Recent media coverage of the Big Three automakers’ use of corporate jets while asking for government bailout money put business aviation in the spotlight. The criticism was spearheaded by Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, who compared the executives' actions to “seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in [a] high hat and tuxedo.”
But private jets aren't just toys for "fat cats" and "bigwigs." In fact, 86 percent of the people on board business jets are mid-level employees, according to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Likewise, very few of the businesses that own or use private jets are among the Fortune 500. Most are small or mid-size companies that fly small aircraft out of small community airports.
"Business aviation helps companies of all sizes remain nimble, competitive and successful, especially in a difficult economic climate," explained NBAA president Ed Bolen.
Likewise, Brian Humphries, president of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), said that "now is the perfect time to use a business aircraft." Although the media has portrayed business jets as "perks for overpaid, undeserving CEOs," Humphries argues that private aviation is "undeniably the best and often only way for executives to maximize their productivity...to get contracts signed and develop new business."
What is a Business Jet?
There are three types of business airplanes: piston aircraft, turboprops and jets.
Piston airplanes are relatively small, propeller-driven aircraft that generally seat one to six passengers. These airplanes are used for shorter missions, typically 300 to 400 miles. The Cirrus SR22 is a good example of a piston aircraft that is used for private jet charter operations.
Turboprops, such as the Piper Meridian or the Beechcraft King Air, have more power than a piston airplane and can reach higher altitudes using gas-turbine engines. These airplanes are a bit larger than piston aircraft and are used for missions of 600 to 1,000 miles.
Jets have the most power, can generally reach altitudes above 40,000 feet and can achieve higher speeds than other types of aircraft. Their sizes range from the small four- to six-passenger Eclipse 500 to the Boeing Business Jets, which can seat 20 to 60 passengers.
The Benefits of Private Aviation
So why would a company consider using business aviation?
- Time savings - Business aircraft can often fly into smaller airports that airliners can't, so it's possible to get closer to one's destination. Also, small airports aren't as busy as terminal hubs, so a traveler can save quite a bit of time by avoiding the check-in lines and security at major airports.
- Privacy and security - Passengers aboard private aircraft can conduct business and discuss sensitive information without the fear of anyone overhearing the conversation, according to NBAA. Using a business jet also allows high profile executives and media personalities to travel without the public's notice.
- Increased productivity - Studies have shown that productivity aboard business jets is higher than in offices, according to the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). Also, the time savings allows executives to accomplish more work in the long run. Lastly, the use of business aircraft allows executives to fly to areas where the airlines might not have service, which increases business opportunities in remote areas.
- More down time - According to the BBGA, everyone benefits when an executive spends more time at home and less time traveling.
In spite of the perks, most business jet users will admit that the cost is somewhat more, when compared to the airlines. However, the same users also argue that the benefits far outweigh the extra fees. "In the face of airline consolidation and declining service levels, including short-notice route cancellations and interrupted schedules, business aviation is increasingly revealed for what it truly is: a significant and affordable tool for growth," Humphries said.
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