Shopping for a Jet Card? Read the small print

By Air Partner

Caveat emptor. If diligently followed, this simple 'buyer beware' rule will always provide a reassuring first level of protection when shopping for a jet card membership programme.

But, says Kevin Ducksbury, Air Partner's Director of Middle East and Asia: "Buyers must know what they want and should gain a thorough understanding of the subject before they sign on any dotted lines.

Kevin Ducksbury, Air Partner's Director of Middle East and Asia

"All jet card schemes are similar, yet there are subtle and valuable differences. It is essential to read the small print very carefully, particularly as direct comparison can be difficult, for hidden extras and conditions."

The popularity of jet cards, a relatively recent addition to the private aviation mix, has resulted in the launch of a growing number of schemes all designed to seduce and capture new users.

However, Air Partner, the world renowned private jet company, is quick to stress that weighing up the validity of the company behind a scheme is as vital as studying the offering.

So what should prospective jet card customers, whether from the corporate or private sectors, look out for when considering a purchase? In summary, Kevin Ducksbury advises they look for a "highly regarded company offering a flexible, high quality and competitively priced 'no hidden extras' product" and suggests the following checklist is a good starting point.  

Look for a global company

• with an established local office staffed by a professional team of nationals that understand the culture and language
• that provides dedicated personal account managers to provide a bespoke service
• that is in good financial health and has an excellent reputation worldwide
• operates 24/7, 365 days a year
• that has the resources and backup to provide uncompromising quality and creative solutions to fly clients anywhere, at any time, reliably and with discretion.

Look for a jet card product that

• guarantees no surcharges whatsoever - no fuel surcharges, no airport supplements, no operational fees
• offers clear and transparent pricing
• comes with a promise of no peak-time supplements or restrictions
• gives discounts for return trips
• offers the option to cancel at any time with a full refund of unused hours
• offers flight hours that don't expire
• guarantees aircraft availability on a broad choice of aircraft
• allows jet card users the ability to switch cabin sizes at short notice.

Air Partner has just launched its own Middle East JetCard following the success of a similar programme that has been running in the UK and Europe for the past three years and was recently expanded into the US. This development forms part of Air Partner's strategic plan to grow its Dubai-based charter business, and specifically its private jet products, within the Gulf region. Plans are in hand to open further offices in the Middle East over the next two-three years to meet the requirements of business clients and high net worth individuals.

"We are experiencing a surge in demand for private jets from Middle East clients and our aim is to offer them a first class service," declared Mr Ducksbury.

The London Gatwick-based Air Partner Group, which has been trading for almost 50 years, has a strategy of creating a global network of offices in key business centres. Today it has 23 offices in locations such as London, Paris and New York, as well as Dubai. With a worldwide team of more than 250 aviation experts, the company is able to provide a 'local and global' round-the-clock service every day of the year.

In today's economic climate, risk management has moved centre stage and finding solid and established suppliers has become crucial. The fact that Air Partner remains the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) speaks volumes. The company is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange and continues to serve an impressive list of clients from presidents and prime ministers, to celebrities, business tycoons, governments (including 6 of the G8), corporate organisations from all areas of industry, and self-made high achievers. Discretion is key, however, and confidentiality is guaranteed.

When Air Partner Dubai officially opened in 2002, VIP guests included His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum - the first time Air Partner had enjoyed royal patronage at an in-house event. Since then, Air Partner Dubai has been providing clients throughout the Gulf region with commercial airliner and private jet charters as well as an airfreight service. Now the Air Partner Middle East JetCard has joined the mix.

Standing next to David Savile (center) Chief Executive Officer, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed All Maktoum.

Jet cards offer a simple solution for those who wish to negotiate the cost of their private jet flying annually and strike a deal with one single supplier which affords a consistent level of service and support.

Typically, clients prepay for a set number of flight hours, usually between 25 and 50, in their chosen category of aircraft. Categories can range from light and midsize cabin jets capable of carrying six or seven passengers to large cabin and global cabin jets with capacity for 10 to 14 people. Another option sometimes available is a card specific to one aircraft model. Only occupied hours are deducted from card balances and generally, charges are not levied for aircraft positioning.

While some companies require a membership fee or a deposit, others price their cards with a base rate and then add a number of surcharges. The price of Air Partner's card is fixed at the outset and Mr Ducksbury reiterates the importance of price transparency. "Even some of the best known brands will be hiding costs. Customers should look for programmes without expiration dates and which offer reimbursements for unused hours. If time is precious and speed is of the essence, check guaranteed aircraft availability."

The Air Partner Middle East JetCard can be used in Europe, Continental USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. The quality of service is high and safety is paramount; the scheme only uses private jets which are operated to commercial airline standards by selected key partners with full public transport certification. There are two highly experienced pilots on every flight and the same aircraft and crew are used for the duration of a tour. Clients pay only for the time they fly, wheels up to wheels down, plus six minutes' taxiing on take-off and landing.

As Mr Ducksbury suggests, there is more to purchasing a jet card than meets the eye.

Homework is essential.

E: info@airpartner.com