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Saturday, November 29, 2008

PostHeaderIcon Saudi prince buys $310m Airbus

The world's 13th richest man has set a new standard for billionaire opulence with the first VIP order for the A380 superjumbo.

Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who topped the Forbes Arabia rich list last year, has invested a small piece of his estimated $20.3bn (£9.8bn) fortune in an Airbus "Flying Palace", which is priced out of most tycoons' range with a retail price of $310m.

Airline customers for the mega-jet, which can seat up to 850 people, have managed to win sizeable discounts by placing bulk orders but the Riyadh-based billionaire is expected to have paid the full price - before adding the multimillion pound cost of kitting out the airliner.

The passenger version of the A380 has already raised the bar in luxurious air travel, with inaugural customer Singapore Airlines fitting its business class section with double-bed cabins.

However, private buyers will have much more leeway to indulge their whims, because the lack of hundreds of economy class seats leaves ample room for a kitchen, boardroom, cocktail bar, gymnasium, jacuzzi and giant plasma TV screens. Virgin Atlantic, one of the biggest investors in innovative airline products and a prospective A380 buyer, has considered installing a swimming pool and creche in its planes.

Prince Alwaleed signed the sale agreement for the A380 in a ceremony at the Dubai Airshow today. David Velupillai, marketing director at Airbus executive aviation, said there were 25 VIP Boeing 747s in service and at least five more orders for large VIP planes are expected over the next few years.

He added that the plane will be delivered around 2010 and will take about two years to fit. Asked if the prince had chosen the layout of his new jet, Velupillai said his customer had "not decided yet". He said: "In general terms, the VIP A380s will have lots of bedrooms, plus lounges where up to 20 people can be seated."

Velupillai added that the A380 gave Prince Alwaleed considerably more room than his smaller 747-400.

"He will get 50% more floor space. What a lot of corporate jet customers want is to trade up to something bigger and better. If you already have a 747, then bigger and better is an A380."

Alwaleed, a cousin of the Saudi King Abdullah, made the bulk of his fortune from a high-risk investment in Citigroup in the 1990s, although the value of his stake has fallen by a third this year after Citigroup was caught in the centre of the sub-prime crisis. His other shareholdings include News Corporation, Time Warner and Canary Wharf. Alwaleed tours his business empire in a custom-made Boeing 747-400, which pales in comparison with the 73m-long A380.

"Prince Alwaleed's order means that Airbus' sales success in the corporate jet market now extends from its smallest aircraft, the A318 Elite, all the way up to its largest, the A380 Flying Palace," said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer.


Article Source http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/nov/12/theairlineindustry

Thursday, November 27, 2008

PostHeaderIcon Private Jet Rentals - Shocking Facts About Private Luxury Jets



Probably most of you people are daydreaming about flying in a private luxury jet. For those who already did it - just admit it, it feels absolutely fantastic.

Business jet, private jet or, colloquially, bizjet is a term describing a jet aircraft, usually of smaller size, designed for transporting groups of business people. Business jets may be adapted for other roles, such as the evacuation of casualties or express parcel deliveries, and a few may be used by public bodies, governments or the armed forces.

The good news is that nowadays private jets can be easily rent by ordinary people, in case they can afford it. Why afford? Well, because it is not really cheap. However, if you would like to taste the real pride of taking a flight in a luxury private jet, you must know some shocking facts about the things you will meet in your way to achieve this beautiful dream.

Now let's talk about those issues that can't be offered by public airlines, but you can have in a private jet. First of all it's about comfort and luxury. While public airlines simple can not afford implementing extremely nice conditions for their costumers, private airlines that run jet rentals concentrate all their efforts to do so. Commercial airlines cannot compare to the benefits of private charter jets.

Often, after just one short flight in a private jet, passengers are absolutely amazed. Those who have enough income might think that this kind of air transport is going to be the only one for them. And the main cause for such an attitude is the luxury and pleasure you experience while taking an air ride in such an aircraft.

Avoid the high stress

One of the major benefits when renting a private jet charter is avoiding the 'high stress' of flying on a commercial airline. Passengers became very concerned lately about all these terrorist attacks and they do not have the same confidence about flying with public commercial airlines. Those who can afford to rent a private jet do this for their own safety.

Utmost comfort and convenience

Spacious comfortable seats that you don't usually find in normal aircraft charters, fantastic meals, bars, and in-flight DVD movies are just some of the comfort peaks you can expect from your next aircraft charter flight. Such services totally beat those cheap commercial airlines where you can barely move your legs and relax.

Accessibility and high level of safety

Finally, when renting a private jet, you do not have to wait in enormous lines for hours. Exactly, waiting is over, forget about it. When dealing with such great services those usual queues are over. Hurray!

Flexibility in their routes

Generally, commercial airlines have a set number of routes with only one or two connecting cities or countries. However, private jets can afford you more then just a flight from one country or city to another.

There are approximately 18,000 business jets in the worldwide fleet with the vast majority of them based in the United States or owned by US companies.

You should also know that there are a few secret tricks about getting cheap private jet tickets or even more, cheap jet rentals. Henry Luciano offers some other nice tips about private jets on his Renting Private Jets Blog.

