Despite Struggling Economy, Jet Edge Charter/Management Looks Up

Ready for a little more good news?? Despite the economic miasma that oozes all around us, one more Part 135 operator is reporting positive news. Van Nuys, CA-based Jet Edge tells ANN that they have experienced 'steady growth' for the eighteenth consecutive month. 
 
Jet Edge credits an expanding fleet of charter/managed Gulfstream Aircraft--a fleet that has quintupled, from one to five aircraft in the 18-month time span. With its increased fleet, the company's charter percentage has grown exponentially-increasing 250 percent since the launch of their Part 135 Certificate in 2007.
 
Two of the five aircraft in their managed charter fleet are dedicated 100 percent to Part 135 charter-requiring no owner approval prior to trip dispatch. Jet Edge also has the ability to swap out crews on long-range trips-reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for unnecessary overnights.
 
Jet Edge relies heavily on its international business... More than 43% of all trips on their aircraft are international destinations, requiring experience with complex operational procedures and regulations. 
 
Andrew Gulsrud, Director of Flight Operations, explained, "Our international trip-planning experience throughout the Asia Pacific Region, Europe, and Russia, has earned us an acclaimed reputation among brokers marketing trips to those areas. This gives us a competitive edge, based on the breadth of our international experience."
 
An additional factor contributing to their progress is recent certification as an approved carrier under the United States Visa Waiver Program, allowing citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism and/or business for up to ninety days without obtaining a visa. The US Visa Waiver designation is held by less than 40 percent of all charter carriers. The program provides peace of mind and convenience to international travelers booking trips on the Jet Edge fleet of aircraft-to and from the United States. 
 
Director of Operations David Duke says, "Jet Edge is at the forefront of international operations-our expertise lies in this area. Therefore, any certification we can acquire to ease international travel restrictions is beneficial to all."
 
In the first three months of 2009, Jet Edge has also obtained its Canadian Operating Certificate and Wyvern and Argus Gold Designations.

FMI: www.thejetedge.com