Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/XCOR Aerospace Offers Space Flight At A Discount http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/xcor-aerospace-offers-space-flight-at-a-discount/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/xcor-aerospace-offers-space-flight-at-a-discount/http://www.luxist.com/2008/12/03/xcor-aerospace-offers-space-flight-at-a-discount/#commentsFiled under:


The first entrant into any marketplace has the benefit of being able to set the price for the service and those that follow often need to offer a lower price. That's the case in the space tourism game, now that XCOR Aerospace is offering tickets for suborbital rides at less than half the price of main competitor Virgin Galactic. XCOR Aerospace is partnering with tour developer and operator Jules Klar, co-creator of the 1960s-era "Europe on $5 a Day" guides, to sell rides aboard its Lynx spaceship for $95,000. The two-seat Lynx craft is under development at XCOR's Mojave Desert base. Lynx passengers fly in the cockpit next to Richard Searfoss, who made three spaceflights for NASA. The company plans to be able to make up to four flights a day. Test flights are set to begin in 2010 with first paid flights as soon as early 2011.

XCOR Aerospace Offers Space Flight At A Discount originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>space flightspace tourismSpaceFlightSpaceTourismxcor aerospacexcor lynxXcorAerospaceXcorLynxDeidre WoollardWed, 03 Dec 2008 14:02:00 ESTEclipse Aviation Files Chapter 11http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/26/eclipse-aviation-files-chapter-11/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/26/eclipse-aviation-files-chapter-11/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/26/eclipse-aviation-files-chapter-11/#commentsFiled under:


For the last few years, Eclipse Aviation was to seen to be the foundation of a whole new world of air taxis and personal jets with their Eclipse 550 aircraft. Times have changed and this week, Eclipse filed for federal bankruptcy-court protection. The company which is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, struggled to make payroll earlier this month. The Wall Street Journal reports that ETIRC Aviation, which holds nearly 65% of the company's shares, will endeavor to continue manufacturing operations as it moves to acquire Eclipse's assets.

Eclipse still has a backlog of over 2,000 planes on order. The company may slow down production on order to get solvent as soon as possible. The planes sell for around $1.5 million each. Eclipse joins other companies that are planning layoffs and slowing production in order to cope with the dramatic economic shifts.

Eclipse Aviation Files Chapter 11 originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>eclipse 500Eclipse500private jetPrivateJetDeidre WoollardWed, 26 Nov 2008 19:02:00 ESTBig Layoffs Planned For Cessnahttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/big-layoffs-planned-for-cessna/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/big-layoffs-planned-for-cessna/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/15/big-layoffs-planned-for-cessna/#commentsFiled under:


Last week I briefly touched on the potential layoffs for jetmaker Cessna, Now the Wichita Eagle has all the grisly details. It appears that Cessna Aircraft will cut about 500 jobs in Wichita. The laid-off workers will be given 60-day notices in the next few weeks.

The news follows on the heels of an incentives package worth tens of millions of dollars from the state designed to ensure that Cessna would build its Citation Columbus plant in Wichita. It still plans to do that and by 2014 there should be 1,000 people working there. Unfortunately that is a long way off. For now there are layoffs both at the Wichita plant where Cessna employs 12,000 people and in Oregon where 165 employees will be laid off from the Bend, Oregon plant. Cessna was planning to deliver a record 535 business jets in 2009 but some of the customers who were slated for shipment have asked to defer delivery until the economy is a bit rosier.

Another Wichita-based aviation company Hawker Beechcraft cut five percent of its work force on Friday about 490 people as it lowered target production numbers.The aviation companies are bullish on their long term survival and see this trimming back as a necessity to keep going in lean times.

