Private jet demand soars for Longtail

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There may be fewer business executives on the Island and the global economy is still on shaky ground, but Longtail Aviation says private jet travel has taken off.

“The first quarter was the best quarter we have ever had,” said Longtail Aviation International CEO Martin Amick. “The demand for on-demand chartering of private jets is somewhat cyclical, but it is now on an upswing.”

As Bermuda’s only licensed airline, operating four planes, including Falcon 900s and Cessna light jets, Longtail flies anywhere in the world — and passengers aren’t always Bermuda-based.

In fact, this year Longtail flew a European foreign minister to a high-level G-20 meeting in Mexico. The team are proud to have a photo of their Falcon jet parked between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s plane and the aircraft carrying the German Foreign Minister, in Cabo San Lucas in February.

Recognising it’s still a tough economy, Longtail has expanded services to attract more well-heeled travellers, including offering a new Longtail Private Jet Card. The card offers charter discounts, including a 20 percent-off deal, as well as updates on available discounted one-way “empty legs” and other specials, with no obligation.

The idea is to offer more flexible travel options for flyers wanting alternatives to taking commercial flights.

The airline also offers blocks of flight time to enable customers “to use the jet as their own — subject to availability”, Mr Amick said. “You can just call up and off we go.”

Longtail does not actually own the aircraft, Mr Amick explained.

“We manage business aircraft for other owners,” he said, “and charter it when they are not using it.”

Longtail is owned by a group of investors led by Robert Mulderig, and including Mr Amick. It has been awarded a platinum seal rating by independent safety auditor Aviation Research Group.

It’s main rivals are US private charter companies like NetJets, whose planes fly to Bermuda.

Longtail employs a full-time staff of 14 based at the company’s hangar at the airport, including nine pilots and its own maintenance department.

It flies several charters a week, mainly to the eastern US, and then many times on to other destinations.

The company — in operation for 12 years now — flies anywhere in the world, said Mr Amick, having touched down everywhere from Europe to the Middle East to Australia and even remote Ascension Island.

The company has flown its share of celebrities, recording artists, sports stars, political leaders, and even some very pampered pets.

Along to take care of the passengers and prepare catered meals and beverages is Longtail’s flight attendant Paulina Brooks, who must have the world’s best job.

The Bermudian spent her early career sailing around the world on tallships, now she’s seeing the world from a different perspective, having her bag packed and ready to be called, sometimes, on a moment’s notice.

Mr Amick said 60 to 70 percent of Longtail’s charters are for business travel, while 30 percent are for pleasure, including charters by groups of Bermudians who use the jets to travel together to special events. International charter brokers refer business to Longtail as well.

Longtail sales and marketing manager Clare Marshall said the Caribbean has become a popular charter destination from Bermuda given it’s a much shorter trip from the Island, compared to having to fly there via the US.

“If you left here in your swimsuit and flip-flops you can be on the beach in three hours,” she said. Passengers can literally be in the air ten minutes after arriving at the private jet facility at LF Wade airport.

A Caribbean trip would set you back about $35,000 though, depending on your destination. The planes can seat up to 14 though, so it can be cost-effective for groups.

Rates generally are around $6,000 per hour of flight time.

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