charter airline Archives - FLYING Magazine

Volato Lays Off Employees During Transition

Caleb Revill — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:54:51 +0000

Three weeks after disclosing its troubling quarterly financial report, fractional ownership charter jet operator Volato (NYSE:SOAR) has entered into an aircraft management services agreement (AMS) with competitor flyExclusive (NYSE: FLYX).

In a SEC filing on Tuesday morning, the AMS includes an option for Volato to merge into a wholly owned subsidiary of flyExclusive. This option expires one year from the date of the agreement and allows an option for flyExclusive to purchase Volato during that time.

This comes as Private Jet Card Comparisons reports widespread layoffs at Volato. A source familiar with the situation at Volato confirmed such layoffs and provided FLYING with a letter of termination they received from the company.

READ MORE: Volato to Drop 5 Leased Jets, Furlough Pilots

“In light of market conditions this year, Volato has been actively seeking ways to improve its operating costs and increase efficiencies,” the letter stated. “As part of that, Volato has been undergoing talks with several private aviation companies and has recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with flyExclusive. The LOI outlines an immediate move to combine certain operations through cooperative agreements. This strategic move is expected to strengthen our position in the market and provide new opportunities for growth. However, as we transition through this period, it has become necessary to adjust our workforce to better align with our current and future operational needs.”

The letter further stated that the step was part of Volato’s strategy to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs as the company anticipates the delivery of new aircraft and the successful completion of its merger with flyExclusive.

Terms of the AMS

Tuesday’s agreement will see flyExclusive manage flight operations, sales, and expenses of Volato’s fleet, which consists of 13 fully fractionalized aircraft, eight leased aircraft, and four managed aircraft. The goal under the AMS is to transfer aircraft to the flyExclusive certificate, which will occur over the coming months in coordination with the FAA.

“As a fully integrated operator, flyExclusive is well positioned to offer synergistic value to Volato’s clients and deliver enhanced value for our overall growing customer base,” said Jim Segrave, founder and CEO of flyExclusive, in a news release from the company. “Over the years, we’ve made strategic investments to remove industry bottlenecks and grow and maintain a leading, consistent customer experience. We’re proud to welcome Volato’s customers and look forward to offering them access to our growing fleet of light, midsize and super-midsize jets.”

In addition to managing Volato’s retail and wholesale business, flyExclusive will execute flights for Volato’s customer base of approximately 184 fractional customers and 265 block customers until they are moved over to FLYX agreements.

The release states that this agreement will significantly increase the FLYX direct-to-customer facing business in the United States. FlyExclusive expects approximately $75 million in revenues from Volato—excluding aircraft sales—to transfer to FLYX. FlyExclusive states in the release that it is confident these flights can be executed with minimal additional overhead.

The AMS will also provide flyExclusive with access to Volato’s technology through a software license agreement.

“FlyExclusive is a proven operator with a robust platform and unwavering focus on the customer experience,” said Volato CEO Matt Liotta in the release. “This agreement provides mutual benefit to both of our companies and, most importantly, our customers benefit by increased flight and service options with the reliable and high-quality service they have come to expect from best-in-class operators.”

Volato did not immediately respond to FLYING’s request for comment.

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Employer Profile: Boutique Air

Flying Staff — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:35:32 +0000

Founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, Boutique Air is an FAA-certified air carrier providing both scheduled and charter air service. Boutique’s fleet consists of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s and Beechcraft King Air 350s.

The airline services routes in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

Boutique Air is a codeshare partner with United Airlines and has an interline agreement with American Airlines.

Boutique Air Mission Statement

“…To provide a first-class experience at an economical price, while making passengers feel at home.”

Boutique Air in the News

Trip Report: Music City to the Gulf Coast With Boutique Air
It is once again time for another Essential Air Service (EAS) trip report from AirlineGeeks’ Joe Gerardi. Just like his journey on Air Choice One, this trip is another unique experience that connects two larger cities using a small EAS community.

Boutique Air Adds Three Destinations
Boutique Air announced three new destinations spanning the U.S. as the airline looks to bolster its services in the East, West, and South.

Boutique Air Openings on FindaPilot.com

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Employer Profile: Castle Aviation

Flying Staff — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:49:55 +0000

Castle Aviation is a cargo airline and private passenger airline based at Akron-Canton Airport (KCAK) in North Canton, Ohio. This year marks Castle’s 40th year in business.

Most of Castle’s operations are within a 750-mile radius of Northeast Ohio. But the company also serves Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Castle Aviation Mission Statement

“At Castle Aviation, the health and well-being of our customers, associates, and communities are our number one priority.”

Castle Aviation in the News

The Emergence of Moving ‘Man’s Best Friend’
When it comes to the transport of animals, cargo airlines have always been more than willing to get animals from their starting point to their final destination.