Big Layoffs Planned For Cessna originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cessnajobslayoffsDeidre WoollardSat, 15 Nov 2008 18:02:00 ESTAnother Nail In The Shuttle Coffin?http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/11/another-nail-in-the-shuttle-coffin/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/11/another-nail-in-the-shuttle-coffin/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/11/another-nail-in-the-shuttle-coffin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Last month when I wrote about the fate of Boston-New York shuttle flights I touched on the subject of the popularity of luxury bus lines between the two East Coast cities. Well the deal just got a bit better on one of them. One of the most popular bus options, the luxurious LimoLiner, which we first wrote about way back in 2005, has just cut their one-way ticket price, from $89 to $49. The offer is good until January 31 and you have to buy a ticket at least two weeks in advance to get that rate. The LimoLiner has reclining leather-seats, satellite TV and radio, sockets and plugs at every seat, cell-phone signals, two separate wi-fi areas, free snacks and drinks and a clean washroom with fresh flowers.

[via NBC New York]

Another Nail In The Shuttle Coffin? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bostonlimolinernew yorkNewYorkshuttleDeidre WoollardTue, 11 Nov 2008 18:01:00 ESTOld Bomber Seeks New Homehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/old-bomber-seeks-new-home/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/old-bomber-seeks-new-home/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/old-bomber-seeks-new-home/#commentsFiled under:


Usually when I hear of something in need of a home it's a kitten or maybe a puppy. Today's homeless item is a bit bigger, it's Texas Raiders, a member of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). This World War II B-17 Bomber is one of 12 still capable of flight and it is losing its Houston home. Aero-News Network reports that the owner of the hangar that houses Texas Raiders will terminate the lease effective November 30, 2008 leaving the $3.5 million plane homeless. The CAF Gulf Coast Wing has to vacate the hanger and the vintage bomber is not flightworthy so another hangar is needed to complete the restoration process. They are seeking anyone in the Houston area who can offer a standard lease or donation agreement to allow the bomber to remain in Houston. Else it will have to go to go to the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters in Midland, Texas and will have to be partially dismantled basically undoing six years of volunteer restoration. It last flew in November 2001 to celebrate the opening of the National D-day Museum in New Orleans, LA.

Old Bomber Seeks New Home originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bomberplaneworld war iiWorldWarIiDeidre WoollardSun, 09 Nov 2008 11:06:00 ESTKeep Your Money In A Safe Place, Buy A Plane With Ithttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/keep-your-money-in-a-safe-place-buy-a-plane-with-it/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/keep-your-money-in-a-safe-place-buy-a-plane-with-it/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/keep-your-money-in-a-safe-place-buy-a-plane-with-it/#commentsFiled under:


In these days when it seems like not a lot of people are in a plane buying mood, LoPresti Aviation makers of the LoPresit Fury, have created a Fury buyer-protection plan. Basically, instead of using your deposit and putting that money toward keeping the business afloat, they will have potential Fury buyers instead secure a position with a Certificate of Deposit in the customer's name.This way only the customer can access the money and it earns interest until the plane is ready. There is no penalty for canceling an order and the customer can access the CD whenever they need to. Basically it's like putting your money in a nice safe CD and then blowing it all on a plane. But hey, it's not like you were going to put it in the stock market anyway.

[via General Aviation News]

Keep Your Money In A Safe Place, Buy A Plane With It originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>furyloprestiplaneDeidre WoollardSun, 09 Nov 2008 08:03:00 ESTBombardier Proceeds With Learjet 85 Planshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/bombardier-proceeds-with-learjet-85-plans/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/bombardier-proceeds-with-learjet-85-plans/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/bombardier-proceeds-with-learjet-85-plans/#commentsFiled under:


There is some good news amidst the bad news for private jet companies. Recently, as CNN reports, Hawker Beechcraft told employees it would cut nearly 500 jobs and Cessna has also planned cuts. But Bombardier Aerospace has said that plans for its new Learjet 85 assembly line will go forward. Bombardier spokesman Leo Knaapen has said that the the company is hiring 500- 700 people to work at the Wichita plant on Learjet 85. Bombardier spokesman Leo Knaapen cites the company's more international focus as a reason for its success at a time when others are faltering. The company has said they are conscious of the financial crisis but for the moment they are not predicting any layoffs at their Wichita plant.