PostHeaderIcon Hawaii Yacht Charters - Enjoy A Sailing Vacation In Paradise



Hawaii yacht charters allow you to sail around the most beautiful coastline in the world. Enjoy the balmy winds of the Hawaiian Islands and sunbathe on the deck of the yacht. Watch the surfers perform their feats of expertise on the huge waves from your berth at the dock. Along with the stunning landscape, you can also enjoy some of the most famous beaches in the world by booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters. This type of sailing vacation will be the vacation you have always fantasized about.

There are many coves and inlets you can visit during your yacht charter to Hawaii where you can be completely alone, The 3800 –foot cliffs on Moloka are the highest in the world and the Pelekunu Valley opens into a uninhabited valley. There are golden beaches in this area and if you wish you can moor your yacht offshore and row to shore in the dinghy. Hawaii Yacht Charters will also provide you with the opportunity to engage in spectacular diving experiences. With Hawaiian sailing vacations you can also enjoy the thrill of sliding down over 10 foot waves, something you won’t encounter on other tropical yacht charters.

Hawaiian sailing vacations are very fast – much faster than in the Caribbean. This is what makes Hawaii yacht charters so popular with those that have been sailing for years. You do have to have some knowledge of sailing the waters around Hawaii when before you take one of the bareboat charters. Tips to help you have a safe Hawaiian vacation with a yacht charter include such things as not taking a night trip on the water when the wings lay and avoiding going to the windward when the trades winds are up.

One of the advantages of booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters for the sailing vacation of your dreams is that there are no taxes in Hawaii. Therefore the cost you are quoted is what you pay. You don’t have to allow any extra money for Hawaiian sailing vacations. The director will find the perfect yacht to suit your needs. There are also many options you can have included, for an extra price of course, so that you have a truly customized Hawaiian vacation.

Some of the various Hawaii yacht charters that you can choose from include sunset dinner charters, event charters, activity charters and charters for formal occasions, such as weddings. You can choose a yacht that can only hold 6 passengers or choose one that can hold as many as 49. This larger yacht is a powered boat and it is crewed so that you can enjoy a private resort as you are sailing the islands of Hawaii. You can book your Hawaii yacht charters completely online without leaving the comfort of your home.

To find out more about Sailing Vacations visit Peter's Website Your Sailing Vacation and find out about Luxury Yacht Charters and more, including Caribbean Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters and Florida Charters.

PostHeaderIcon Aircraft Washing and Regulatory Issues


Perhaps you are a pilot or just love aircraft and you want to start a business washing, cleaning and detailing general aviation aircraft such as single engine, cabin class twins and private or corporate jet aircraft? There will be things that will be required of you by the local airport in order to get an activity permit, as well as some regulatory issues.

Should you build your own aircraft washing unit? Well, if you build your own unit, you will need a way to remove the water from the ramp, as most Airports have NPDES Permits of what storm water is allowed to leave. Even though it is full of Jet A and de-ice fluid run off, they seem to go over board to regulate aircraft washing? Silly I know? But realize the EPA is a little insane anyway? I am sure they will tell us we cannot breath the air, because it is regulated by the FAA and the EPA says it has contamination from the Chinese Dust Storms or an Indonesia Volcano?

Between the EPA and the FAA you have to at least understand what you will be dealing with. One person told me that he read on the FAA website that the FAA now regulates aircraft washing, well this is simply not so, and if the FAA website states this, well then the FAA site is in error, basic washing requires no licensing. I am sure someday those blithering idiots might attempt to control more that which they do not understand. Such as Private Space Flight? Consider all this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

PostHeaderIcon What is Air Freight Charter?


Air freight charter consists of a number of different commercial organizations that provide freight handling services around the world using airplanes and can mainly be found within the private sector which is a highly competitive environment.

Air freight charters services are operators who have their own aircraft and use the belly hold to carry cargo as part of a door to door service for shippers and importers of goods around the globe.

There are some air freight charter services which can arrange for the transportation of heavy or outsized cargo and this can be done in one consignment for the customer so avoiding delays and losses to them when a piecemeal shipment needs to be sent.

There are also air freight charter services which can arrange for the transportation of relief or aid cargo at times of international emergencies and disasters as scheduled airlines will most likely not have access to convenient airports so for many Aid Organisations the chartering of an aircraft is the ideal solution in order to get both equipment and personnel to locations fast.

There are many companies around the world who use air freight charter in order to have fresh produce or perishable goods delivered to the required locations on time as they often have aircraft specially designed to take such goods and it also avoids the delays associated with scheduled airlines.

Many people are now using air freight charters in order to transport "must go" cargo around the world in order to meet deadlines. This is especially important if a penalty clause applies to late delivery or a company is suffering large losses because of delays.

Also air freight charter is being used for the transportation of dangerous and hazardous goods which need to be segregated from other cargo and kept at their optimum condition. Plus it is also being used for the transportation of livestock as there are many air freight companies who have planes which have been adapted to carry such animals as rhinos, antelopes, horses etc., and it is important that the livestock is transported in a short period time (to prevent them too much stress) as well as providing them with conditions that are comfortable whilst on route.

