Local executives jet set for business growth.

Though once exclusive to Fortune 50 CEOs, charter jet travel has spread its wings, serving more and more corporate and business clients each year. According to a National Business Travel Association (N BTA) survey, more than 55 percent of the respondent companies use alternatives to commercial air travel, such as corporate jets, charter flights, fractional jet ownership, or very light jets (VLJ). This compares to 33 percent who reported using corporate jets or charters in 2004, and only 27 percent in 2002.

Not surprisingly, Jet Source, Inc., a nationally-recognized full-service aviation center based in Carlsbad, Calif., has noted a significant increase in demand for charter jet services for business and corporate clients. Showing 144 percent growth since last year, Jet Source continues to see charter service client demand for both businesses and personal use. At the National Business Aviation Associations Annual (NBAA) Conference, held in September, the boom in business jet sales was evident as the industry's prominent tradeshow marked record attendance and the annual Honeywell forecast further bolstered the aviation industries' excitement for future business growth.

Perhaps San Diego CEOs and entrepreneurs are following stride with what top leaders have experienced first-hand for decades: that private jet travel tops the list of key resources that provide efficiency, client development and mark their success.

"We're seeing an industry-wide shift to making private travel more accessible," said Frank Milian, president and COO of Jet Source. "Once perceived as a luxury for only a select few, now client demand has supported the next generation of private aviation--new program offerings for hourly and shared ownership travel, fuel-efficient aircraft that keeps our costs competitive and growth in key markets like Henderson, Nevada."

Save Valuable Time: Set apart from the commercial airline industry, private aviation's key differentiator is rooted in accommodating the passengers' schedules. Charter service clients eliminate notorious ticket counter experiences and the time-consuming two-hour period required for checking-in when flying commercial. Charter jet travel saves valuable time and removes the inconvenience of delays, layovers and cancelled flights.

Pick Your Destination: Private aviation has access to more than 5,000 airports throughout the United States, compared to a meager 500 airports which are generally used for commercial travel. Layovers and bothersome commutes to and from the "nearest" major airport are a thing of the past for Jet Source clients. Charter passengers are able to fly out of the nearest airport big or small--non-stop and direct to their destination. Special for Jet Source clients, guests enjoy valet parking at the company's San Diego headquarters at Palomar-McClellan Airport in Carlsbad, Calif.

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Increase Company Productivity: Known as a key tool for employee and client appreciation and retention, private jet travel opens a new frontier in efficiency. Each and every one of Jet Source's charter jets are outfitted with multimedia, entertainment, fax, telephone, Internet access and can comfortably accommodate anywhere from eight to 12 passengers. During flight, business teams can conduct meetings without fear of corporate strategies leaking to a nearby passenger; executives can make important calls without distraction; and the comforts of private travel also reduce post-trip fatigue, which in turn increases post-trip productivity.

Secure Your Safety: In the air and on the ground, the peace of mind when traveling by charter jet is invaluable--especially for business travelers. Private aviation companies such as Jet Source can secure an impressive Platinum Rating by the Aviation Research Group/US to demonstrate the company's commitment to going above and beyond standard commercial airline protocols for safety and security.

Impress VIPs & Clients: There's no denying the wow-factor of a private jet experience. San Diego executives are becoming increasingly savvy to the unique factors that set their company apart from the rest--to impress even the most discriminating clients. Luxurious club seating, generous leg room and first-rate service are just a few of the perks passengers experience when flying private charter.

Highly Effective for Employee Incentives: Private aviation can play a significant role, especially when it comes to motivating sales teams and attracting top talent. The latest trend--air travel often can be purchased in the form of gift cards for hours in flight to the clients' destination of choice.

Let's be clear. Private travel has a number of benefits that are beneficial for a company's bottom line and efficiency, but what really sets the experience apart? The latest trend shows an expansion of concierge services, once exclusive to hotels, into the aviation industry.

Milan noted, "Let me walk you through the experience-Clients can enjoy limousine service that provides a 'red carpet' experience from the office straight to the private jet, which may be waiting for them with a chilled glass of their favorite champagne," he continued, "Our team can make sure presentations are cued and ready for a meeting to take place in-flight."

Other related travel concierge requests may include a full course gourmet meal, coordination of plans for dinner and show reservations at clients' choice destinations, ground and hotel coordination and more.

"We highly recommend that our guests take advantage of concierge services and tell us exactly what they want out of their flying experience," said Milian. "We want each and every client to feel like a VIP when flying with us, so no request is too extravagant. We can't make guarantees, but I can promise our team will do everything in our power to deliver."

From the King Air to the Gulfstream 400, Jet Source has served hundreds of corporate clients over the past 10 years, not only satisfying their travel needs but consistently going above and beyond their expectations.

If there's still any doubt about the cost versus benefits of charter jet travel, consider this: Are you ready to experience the efficiency that San Diego's jet setters enjoy?

Megan Cunningham is Vice President of Charter Services at Jet Source. More information can be found online, www.jetsource.com.