Bombardier Proceeds With Learjet 85 Plans originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bombardierjetslearjetplanesDeidre WoollardWed, 05 Nov 2008 23:53:00 ESTDelta Shows The Love To Frequent Fliers, Cuts Feeshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/delta-shows-the-love-to-frequent-fliers-cuts-fees/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/delta-shows-the-love-to-frequent-fliers-cuts-fees/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/05/delta-shows-the-love-to-frequent-fliers-cuts-fees/#commentsFiled under:


The latest news from Delta Air Lines is a bit win some, lose some depending on how often you travel. Delta has said that it will charge $15 fee to check a first bag but that it will be cutting certain other fees. USA Today reports that as of December 5, customers flying within the U.S. will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag which is consistent with the policies of Northwest Airlines which they recently acquired. Those who purchased Delta tickets on or before Wednesday, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but can still check their first bag for free Delta's previous policy.

Good news for customers flying in first or business class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, you can still check up to three bags, up to 70 pounds each for free. Delta is also eliminating the $25 to $100 fuel surcharges assessed for SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket travel now that fuel prices have declined. And if you purchase tickets over the phone versus online (which is free), you'll also save a little, the fee for tickets purchased over the phone from a reservations sales representative has been dropped from $25 to $20. Delta will also drop the $3 curbside check-in fee.

The news follows the announcement that Delta CEO Richard Anderson will get stock awards worth almost $13.6 million, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by some angry about the baggage fees.

Delta Shows The Love To Frequent Fliers, Cuts Fees originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>airlinesdeltaflyingDeidre WoollardWed, 05 Nov 2008 19:00:00 ESTDayJet's Eclipse 500 Fleet For Sale http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dayjets-eclipse-500-fleet-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dayjets-eclipse-500-fleet-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dayjets-eclipse-500-fleet-for-sale/#commentsFiled under:


Anyone want to buy some Eclipse 500 very light jets? Now that the DayJet, air taxi operation has folded, their 28 Eclipse 500 planes are looking for a home. DayJet had originally ordered 1,400 of the small jets for their planned network of fights but closed up shop in September citing the current economic crisis and the inability to secure funding as causes. The 28 are now up for sale and are being sold "as is" with DayJet logoes and interiors. The DayJet Eclipses had accumulated no more than 450 hours each. There are three different configurations of the jets. Eclipse hasn't disclosed a price for the aircraft but some have estimated that it would be in the $1.5 million range per plane.

[via Flying Magazine]

DayJet's Eclipse 500 Fleet For Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dayjeteclipse 500Eclipse500vljDeidre WoollardSun, 02 Nov 2008 18:02:00 ESTCirrus Design Slows Down Plane Productionhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/29/cirrus-design-slows-down-plane-production/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/29/cirrus-design-slows-down-plane-production/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/29/cirrus-design-slows-down-plane-production/#commentsFiled under:


From out of Minnesota comes a sign that the light sport aircraft market is faltering. Recently Cirrus Design CEO Alan Klapmeier told the Duluth News Tribune that the company has reduced its work week to three days from four due to a decrease in demand for their planes. The slowing market also means a delay for the introduction of the Cirrus SRS LSA. It will now come out in 2010 instead of 2009. Teh company is still working on the Cirrus Vision SJ50 personal five- to seven-seat jet. So far the company has received more than 400 orders for the jet, each with a $100,000 deposit. Cirrus laid off 100 staff in Duluth and at its parts plant in Grand Forks, N.D. back in September but still employs about 1,280 people. Business is off about 10% at Cirrus so far but Klapmeier is hopeful that an accelerated depreciation measure passed by Congress earlier this year might stimulate fourth quarter airline sales. If sales don't pick up, however, Cirrus plans to keep the three day a week production schedule for the rest of the year. The small planes are a favorite with those who fly for pleasure including celebrities like Angelina Jolie but these days flying simply for the sheer joy of it is a luxury many feel they can't afford.