Castle Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

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Employer Profile: Contour Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:43:37 +0000

Contour Aviation provides luxury charter service, aircraft acquisitions, and personalized aircraft maintenance among its services.

Contour was founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc. and is based in Smyrna, Tennessee. With more than 600 employees, Contour Aviation is among the 10 largest Part 135 charter operators in the U.S.

In 2023, Contour completed more than 24,500 hours of flight operations and carried more than 350,000 passengers with its fleet.

Contour Aviation Mission Statement

“At Contour, our core values are at the heart of everything that we do and every decision we make. Constant throughout all of our lines of business is a commitment to integrity and safety.”

Contour Aviation in the News

SkyWest Acquires Stake in Contour Airlines, Bolsters Charter Presence
The regional operator is continuing its foray into the Part 135 charter market with a recent investment in Contour Airlines.

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Employer Profile: Thrive Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:44:21 +0000

Thrive Aviation is a globally operated curator of private aviation services. With corporate headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, Thrive serves the North American and global markets from its operational base in Las Vegas. Thrive’s owned/operated fleet includes light, super-mid, large- cabin, and ultra-long-range aircraft.

Thrive Aviation Mission Statement

“Our company works to provide proactive services and personalized sophistication to every moment of our guests’ flight experience. The excellence of our work ensures that each customer receives more of what’s needed before they need it. More accessibility. Less interference. A reduction of risk and expansion of comfort. We ensure all elements of excellence.”

Thrive Aviation in the News

Thrive Aviation Expands Fleet With Munday Aviation’s Factory-Delivered Praetor 500
Thrive Aviation proudly announces the addition of the Praetor 500 to its managed charter fleet under aircraft owner Munday Aviation.

Thrive Aviation Joins Southwest’s Pilot Pathways Program
The private aviation firm will give potential pilots a direct pathway to the right seat at Southwest Airlines.

Thrive Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

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Employer Profile: Metro Aviation

Flying Staff — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:18:26 +0000

Metro Aviation Inc. began in 1982 as a helicopter charter, flight training, and maintenance operator. Today, the company has two missions: It installing medical, law enforcement, and corporate kits for aircraft and operating aircraft for hospitals nationwide.

In 2024, Metro Aviation added fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet with the creation of Metro Gulf. Metro Aviation operates three MRO facilities in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Lafayette, Louisiana, and its headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Metro Aviation Mission Statement

“To provide the safest and highest quality aircraft operations, completions, and maintenance so that our customers can safely and effectively accomplish their mission profile, our employees can exercise their talents and maximize their potential, and the company can ensure its financial stability.”

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How to Become a Corporate Pilot

Andrew Chen — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:14:46 +0000

Beyond the hustle and bustle of a busy airport terminal, there is a whole other world of passenger aviation in our skies. Corporate aircraft and their pilots serve travelers all around the globe each and every day.

Although it is easy to assume that being a pilot means working for an airline, corporate aviation also offers exciting careers for aviators. Corporate pilots have unique opportunities when it comes to their lifestyle, workplace, and travel destinations. Here is what you need to know about becoming a corporate pilot.

What Does a Corporate Pilot Do?

There are a few different types of employers that hire corporate pilots. Some nonaviation companies—such as Walmart and the Las Vegas Sands Corp.—have fleets of private jets. These companies hire pilots to fly their executives and employees for business purposes.

It is also possible to work for an individual or family that owns a private jet. Certain businesspeople, celebrities, and other individuals with significant wealth have their own aircraft and hire personal pilots to operate them.

Many corporate pilots work for charter companies that operate private aircraft. Individuals and companies who do not have their own aircraft but want to fly privately can hire these companies on an as-needed basis. Pilots working for these companies often have the opportunity to serve a variety of clients and fly to a diverse range of destinations.

Corporate pilots fly many different types of aircraft, with the exact type depending on their employer. While some corporate pilots fly single-engine propeller aircraft, others fly heavy passenger aircraft in a business jet configuration.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Corporate Pilot?

As is the case with any pilot career, the first step is obtaining a private pilot certificate.

This license will give you the basic skills to fly an airplane or helicopter and allow you to fly small aircraft recreationally. Minimum requirements for a private pilot certificate include being 17 years old and obtaining an FAA medical certificate.

The next step is to earn a commercial pilot certificate. This is what gives you the ability to be paid as a pilot and allows you to start your aviation career.

Although you can land some corporate pilot jobs with only a commercial pilot certificate, employers will often require significant flight time before you are eligible—typically 1,500 hours. So you will need to build your hours before entering the corporate pilot world.

Luckily, there are many jobs available as a low-hour commercial pilot, including air tours, surveying, and instructing.

