Air Royale Announces TransLuxe Air GIV New York / Los Angeles One Ways and Empty-leg Flights Saving up to 70 %

LOS ANGELES—Feb. 15, 2012 (Business Wire)—Air Royale International Inc., an 18-year worldwide air charter service transaction company, launched TransLuxe Air ™, a  program that allows consumers to book true point-to-point flights from Los Angeles to New York and vice versa flying onboard a fabulous Gulfstream IV private jet. This is not a jet card or membership program; this is pay-as-you-go air charter with true point-to-point pricing.

The Gulfstream IV is a long-range heavy jet. The aircraft has a flight crew of two pilots and a flight attendant and can seat up to 18 passengers in various configurations, including private staterooms and sleeping accommodations.

Empty-leg flight segments can save consumers up to 70 percent

“The New York/Los Angeles route is one that our clientele often ask for—when business demands being on the East or West Coast, this option makes sense,” said Wayne J. Rizzi, CEO of Air Royale and newly elected vice president of the Air Charter Association of North America. “In addition to our TransLuxe Air GIV program, many of our clients utilize our real-time Global Empty-leg Flight Planner, because if flight segments are in a similar direction and within a few days of a customer’s requested flight, it can save the consumer up to 70 percent of what a regular air charter flight would cost.”

With access to a worldwide network of world-class private jets and executive-configured airliners, on occasion aircraft transition, which creates a cost-effective empty-leg sector opportunity. This is also known as a discounted one-way flight, and because aircraft are flying back and forth between home bases, it creates a window of opportunity to save up to 70 percent.

The safest air charter carriers in the world operate all aircraft. Although the Federal Aviation Administration licenses all air carriers, Air Royale’s policy dictates that operators must pass an on-site audit, adhering to stringent safety criterion from third-party auditing company Wyvern Consulting Ltd.

TransLuxe Air GIV New York / Los Angeles One Ways and Empty-leg Flights

Watch our TransLuxe Air One Way New York / Los Angeles video!

U.S. Senate OK’d Short-term FAA Funding

By Karen Di Piazza / Aug. 5, 2011

FAA funding has been a hot issue for years. Today, after the Senate passed legislation for funding of the Federal Aviation Administration on a short-term extension until September 16, President Barack Obama signed the bill making it official. Earlier today, in less than 60 seconds, via a pro forma session, Sen. Webb (D –Va.) brought House bill H.R. 2553 up asking for passage; Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) had no objections and gaveled the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011 effective. FAA short-term funding has restored 74,000 agency and airport construction crews’ jobs.

FAA Funding Woes

The two-week-long partial FAA shutdown—with a revenue loss of $200 million a week—forced the furlough of 4,000 FAA employees, including 1,200 of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. “This was a tremendously difficult time for them and their families, and for all of the tens of thousands of construction workers who didn’t get paid while their airport projects were shut down by the lack of funding. While this chapter is now closed, we’ll continue to fight for these workers moving forward in hopes that this never happens again,” said NATCA’s president Paul Rinaldi.

FAA Funding for 21st Time

This FAA funding authorization marks the 21^st short-term extension since 2007. It’s questionable if the Senate and the House can play nice and pass a long-term FAA funding bill. Fighting like cats and dogs, Democrats and Republicans have very different views with regards to funding or cutting the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes small rural communities with commercial airline service. Sharp claws are also out over whether it should be made more difficult or easier for airline employees to unionize.

These differences are what led to the partial FAA shutdown on July 22 at midnight. For now, the short-term 21^st extension FAA funding bill includes cuts to the EAS and makes it more difficult for airline employees to unionize—exactly what the Senate objected to in the first place.

Earlier this year the Senate passed a two-year $35.6 billion FAA reauthorization bill; the House passed a four-year $59.7 billion version. Currently, members of Congress are out on holiday until September 7. When Congress returns it will have to work differences out or pass a 22^nd short-term FAA funding bill before September 16.

One thing is for sure: the American public has made it clear they’re more than sick of Republican and Democratic rhetoric.