Cirrus Design Slows Down Plane Production originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cirrusduluthplanesDeidre WoollardWed, 29 Oct 2008 18:02:00 ESTGoogle Founders' New Fighter Jet Works For NASAhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/26/googles-founders-new-fighter-jet-works-for-nasa/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/26/googles-founders-new-fighter-jet-works-for-nasa/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/26/googles-founders-new-fighter-jet-works-for-nasa/#commentsFiled under:


H21 LLC, the company controlled by Google's top executives, to manage their planes, has added an interesting new purchase, a Dornier Alpha Jet. What does Google need with a fighter jet?

The NY Times reports that the Alpha Jet is being outfitted with scientific instruments for NASA missions. H21 LLC already has an agreement with NASA to fly out of Moffett Field which is located near the Google campus. The plane will be used by the Google executives' pilots would use the Dornier Alpha Jet mainly for "training and pilot proficiency."

Last year,H21 LLC signed a contract with NASA giving them rights to use Moffett Field with NASA receiving $1.3 million in rent every year and the right to put scientific instruments on the planes for use by its researchers. It turned out they couldn't make the necessary alterations to the existing planes without getting new certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration each time. Because the Alpha Jet is considered an experimental aircraft and not a passenger jet it is not subject to the same restrictions.

Google Founders' New Fighter Jet Works For NASA originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alpha jetdorniergoogleDeidre WoollardSun, 26 Oct 2008 15:02:00 ESTTour The Bay Area In A Zeppelinhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/tour-the-bay-area-in-a-zeppelin/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/tour-the-bay-area-in-a-zeppelin/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/25/tour-the-bay-area-in-a-zeppelin/#commentsFiled under:


Way back in 2004, Neiman Marcus offered a personal airship for sale from German company Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH. Now just one of the three zeppelins in the world is available for sightseeing trips. A zeppelin has an internal framework covered with a canvas filled with the lifting gas while a blimp gets its shape from the lifting gas itself. The Airship Ventures Zeppelin is, at 246-foot-long the largest airship in the world. It will have a permanent home in California's Bay Area where it will offer quiet cruises at 35 to 40 mph for $500 a ticket. Each journey will carry just 12 passengers. While this may not be the best time to launch such a pricey venture, the investors are hopeful that the area's many tourists will be interested in getting this unique experience of the California landscape.

[via Gadling]

Tour The Bay Area In A Zeppelin originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>airship venturesAirshipVenturesbay areaBayAreaflightsan franciscoSanFranciscozeppelinDeidre WoollardSat, 25 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST$4.5 Billion Terminal 3 Opens at Dubai Internationalhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/4-5-billion-terminal-3-opens-at-dubai-international/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/4-5-billion-terminal-3-opens-at-dubai-international/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/4-5-billion-terminal-3-opens-at-dubai-international/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've reported earlier on the intended decadence of Dubai's new airport. Now its Terminal 3 has had its official unveiling -- and its $4.5 billion pricetag is apparent in the project's vast scale (the parking lot alone is the equivalent of 33 football fields). Check out the gallery for a sneak peek -- including some terrific amenities.
%Gallery-34712%

[via Luxury Launches, thanks Yogesh!]

$4.5 Billion Terminal 3 Opens at Dubai International originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dubaidubai international airportDubaiInternationalAirportterminal 3Terminal3Tracy ChaitFri, 17 Oct 2008 12:02:00 ESTRocket Racing League Is One Step Closer To Realityhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/15/rocket-racing-league-is-one-step-closer-to-reality/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/15/rocket-racing-league-is-one-step-closer-to-reality/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/15/rocket-racing-league-is-one-step-closer-to-reality/#commentsFiled under: ,


I've been writing about the plans for the Rocket Racing League for over three years but it looks like the new sports league is one step closer to reality. The Rocket Racing League, which seeks to create a Nascar in the sky with multiple races and up to 10 Rocket Racers taking to the sky on a closed circuit raceway, has been granted an Experimental Exhibition Certificate from the FAA for their next generation rocket racer. As Aero-News reports this is especially significant because it is the first time in the FAA's history that a production level rocket-powered aircraft has been cleared to perform exhibition flight demonstrations at over 20 venues across the U.S.

