlj-project-continues/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/24/stratos-714-vlj-project-continues/http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/24/stratos-714-vlj-project-continues/#commentsFiled under:


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