Some corporate pilot jobs will require you to have the top-tier pilot license, airline pilot transport certificate, or ATP certificate. Pilots must have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours to obtain this certification.

Each employer has its own requirements, but corporate first officer jobs will typically need 1,500 hours of flight time, a FAA first-class or second-class medical certificate, a valid passport and the legal authorization to work in the United States, and a Federal Communications Commission radio operator license. Captain jobs will require more flying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a corporate pilot?

The amount of time that it takes for you to complete your flight training depends on how often you fly. Once you have your commercial pilot certificate, you can hit the 1,500-hour threshold in as little as two years if you have a full-time flying job.

How much do corporate pilots make?

The salary of a corporate pilot can vary greatly depending on their work hours, aircraft type, geographic location, and employer. Given the current demand for pilots, salaries are fairly competitive with the airlines. New first officers can expect to make around $70,000 to $100,000 per year, while senior captains can have annual salaries of over $300,000.

How much does it cost to become a regional airline pilot?

If you are starting from no flying experience, getting a commercial pilot certificate in the United States will cost around $100,000. Once you have an entry-level pilot job, your costs will be offset by your pay, and your overall income and any debt will depend on your circumstances.

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Employer Profile: Solairus Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:16:42 +0000

Solairus Aviation is an aviation services company that helps owners manage and operate their aircraft safely, reliably, and economically. It also offers charter services that use its managed fleet to meet customer needs.

Founded in 2009, Solairus boasts 75-plus base locations, 330-plus private aircraft, and about 2,00 flight crew and support personnel. The company is headquartered in Petaluma, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Solairus Aviation Mission Statement

“We never settle for even very high levels of customer satisfaction and we’re always looking for better ways to do our business.” —Greg Petersen, chief operating officer

Solarius Aviation in the News

Solairus Aviation Announces Updates to Executive Leadership Team
Company appoints Brent Monroe as chief growth officer and promotes Bob Marinace to chief experience officer.

Solairus Aviation Announces Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund
The fund honors late aviator and Solairus team member Chad Davidson in support of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students.

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Employer Profile: Kalitta Air

Flying Staff — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:12:44 +0000

Kalitta Air provides air cargo transportation services, aircraft heavy maintenance, parts sales and service, and engineering services. Headquartered at Willow Run Airport (KYIP) in Ypsilanti Township, Mich., the company operates worldwide.

Kalitta’s call sign—”Connie”— is a nod to its founder, Conrad “Connie” Kalitta, who began the business as a car-part-carrying airline in 1967. The airline changed its name to American International Airways in 1984, when it began offering air freight, air ambulance, and charter operations.

In 1990, AIA flew hundreds of cargo missions for U.S. military operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf.

The company evolved and transformed into Kalitta Air in 2000. Today its fleet has more than 25 planes, consisting of Boeing 777 and B747-400 freighters.

Kalitta Air Mission Statement

According to its website: “Traveling the globe and delivering a quality product on time, anytime, anywhere.”

Kalitta Air in the News

Kalitta Charters II Says Goodbye to the Boeing 727
Michigan-based cargo operator Kalitta Charters II bid farewell to its final Boeing 727 freighter on April 5. The over-40-year-old aircraft, N729CK, completed a short flight from Willow Run Airport (KIPT) to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (KOSC) in Michigan, marking the end of an era for the company.

Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots?
Despite recent headlines, there are several career opportunities for aspiring aviators.

The Last 747, Queen of the Skies
The last 747 has rolled off Boeing’s production line, but the iconic jumbo jet still has plenty of history to make.

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Employer Profile: Clay Lacy Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:18:02 +0000

Founded in 1968, Clay Lacy Aviation offers aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and other services to private and corporate clients. Clay Lacy’s main operations centers are at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Greater Los Angeles, McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) near San Diego, and Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Connecticut. It operates FBO, maintenance, charter, and management centers at airports nationwide.

Clay Lacy Mission Statement

The company’s website lists the following values: Strive for excellence, thoughtfully improve, and do the right thing.

Clay Lacy in the News

Clay Lacy Prepares to Open Waterbury-Oxford FBO Summer 2024
Clay Lacy Aviation’s newest FBO and hangar complex at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC), which serves New York City and the greater Northeast, is nearing completion and scheduled to open this summer.

Clay Lacy Aviation, Overair Partner to Bring Air Taxis to Southern California
The FBO network and infrastructure developer will install vertiports and electric chargers and work toward an air taxi concept of operations.

A Life in Pursuit with Clay Lacy
In a long and storied career, Clay Lacy Aviation has notched extraordinary experiences in commercial and business aviation, the military, and air racing.

Clay Lacy Job Openings on FindaPilot.com

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