Republic takes off
3 Nov 08
With business carriers such as Silverjet falling apart, the last thing you would expect is a new player launching in the business travel market
Well Jet Republic hasn’t just launched, it has launched big. The Lisbon-based private jet club has placed the largest European business aircraft order ever, worth $1.5 billion, for a fleet of 110 Bombardier Learjet 60 XR aircraft.
Jonathan Breeze, CEO of Jet Republic, says: “Despite the current economic climate, the private jet market is enjoying strong growth. This, coupled with the fact that we believe there is significant room for improvement in the level of service provided by the private jet aviation sector, means there is a very strong and real opportunity for us to take a significant share of this market.”
The company claims that the seven-seat aircraft, fitted out with the latest communication technology and entertainment systems, is the “aviation equivalent to a five-star boutique hotel”.
Customers can use Jet Republic either by “share ownership”, leasing a fraction share of an aircraft, or by a “Private Jet Card”, prepaying for a minimum of 25 hrs.
The jets are available with only 24 hours notice and fly between more than 1,000 airports in Europe.
in San Diego
TO VISIT...
December Nights (5-6 December)
The crisp winter air and the promise of snow may be missing, but Southern California could still help kick off the holiday season in the run up to Christmas. The December Nights free community festival in San Diego features theatre, dance, music and a vast selection of international food amid a backdrop of sparking lights. There is also free entry to museums in Balboa Park where the annual two-day event is held.
www.balboapark.org
TO STAY...Hotel Del Coronado
Set on a beach, this hotel has all the trappings a wearied business traveller could want – pools, spa, restaurants… and a bakery. You could also have a game of golf at a nearby course, take a sailing or surf lesson, go for a cycle and learn a bit of yoga. How’s all that for kicking off December. Prices for a queen room are around £207/$355.5
Information desk
Surcharge cut
Cathay Pacific has reduced its passenger fuel surcharge. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department approved the move for two months starting on 1 October. The charge for long haul has been cut from HK$924 to HK$832.
Stansted cleared
Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Transport, has approved an expansion of Stansted Airport that will swell the maximum number of passengers using the hub from 25 million to 35 million.
Wifi Servis
Servisair’s 18 airport lounges across the UK are offering free high-speed wi-fi Internet access. People without their own laptop can use a PC in the lounge for a small charge.
www.executivelounges.com
Cathay comfort
Cathay Pacific has opened a new lounge in Hong Kong International Airport. It offers desktop computers with Internet access, wi-fi connections and eight shower suites. Called “The Arrival”, the lounge is in the centre passage connecting Terminal 1 with Terminal 2.
Butterflies on the wing
Singapore’s Changi Airport has opened a butterfly garden inside Terminal 3. Educational corners give visitors a chance to learn about different types of the tropical creatures.
NEW ROUTES>
Sydney to London
Qantas is set to launch a Sydney to London A380 service via Singapore beginning in January 2009.
London to Milan
Next year, Lufthansa will begin operating a route between London and Milan Malpensa.
Blackberry Pearl Flip 8220 smartphone
The smartphone for the email-addicted businessman has finally flipped out.
The new clamshell design sports all the added features you’d expect from its siblings in the BlackBerry range – email messaging, organiser and two megapixel camera.
And an enhanced browser allows you to view HTML webpages as you would on a desktop, on an internal display that is actually bigger than the candybar Pearl.
The quad-band blower is expected to launch in this autumn. www.blackberrypearl.com