JetSuiteX: Innovative Public Charter Air Service
Private jet operator JetSuite has launched JetSuiteX, a new public charter air carrier that offers exciting service options for travelers in the Bay Area and greater Los Angeles. This service will initiate weekday flights from the Bay Area’s Buchanan Field in Concord, California, to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, starting on April 19 and to Las Vegas on April 22.
Flight Options
The Concord-Burbank service will commence with three round-trip flights daily on a 30-seat Embraer 135 regional jet, with introductory fares starting at just $109 each way. Additionally, the carrier will operate flights to Las Vegas on Friday nights, returning to Concord on Sunday afternoons. Starting June 30, JetSuiteX plans to introduce up to four round trips per week between San Jose Mineta International Airport and Bozeman, Montana.
Led by a management team with roots in JetBlue, including CEO Alex Wilcox, JetSuiteX aims to fill a significant gap in the market. Wilcox notes that traffic numbers for major routes like Los Angeles-San Francisco have seen a dramatic decline, leading more travelers to seek efficient alternatives.
“When comparing traffic numbers from 2000 to 2013, we observe a decrease of three million passengers annually between Los Angeles and San Francisco,” said Wilcox. “The time has come for a fresh travel option that effectively caters to this demand.”
Given increased security measures and busier flights, overall air travel times have increased, making alternatives even more appealing. This is where JetSuiteX can make a difference by offering a competitive price and enhanced travel experience. Wilcox elaborates, “Concord is an excellent choice for business travelers, being close to Walnut Creek and significantly more convenient than other Bay Area airports.”
Historically, services like Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) facilitated frequent flights between Concord and LA, indicating a viable market for JetSuiteX. However, changes in requirements for major carriers left this market underserved. “We have recognized this opportunity and aim to deliver a quality service that meets the needs of today’s travelers,” he added.
JetSuiteX is positioning itself as a third option in the California air travel market, providing a public charter service that mirrors the benefits of private jet travel without the hefty price tag. “By using JetSuiteX, travelers can enjoy the convenience of private terminals and swift boarding, thus significantly reducing wait times,” Wilcox concluded.
What Makes JetSuiteX So Special
JetSuiteX combines the luxury commonly associated with private jet travel with the affordability of traditional airline pricing. Here are some of the key offerings:
- 30 luxurious seats per aircraft, each featuring at least 36 inches of seat pitch, similar to domestic airlines’ business class.
- Three seats per row—consisting of a single and a double—providing additional space alongside a side table for work or leisure.
- Complimentary WiFi and inflight entertainment accessible via personal devices.
- Exclusive use of private jet terminals, ensuring faster and more comfortable travel experiences without the hassle of long airport lines.
The unique acquisition of 10 Embraer ERJ-135s allows JetSuiteX to offer a service unlike anything currently available. This investment includes extensive upgrades, making each aircraft feel like a larger version of the company’s smaller private jets.
Moreover, JetSuiteX customers don’t have to engage in subscription models or fly in small propeller planes. A partnership with JetBlue provides opportunities to earn TrueBlue points for free award travel on the airline, enhancing the overall value of the service.
JetSuiteX aims to deliver a robust advertising campaign under the slogan, “Private for the Public,” ensuring a broader audience experiences the benefits of a private jet experience at a better price point. They are also planning to announce additional routes to major western destinations, expanding access to efficient travel options.
Wilcox is optimistic about the impact of their service, “Once passengers experience JetSuiteX, we anticipate that word-of-mouth promotion will greatly amplify our reach. With features like 36 inches of legroom, free Gogo Wi-Fi, and complimentary beverages combined with the time efficiency of less congested airports, we’re confident that travelers will find this offering hard to resist.”