Light Jets Gather Momentum, Gulf VIP airlines, Looking to Bridge Gap in Private Aviation

Clipper jet will be flying Gulfstream GIV‘s which you can already charter through JetOptions -Ed.

ClipperJet CEO James Occhipinti is looking to bridge the gap between premium first class commercial airline travel and private aviation. When the California-based private jet operator launches ClipperJet in early 2015 it will feature a new “country club”-style business model, according to Occhipinti, in which aircraft connectivity will be key.

Cabin of Gulfstream IV

Conventional wisdom in recent months has pointed to large-cabin, ultra-long-range aircraft as the only segment of business aviation showing any significant strength in the marketplace. That may be changing, however, not because demand for high-end models necessarily is weakening, but because light jets are gaining momentum, according to J.P. Morgan Investment Research’s latest business jet monthly report.

The Embraer Phenom 300 and its smaller sibling, the Phenom 100, were designed primarily to serve owner-pilots, charter services and small corporate flight departments. Photo by Jessica Ambats

The U.S. accounts for about 60% of the global business jet fleet, and after more than five difficult years demand is improving. J.P. Morgan analyst Joseph Nadol III expects demand for light jets, in particular, to benefit since North America accounts for two-thirds of deliveries in this segment.

How elastic is an airline brand? Two of the big three Gulf airlines have built on their reputations for innovative customer service with VIP charter spin-offs to tap a market beyond their top-end scheduled products.

Qatar Airways is growing its Qatar Executive fleet of Bombardiers with Gulfstreams. Emirates may expand its charter offering, launched last year with an Airbus A319 fitted with 10 self-contained berths, a dining room and shower/spa.

Qatar Executive Global 5000