Ryan Hall is the CEO of August Aviation. August Aviation is currently one of the fastest growing private aviation companies.
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As with any investment, considering private travel for your business is a matter of careful consideration and planning. If you want to get the most long-term value, as well as a better overall flying experience, for the price you want, there are several points to consider when working with a brokerage firm.
As CEO of a private airline company, I oversaw the successful completion of nearly 1 million miles of private jet flights on behalf of our corporate clients over the past year. My experience has given me a unique insight that allows me to recommend solutions and execute missions for some of the highest-performing individuals in the world.
What is a private jet broker?
In the private aviation industry, a broker handles all aspects of your private flight experience. Starting with understanding your needs, a broker is on hand to find available aircraft based on your requirements. From there, they will vet operators and flight crews to ensure safety precautions are in place and look for any red flags that could derail your travel plans. When you select an aircraft, your broker will send you a final itinerary and help you with all the details you need, such as catering or ground transportation.
For the first time flying business jets, consider finding a broker you can trust. Not everyone you meet will provide you with the transparency, guidance, and level of service you and your organization deserve, especially in an increasingly cluttered marketplace. Be sure to communicate these needs before your business travel to avoid missteps.
1. Timeliness is paramount. Often, brokers looking to cut costs will use a plane that flies multiple legs in the same day. If the passengers who used a plane prior to your trip are late, it will delay your departure. Your broker must fully understand aircraft movements prior to your trip to ensure you and your team stay on track.
2. Wi-Fi is required. Not all planes are equipped with Wi-Fi. Especially when traveling for business, make sure your plane not only has Wi-Fi, but it’s included in the price, and you don’t see a bill for your team using Wi-Fi during the flight.
3. Leave your broker room in the schedule for departure time flexibility. You and your team take advantage of private travel, so you can get the most out of your business without having to worry about factors associated with commercial travel. The last thing you want to say while taking the time to close the biggest deal in the company’s history or deliver a presentation about the finish line is, “We need to rush this to meet our departure time.” Make sure your broker understands that business comes first and you may need to shift your short-term departure time by an hour or two. With crew rest requirements and flight schedules, this isn’t always a given, but an experienced broker will have the foresight to give you the flexibility you need to do business on your schedule.
Ultimately, building a relationship, trusting your broker and trusting them and their team will make for a smooth and easy business travel experience. With open, consistent communication and transparency, you can rest assured that you will get the best service and ultimate security from your business travel experience.
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