The Rocket Racing League has locked up a fancy sponsor, DKNY for men and their ship is called the DKNY Bridenstine Rocket Racer vehicle. It was built on a Velocity Aircraft airframe and equipped with a liquid oxygen and alcohol engine manufactured by Armadillo Aerospace. The league plans to hold a 2009 Exhibition season followed by the first official race season in 2010. The league will choose eight venues out of the possible 20 approved locations.

Rocket Racing League Is One Step Closer To Reality originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>racingrocket racing leagueRocketRacingLeaguerocketssportsDeidre WoollardWed, 15 Oct 2008 15:02:00 ESTAmerican Express Discontinues Domestic Companion Airfare Programhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/14/american-express-discontinues-domestic-companion-airfare-program/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/14/american-express-discontinues-domestic-companion-airfare-program/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/14/american-express-discontinues-domestic-companion-airfare-program/#commentsFiled under:

Membership may have its privileges but, for the Platinum American Express cardholder, complimentary companion tickets on domestic flights won't be one of them anymore. Webflyer points out that effective Nov. 15, 2008, AmEx is discontinuing their Domestic Companion Airfare Program which let you book up to four complimentary companion tickets on qualifying domestic coach tickets. Cardmembers can still get complimentary companion tickets on full-fare international first or business class tickets when they are booked through the Platinum Travel Service. The card, which has a hefty annual fee of $450, still has a variety of beneifts including concierge service, airport lounge access and travel and hotel programs.

American Express Discontinues Domestic Companion Airfare Program originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>american express platinumflightstravelDeidre WoollardTue, 14 Oct 2008 21:34:00 ESTDoes Delta's First Class Shuttle Cabin Signal The End of Shuttle Flights?http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/12/does-deltas-first-class-shuttle-cabin-signal-the-end-of-shuttle/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/12/does-deltas-first-class-shuttle-cabin-signal-the-end-of-shuttle/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/12/does-deltas-first-class-shuttle-cabin-signal-the-end-of-shuttle/#commentsFiled under:


Back in March I reported on the fact that it seems that shuttle flights between cities on the East Coast like New York, Boston, and Washington haven't been faring too well in recent years. Joe Brancatelli who writes the Seat 2B column for Portfolio says that the recent news that Delta will add first-class cabins to its shuttle flights between New York, Boston, and Washington isn't a positive sign; it proves that the shuttles may well be on their way out. The shuttles have become less profitable and the shuttle aircraft which are equipped with standard first- and coach-class cabins can now be used on any flight path. In the 1980s large shuttles used to run every hour and promised no reservations needed. Now the remaining shuttles use smaller aircraft and fly less frequently especially on weekends and non-peak times.

Is this the last gasp of the shuttle flight? It certainly seems like it, the rise of technology, the high-speed Acela train, private jet charter services and even luxury bus lines have made shuttle flying less and less attractive. Like Joe Brancatelli, I'm a little nostalgic for the shuttles of my youth but in these days when it seems that hardly any flights go smoothly and airlines are struggling to stay afloat it seems like the shuttle is an idea whose time is long gone.

Does Delta's First Class Shuttle Cabin Signal The End of Shuttle Flights? originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>airlinesdeltaflightsshuttleDeidre WoollardSun, 12 Oct 2008 15:02:00 ESTNew York To Florida With The Palms Jet Passhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/new-york-to-florida-with-the-palms-jet-pass/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/new-york-to-florida-with-the-palms-jet-pass/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/new-york-to-florida-with-the-palms-jet-pass/#commentsFiled under:

Regent Jet has created a new jet card just for people who spend their winters traveling between New York and Florida. The Palms Jet Pass offers travel between New York and Florida. Passengers book their flights 24 hours ahead and can fly from several airports in the New York City area including Teterboro; Morristown; White Plains; Farmingdale; Islip and East Hampton to various South Florida locations such as West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Naples. The Palms Jet Pass jet is The Hawker 400XP which has seven seats and can do a non-stop New York to Florida flight in about 2 hours, 30 minutes. Larger jets are also available. The Palms Jet Pass starts at $50,000 for five one-way flights between Metropolitan New York and South Florida on the Hawker 400XP.

