FTC PRIVATE FBO AT MORRISTOWN AIRPORT

     With the price of a barrel of crude oil skyrocketing, it is clear that the price of jet a fuel would too increase. North America is one of the leading consumers of jet a fuel, and prices here have increased significantly, putting a strain on business travelers and vacationers as the price for airline tickets increases. Jet a fuel prices are currently increasing at the rate of around 2.5% per week and in the last twelve months the price of jet a fuel in North America alone has increased over 80%.

     The increase in jet a fuel prices contributes to the strain on our economy because jet a fuel is used to transport people, food, and supplies throughout the world. We see the affects of the increasing jet a fuel prices all around us. The average consumer is affected by the steady increase of jet a fuel prices in the form of groceries. The increasing cost of transporting goods to the shelves has caused a steady increase in the price of food. And if airline travel was already only a means of transportation for the rich, with increasing jet a fuel prices only the mega rich will be able to fly as commercial airlines cut flights and increase prices.

     We see a more obvious pattern when we step back and analyze the jet a fuel prices from the 1970s to present. Between 1977 and today, there has been over a 116% increase in the price of a barrel of jet a fuel as the price has risen from $15.21 USD to over $88.25 USD. This incredible increase has strained the global economy and has had vas implications on American citizens lives. Fewer and fewer Americans can even afford to go on vacation, as simply flying to exotic locations may far exceed the cost of staying there.

     The rise in jet a fuel prices has a direct correlation with American heating bills. The price of jet a fuel as recorded by the EIA directly affects the price of the oil we use to heat our homes. Therefore, the steady increase in jet a fuel prices has certainly affected the average utility bill for an American. This creates even more stress for the typical American, who is already under detrimental financial burden.

     Just to demonstrate how dominating the US market is on jet a fuel, consider this: US passenger jets account for nearly 90% of the fuel consumed by all US airlines, and this 90% (or US passenger jets) accounts for nearly 40% of the global consumption of jet a fuel. Now if we consider that the steady increase of jet a fuel prices is going to continue, it is assumed that this trend will lead further strain on the US economy as we continue to pay higher oil, airline, and heating prices.

     Flying domestic? Try staying within the north central and northwest regions of the United States. These areas of the country actually have the lowest jet a fuel prices. Therefore, you will save a bit of money on airline tickets, in-flight services, and any other surcharges.

No Comments »

With the economy seeing some difficult times, there are still some who are not affected by them. If you can afford it, extravagant vacations are still taken and for some, the hassles that come along with normal flying are no longer worth the trip. Busy security lines and lack of standards on commercial jets also add to the horrors of what traveling has become.

But wait… There is an alternative for those who don’t want to take the typical flight path. Many people are choosing to charter planes rather than fly commercially. Below are some tips when choosing a jet charter to take.

1. Find a good charter company. In order to find a quality charter company, do not simply look in the phone book or on the Internet. Locating a charter broker is your best bet. They will rate the quality of chartering companies and can set customers up with reliable chartering companies.
2. Check customer service ratings. You want to make sure the charter has an excellent customer service history. One person in the charter company should be assigned to you and remain on call for you as long as your plans with the company still stand. They should be available day or not and handle your travel accommodations.
3. Pick your plane. Insist on either seeing your craft of choice in person or that you speak to others who have flown in the particular craft. Your broker should be able to make such arrangements for you. Also, be sure to select a craft that will be comfortable enough for you and your travel companions. Do not choose something too big or two small. A chartered plane that is too large may be more money than need spending, however a plane too small will obviously be uncomfortable.
4. Make sure your pilot is credible. Of course, most quality chartering companies will only provide the best pilots for their clients. However, look into how many hours the pilot has logged to ensure they have recently flown in the type of craft that you have chosen to charter. Your pilot should have around 3,500 total flying hours, and some of them should be in the specific craft that you chose.
5. Of course, check the price. After outlining your travel plans, but before confirming, get an estimate on the price of your charter. Make sure the price is within your budget, and allow for a 5% fluctuation. This will prevent confusion and arguments with your chartering service when you are billed at the end of your trip.

No Comments »