Private Jets: One of the Least Understood Tools in Corporate America’s Arsenal

The argument for using business aviation has never been stronger, and prices have never been better.

In the court of public opinion, the slightest whiff of irresponsible corporate spending always sets off intense scrutiny. So when some prominent CEOs chose to fly in corporate jets rather than drive to Washington, D.C., from Detroit for last year’s TARP escapades, the media vilified them for their seemingly insensitive use of an extravagant luxury. Somehow their use of an ordinary business service got blown out of proportion into the eight miles high equivalent of a diamond-studded shower curtain frivolously purchased on a corporate expense account.

Business aviation or travel by company-owned or leased aircraft remains one of the least understood tools in corporate America’s arsenal, but it would be much better if this particular corporate secret got out. Business aviation is actually an affordable and highly efficient solution for companies that use it responsibly, helping executives maximize productivity for themselves and their teams. And today’s bargain basement pricing affords them that operational advantage with more bang for the buck than ever before.

“Business aviation is not a perk, it’s an enabler of productivity,” explains Michael Riegel, president of Aviation IQ, a business aviation consulting firm based in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. “There’s often a lot of pressure from shareholders to reduce business aviation travel, but companies need to push back harder against that notion.

In fact, shareholders should demand that their company’s executives use it it’s a business requirement, and there’s no reasonable alternative.”

With virtually no privacy on a commercial flight, inconvenient travel times, and long delays passing through security, at boarding gates, on tarmacs and during transfers, it’s a wonder that C-suite executives actually choose not to afford business aviation. Those who opt to travel in business jets enjoy expedited security checks, virtually no waiting and the freedom to use their computers and phones on the ground and in the air in short, the ability to minimize their travel time and to make effective use of every possible minute. And they’re less likely to arrive at their destinations exhausted from having spent an entire day getting there.


MORE LIKE THIS

  • Get the CEO Briefing

    Sign up today to get weekly access to the latest issues affecting CEOs in every industry
  • upcoming events

    Roundtable

    Strategic Planning Workshop

    1:00 - 5:00 pm

    Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process

    Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:

    1. Lack of systematic approach (70%)
    2. Laundry lists without prioritization (68%)
    3. Decisions based on personalities rather than facts and information (65%)

     

    Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns.  They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning.  Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process.  This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented.  If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form.  The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

    New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

    Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

    2:00 - 5:00 pm

    Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations. 

    Limited space available.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

    Golf Outing

    10:30 - 5:00 pm
    General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
    Sponsored by UBS

    General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.

    The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.