Another reason for using air charter freight is that you can by pass airline procedures and be able to fly to the airport which is closest to the destination where your goods need to be.

So as you can see there are many reasons for using air freight charter when moving goods around the world.

Evert DuToit is a writer and website publisher from Pittsburgh, PA. Find out more about the air freight industry and specifically about air freight charters at his website at airfreight.information-pages.biz

PostHeaderIcon Alaska Yacht Charters – See The Glaciers And Exciting Wildlife


Crewed Alaska yacht charters allow you to enjoy whale watching and the many other sights that Alaska has in store for you. With these yacht charters you can gaze in awe at majestic mountains that reach into the clouds and visit places that a cruise ship cannot enter. There are flexible itineraries to suit every individual taste so that you get to have the full experience that Alaska has to offer with a yacht charter. If you have sailing experience, you can handle the yacht yourself when you book one of the many Alaska yacht charters.

The abundance of wildlife that you can see with one of the Alaska yacht charters is astounding. Killer whales, black bears, mountain goats and the many species of birds that Alaska offers are just one of the reasons why an Alaska yacht charter is a popular vacation idea with so many people. If you are an avid fisherperson, then with yacht charters, Alaska will help your fishing dream to come true. The type of fish you catch depends on the time of year you book the yacht charter. From May to September, you can fish for different species of salmon, while halibut is present all through the year.

If you want to learn how to sail the waters of Alaska, you can take an educational Alaska yacht charter where you learn as you sail along. Then when you decide that Alaska yacht charters is the way you want to spend all of your vacations, you can save money by not having to hire a captain and crew. With bareboat yacht charters, Alaska has so much to offer that it will take several charters for you to see it all. You can be the captain of your own yacht when you have the proper qualifications and bring along your own food and supplies.

With Alaska yacht charters you can have your own private cruise to Alaska without having to share anything with strangers. This way you can have the run of the yacht and its spacious rooms and deck area. You don’t even need to bring your fishing rods with an Alaska yacht charter if you book one of the crewed yacht charters. Alaska is the perfect destination for any occasion, but honeymooning in Alaska is one vacation you will never forget. There are unnamed coves along the coastline of Alaska where you can see the majesty of the scenery in all its glory.

There are so many possibilities with Alaska yacht charters that it is difficult to list them all. Sightseeing and education are all rolled into one with this type of yacht charter as you get to see the sights up close that you saw in books and magazines. Dock in one of the small towns and explore the streets, stores and cafes. Take a helicopter trip to see polar bears in their natural habitat and to get a glimpse of the vast landscape. Once you book one of the Alaska yacht charters you will most definitely want to repeat the experience.

To find out more about Sailing Vacations visit Peter's Website Your Sailing Vacation and find out about Luxury Yacht Charters and more, including Caribbean Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters and Florida Charters.

PostHeaderIcon Private Jet Rentals Offer Unparallel Travel

If your looking to fly in style, look no further than a private jet rental. Private Jet charter services allow you to travel anywhere around the world. The nice part about it is that you choose when and where you want to fly. No more crowed terminals, no more long security lines. These private jet rentals cater to you and your needs. When you fly a private jet, its all about you.

Private jet rental will take you to any destination in the world. You will be given the choice of the exact aircraft, destination, and accommodation that you would like. Does not matter weather your flying for business or pleasure, when you charter a private jet, you are chartering style.

When it comes to choosing your aircraft your choices are vast. Your selection might include a turbo-prop, medium jet, heavy jets, light jets or even a helicopter. Private jet rentals can be used to accommodate many different needs. Weather your flying ne-way or round trip your rental can be used in the United States or anywhere in theworld. Depending on the private jet capacity and size your occupancy can accommodate from one person on up.

Most private jet rental companies will provide you with a travel consultant. These consultants will provide you with services such as making hotel reservations, meals, tours, vacation resorts, and other entertainment events that you might require when you reach your destination. All charter services are staged with maximum security, safety and can be furnished with any luxury service desirable. These services may even include masseuses to hairdressers, a complete catering service, entertainment, and transportation services to and from the airports.

There is no comparison when it comes flying a private jet versus a commercial jet. If you like me you dread the thought of have to stand in long security lines, taking off half you clothing, checking your bags etc. If money is not a consideration, then flying a private jet will be head over heals better then going commercial.

Most companies today are vying for your business and in the private jet rental business it is no different. While commercial airlines will offer frequent flier miles and other small services, private jet companies offer luxurious accommodations and a far superior service to that of a commercial airliner. When is comes to comparing commercial line services with private charters, there is
no comparison.

If your looking for an ego boost then look no further than a private jet. Imagine the feel of pulling into your destination in your personal private jet to impress a client or family. Now some might consider this a waste of money but I can tell you this it is certainly not a waste of time. In addition, if money is no object then why not make the most of your trip by treating yourself to a
luxurious private jet.

Kenneth L Myers is the contributing author of this site. Visit us at: http://premiumprivatejets.com/ar/private-jet-rental.php

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