FAA Shutdown Puts Thousands Out of Work

 By Karen Di Piazza / July 23, 2011

Thanks to another Congressional debacle—failure to pass Federal Aviation Administration funding by midnight on Friday—the FAA partial shutdown begins today resulting in roughly 4,000 furloughed employees. Air traffic controllers will keep their jobs as they’re considered essential personnel. What must the rest of world think when they hear of our FAA shutdown?

FAA Shutdown and Dwindling Piggybank

However, the FAA’s piggybank is dwindling; if a new short-term extension isn’t passed, and soon, the agency foresees by mid-August it would have no choice but to cut air traffic support. And, unfortunate for aerospace manufacturers—an industry hard-hit by the recession—certification of new products will be left on the back burner. This will trickle down to air charter companies, as new certified aircraft creates jobs and provides consumers with more options for private air travel. Can we really afford an FAA shutdown?

Airport construction projects are also at a halt, as are the paychecks of those working on projects. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated that this amounts to roughly $600 million in airport improvement projects at a standstill. Thursday, prior to the shutdown, LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt asked Congress to pass a “clean” short-term extension to fund the FAA.

The Surprise EAS Provision

A clean, 21st reauthorization extension to fund current FAA programs through September 16 was expected to take motion before funding expired at midnight on July 22. But just days before the shutdown House Republicans added a controversial provision to the bill: cuts to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Thirteen rural communities located 90 or more miles away from a commercial airport hub were slated for elimination. The EAS program subsidizes unprofitable commercial air service at hundreds of rural airports. According to various lawmakers, if the extension were to have passed with EAS cuts, it would have also prevented the opportunity for public comment.

During the shutdown the government doesn’t have authority to collect passenger excise ticket taxes from airlines—roughly $200 million per week that’s paid for by airline consumers. Taxes collected go into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which in part funds FAA programs and pays employees.

Since 2007—when the last long-term FAA reauthorization expired—Congress has passed 20 short-term extensions. In February the Senate passed a two-year FAA reauthorization and in April the House of Representatives passed a four-year bill. Meanwhile, the Senate awaits the House to appoint conferees for final legislation.

Flight Planner

Transition: Cleared for Road Use

By Karen Di Piazza / July 19, 2001

Imagine, you’re flying in a single-engine plane, but then you land and begin driving on the highway—with approval from the federal government. Automated electromechanical folding wing technology allows the two-seat craft to become a four-wheeled car. Appropriately named the Transition Roadable Aircraft, the brainchild of Massachusetts-based Terrafugia Inc. (pronounced ter-ra-foo-gee-ah), the company was recently granted temporary exemptions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

On June 29, published in the Federal Register, the NHTSA responded to Terrafugia’s petition (dated July 20, 2010) requesting a three-year exemption of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Not all requested exemptions were granted for three years but include: tire selection and rims for motor vehicles, electronic stability control (ESC) systems, glazing materials, and advanced air bag requirements.

As for glazing materials, rather than FMVSS-compliant automobile safety glass, the Transition’s windshield and windows will be equipped with polycarbonate (plastic) due to potential in-flight bird strikes. Regarding advanced air bags, the NHTSA didn’t believe Terrafugia’s three-year requested exemption was warranted. The agency granted a one-year exemption to meet full compliance with the caveat: the Transition must have a “permanently affixed sun visor air bag warning label” and a “removable warning label on the dashboard,” which the NHTSA developed and requires for vehicles without advanced air bags. However, the agency allows manufacturers to apply for renewal of temporary exemptions when they expire.

Terrafugia has 10 full-time employees and identified itself as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spin-off company, but said it didn’t  have access to MIT’s financial resources. “We haven’t produced any aircraft for sale yet; the company plans to deliver its first Transition in late 2012,” said R. A., volunteer company spokeswomen. But according to the notice, the plane-car maker foresees producing 200 units during the exemption period. Terrafugia also stated it would continue marketing the Transition as an airplane with road-going capability. “We’re not marketing the Transition as a ‘flying car,’” R. A. said.

Transition: Not for Air Charter Consumers

Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, the Transition is in the light sport aircraft (LSA) category, which isn’t allowed to operate FAR Part 135 air charter operations. Terrafugia spokeswoman confirmed they had “about 100 aircraft orders,” which according to the company’s website, represents a backlog worth more than $25 million; refundable airframe reservations are being accepted to hold a place in production. Although the company’s website states the Transition’s final purchase price isn’t set in stone, it expects the price tag to come in around $250,000. Terrafugia acknowledged due to escrow agreements for each deposit, such funds  aren’t accessible for company operating costs, according to the notice.

“Two Normal American Men”

Terrafugia said in Latin its company name means “escape from land.” After a proof-of-concept vehicle was built in 2007-2008, the Transition indeed escaped land with a flight-drive test in 2009. As weight is an issue to satisfy automobile and airplane safety requirements, in 2010 Terrafugia obtained a partial grant of exemption from the FAA (docket no. FAA-2009-1087), permitting the vehicle to have a maximum take off weight (MTOW) of 1,430 pounds, rather than the general 1,320-pound MTOW requirement for LSA.

Added weight to the vehicle has caused criticism. For instance, the Register reported: “…according to the new spec a fully-fuelled Transition will be able to lift only 330lb of passengers and payload: it can’t get airborne carrying two normal American men.” [Ed: Really, two “normal” American men? This makes for great late-night TV comedy. In fact, here’s an idea for network moguls: start a TV sitcom named Two Normal American Men and compete with Two and a Half Men.]

When asked if the Register’s comment was factual, Terrafugia spokeswoman replied, “If the plane had a full tank of gas, passenger payload would only support 330 pounds. But you don’t always need a full tank; you can fly a great distance with ‘useful payload,’ which supports 460 pounds.” On the company’s website, “useable fuel” is 23 gallons.

During conversation with Terrafugia’s spokeswoman she also said that “a new Transition production aircraft will be on static display” at this year’s Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wis., from July 25 – 31.

The company’s website explains that future Transition pilots will only have to complete 20 hours of flight time to earn a sport pilot license and pass a simple, practical in-flight test; a driver’s license is required for road use. The company also states on its website familiarization training will be provided to each customer. If you’re itching to take the Transition for spin, Terrafugia said at the earliest, such an opportunity wouldn’t be available until 2012.

Although the notion of owning a small plane that can also drive at normal speeds on roads is fascinating, and to boot the company’s safety specs boast a full vehicle parachute, it remains to be seen if the Transition can meet full compliance and ultimately becomes certified by the FAA.

 Air Charter Still Thriving

With or without the Transition, other LSA or small single-engine planes that currently exist, on-demand air charter still remains top dog for private air travel. There are numerous private aircraft used for air charter: turboprops, light jets, midsize jets, heavy jets and executive airliners.

Charter On at Austin Executive Airport

By Karen Di Piazza / June 27, 2001

Next time you charter a private jet and land in Texas, it might be at the new Austin Executive Airport (KDEC), which opened on June 8 and features a 6,025-foot runway, a fixed based operation (FBO) and general services. The public-use airport is located in Manor, west of Elgin and east of the central business district of Austin.

KDEC, formally known as Bird’s Nest Airport, was built by businessman and airline transport pilot Ron Henriksen, who reportedly invested $33 million to restore the old airport.

As Robert Mueller Field and Austin Executive Airpark closed in 1999, leaving the community without a reliever airport, KDEC fills the bill. Austin Executive Airport reports a robust stream of business jets. In fact, it can even handle a private chartered Boeing 737.

Posh Amenities for Jet-setters

KDEC’s state-of-the-art facility for both pilots and consumers is posh. Jet-setting  passengers and corporate management can enjoy furnished bedrooms, a movie theater with comfy leather recliners, courtesy vehicles, several kitchens, lounge areas and a washer and dryer.

Prior to the revamp of Bird’s Nest, Henriksen built Houston Executive Airport (KTME) from scratch, which opened January 2007 and has a 6,610-foot runway, FBO and general services. The airport is located in Waller County, roughly 28 nautical miles west of Downtown Houston and it’s in proximity to Brookshire.

One thing is for sure: whether you’re flying a roundtrip or on an empty-leg private air charter flight, KDEC and KTME has what it takes.