New York To Florida With The Palms Jet Pass originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>charter jetCharterJetprivate jetPrivateJetregent jetRegentJetDeidre WoollardSat, 11 Oct 2008 14:02:00 ESTPrivate Jet Passengers To Face Increased Scrutinyhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/private-jet-passengers-to-face-increased-scrutiny/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/private-jet-passengers-to-face-increased-scrutiny/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/11/private-jet-passengers-to-face-increased-scrutiny/#commentsFiled under:


The Jonas Brothers, shown above on a private jet, probably won't have to worry too much about a background check when they fly on private planes but you might. USA Today brings the news that the TSA has made a new proposal to have travelers who fly on private corporate jets undergo background checks. The TSA is looking to bring these new security measures to approximately 15,000 corporate jets and 315 small airports across the U.S.

Private plane owners and pilots are up in arms over potential regulations that they say would be costly and intrusive. One of the main selling features of private and charter services is the idea that you don't have to undergo lengthy security checks to get on board. The TSA points out in their comprehensive 260-page proposal that there is no immediate threat but that they could be used in terrorism strikes. The proposal would costs $200 million but the corporate jet owners would be paying 85% of that.

The only good news is that once cleared passengers won't have to go through the process again and the proposal does not require physical screening of passengers. This proposal does not call for regulation of smaller piston planes but that may be the next some time in the future.

Private Jet Passengers To Face Increased Scrutiny originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>private jetPrivateJetscreeningsecuritytsaDeidre WoollardSat, 11 Oct 2008 10:01:00 ESTAptera: Hovercraft-Chichttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/07/aptera-hovercraft-chic/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/07/aptera-hovercraft-chic/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/07/aptera-hovercraft-chic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Aptera motors is gearing up to bring you the hovercraft you've always wanted. It's amazing, no? The way the wheels are positioned (using the same sophisticated technology that once brought you the tricycle), it appears to just glide down the road--or rather, above the road. Fascinating!

The best thing about the hovercraft (sorry, the Aptera) is its efficiency. This vehicle, though its appearance may be somewhat smoke, mirrors, and Back to the Future, gets 230 miles per gallon. That's pretty darn good, and you don't have to run it on trash or even power from the clocktower when struck by lightning.

The hybrid Aptera will begin production in 2009 and cost about $30,000. That's just around 8,500 gallons of gas!

Aptera: Hovercraft-Chic originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apteraautomobilesback to the futureBackToTheFuturecarshovercraftmotorsAnnie ScottTue, 07 Oct 2008 18:02:00 ESTSwiftJet, Canada's New Charter Servicehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/swiftjet-canadas-new-charter-service/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/swiftjet-canadas-new-charter-service/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/05/swiftjet-canadas-new-charter-service/#commentsFiled under:

A new Canadian company, SwiftJet is planning affordable, executive chartered travel for Canada. The company plans to acquire up to 15 Diamond D-Jets, from Diamond Aircraft. With the purchase of all 15 aircrafts, SwiftJet will become the largest operator of D-Jets in Canada and the first executive charter launch customer in Canada to take delivery of the aircraft. Commercial pilot Bassam Al-Sarraj is the President of SwiftJet and says the D-Jets will offer small to mid-sized businesses a way to expand their markets outside the traditional airline air corridors. Initial deliveries to SwiftJet are planned for 2010. SwiftJet currently flies the Falcon 20. The company offers the SwiftJet Jet card which can be purchased in blocks of 25, 50 and 100 hours.

SwiftJet, Canada's New Charter Service originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>canadacharter jetCharterJetprivate jetPrivateJetswiftjetDeidre WoollardSun, 05 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST