JetSuite Now Offering CJ3s East of Mississippi? Why not Phenom 300?

[Heavy Set]

Just flipped through the WSJ and saw the small JetSuite ad talking about the new "JetSuite Edition" CJ3 being offered East of the Mississippi.

I thought JetSuite was focused on scaling the business with Phenoms? Why not add Phenom 300s so that the pilots could fly both types interchangeably? What does that say about how JS feels about the Phenoms and Embraer in general? Why go with a completely different fleet requiring different training and pilots vs. just adding the similar 300 (which already competes with the CJ3)? What's the story?

So, what are the order details? How many CJ3s are they adding? Will it be a mix of CJ3s and Phenoms on the East Coast? Will the Midwest and West Coasts eventually see CJ3s? I think most people agree the CJ3 is a great and versatile airplane for those popular NY-Florida flights.

 

[johnsonrod]

Just flipped through the WSJ and saw the small JetSuite ad talking about the new "JetSuite Edition" CJ3 being offered East of the Mississippi.

I thought JetSuite was focused on scaling the business with Phenoms? Why not add Phenom 300s so that the pilots could fly both types interchangeably? What does that say about how JS feels about the Phenoms and Embraer in general? Why go with a completely different fleet requiring different training and pilots vs. just adding the similar 300 (which already competes with the CJ3)? What's the story?

So, what are the order details? How many CJ3s are they adding? Will it be a mix of CJ3s and Phenoms on the East Coast? Will the Midwest and West Coasts eventually see CJ3s? I think most people agree the CJ3 is a great and versatile airplane for those popular NY-Florida flights.

That's a surprise about not using the Phenom 300. Doesn't sound like a big vote of confidence for Embraer and it's products. At the same time, it increases complexity for JetSuite - not great for scaling a business.

 

[jonjuan]

Don't be so obtuse. Ask yourself why DL bought MD90s vs. new 737s.

 

[Heavy Set]

The Press Release

Here is the press release. Still, I agree that the lack of a Phenom 300 order is interesting.





JetSuite To Double Its Fleet With Order For 15 Custom Cessna Citation CJ3 Aircraft

Service Starts on East Coast Thanksgiving week; JetSuite Edition CJ3 will offer free WiFi, Longer Range Flights and 6 to 7 passenger capacity




2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JetSuite, the nation's fastest-growing light jet operator, announces the expansion of its fleet with the JetSuite Edition CJ3. The new, larger, longer-range aircraft will be open for bookings* on October 9th with flights beginning November 19, in time for Thanksgiving travel. JetSuite's range and capacity expands with the JetSuite Edition CJ3, which has the ability to fly up to 2,000 miles and seat six passengers (plus a 7th, smaller sideways-facing seat) making JetSuite's acclaimed service available to more passengers and flying further than ever.

JetSuite SuiteKey Members will be able to fly between New York and popular Florida destinations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Naples for under $11,000 each way – less than any other branded charter operator. During the first year of operations, JetSuite's CJ3 service will be available between any points east of the Mississippi and from the East to and from Aspen and Vail, and through Eastern Canada and the Caribbean*.

"Many of our customers have been asking us to provide the JetSuite experience in an aircraft with more seats and a longer range, and we've listened. Through months of hard work with our new partner Cessna, we have created the JetSuite Edition CJ3, which offers unbeatable value, range and free WiFi. JetSuite will also offer its signature instant, guaranteed online pricing for all CJ3 flights, furthering our mission to provide private jet travel to more people and distances than ever before," comments JetSuite CEO Alex Wilcox.

With the JetSuite Edition CJ3, passengers can enjoy a variety of amenities including onboard WiFi and increased interior comfort with larger cabin space. The deep-cushioned executive recliner seats slide and track inboard toward the aisle to give passengers an extra helping of room, comfort and workspace. And the JetSuite Edition CJ3 has been equipped for overwater flights, opening up non-stop direct routes to Florida and the Caribbean from points in the Northeast. This means JetSuite clients will get there faster than those flying in land-locked jets. Moreover, JetSuite clients will get above the weather and airline traffic congestion even faster, since the powerful CJ3 can climb directly to 45,000 in just 27 minutes and cruises at up to 480MPH.

For more information about retail flights and private jet membership, visit www.jetsuite.com. *Caribbean service is subject to receipt of governmental operating authority.

About JetSuite
Based in Southern California, JetSuite is redefining private aviation as the first and only private jet operator to offer a fleet of all-new Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft, the most fuel-efficient jet in its class. JetSuite provides service from areas throughout the Southwest, Texas and Northeast to and from airports in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. JetSuite also offers the JetSuite Edition CJ3, a larger aircraft that flies a 2,000 mile range, including New York to Florida, at faster speeds and more affordable rates. The company's vision is to enable private air travel to more people than ever before through affordable, no obligation programs. Under the leadership of CEO Alex Wilcox, a former JetBlue founding executive, JetSuite is rated Platinum by ARG/US, the highest possible safety rating in the private jet industry. JetSuite was founded in 2006 and first took flight in early 2009.

 

[727gm]

Heard they preferred Phenom 300's but Embrear wouldn't give any pricebreaks to this good customer, so they had to look elsewhere for larger aircraft.

 

[surveypilot]

Although, I don't know anything about this specific order, I have heard that Cessna is making much better deals for fleet sales than Embraer.

 

[Pattern-Master]

Are the pilots home based, and what kind of schedule?

 

[DUATS]

Are the pilots home based, and what kind of schedule?

Based at PBI only. Mostly 5 or 7 day rotations is the plan, with at least 14 days a month. You can ask for more if you want. Pay is per day.

 

[Pattern-Master]

Based at PBI only. Mostly 5 or 7 day rotations is the plan, with at least 14 days a month. You can ask for more if you want. Pay is per day.

Thanks.

 

[johnsonrod]

Thanks DUATS for the updated info. A few other questions:

- Will the Phenom pilots on the East Coast also be based only at PBI? Or will they retain the BOS base?

- Will the Phenom and CJ3 offer the same pay rates for pilots?

- Any word on expected hiring numbers for the CJ3 operation (ramp up)?

- Any first year Phenom/CJ3 FO pay estimate (PBI based)?