2015 seems to have been a successful year for the private aviation industry, and Delta Private Jets (DPJ) is no exception. The company announced that jet card and charter sales had reached an all-time high, and the company had achieved record revenues.
According to Executive VP and COO, David Sneed, “New Jet Card sales were up 31% in 2015 over 2014, which is notable as 2014 was also a record year for DPJ. Our charter sales were extremely strong as well, with revenue up 56% over the previous year."
One contributing factor to the company’s growth was the expansion of its fleet. DPJ began 2015 with 53 managed aircraft; by the end of the year, this had grown to 72 aircraft under management. Many of the additional aircraft were midsize and large cabin, in response to customer needs. More aircraft availability was accompanied by an increase in jet card customers.
At the same time, the introduction of new services proved successful. The “Upgrade to Private Jet” travel program was introduced in the summer and allows some Delta Air Lines commercial travelers with (frequent flier) Medallion status to upgrade to travel with DPJ. A couple from Ohio were the first people to receive this ultimate upgrade. They were travelling from Cincinnati to Atlanta and received an email the night before their Friday flight offering an upgrade to a private plane. For Delta Private Jets, the program introduces new potential customers to private jet travel, who might not otherwise have considered the option. The upgrade fee is around $300 to $800. So far, it has proven a popular program, as well as an innovative way to bring in potential new private air clients. It’s also a way for DPJ to fill some of its empty leg flights, which typically make up about a third of all flights.
DPJ offers several options for potential customers:
- The Delta Private Jets Card. An initial investment of $100,000, $200,000, or $500,000 locks in flight rates for up to two years. Clients have their choice of jet for each flight and guaranteed availability. Card holders also receive SkyMiles Diamond Medallion Status on Delta Airlines.
- On-Demand Charter Service. Booking staff will discuss your needs and then take care of every aspect of the flight, including ground transportation and hotel reservations.
- Aircraft Management Service. Four programs are available based on utilization and operational needs. The aircraft in the DPJ fleet are owned by others but are managed by the company.
Delta Private Jets is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. From the company hub at the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Covington, Ky, it operates the Delta Jet Center FBO and a full maintenance and repair facility. DPJ’s fleet of Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream, and Hawker Beechcraft jets offers business travelers a high level of service, backed up with the resources of parent company, Delta Air Lines. DPJ holds numerous distinctions, including being an ARGUS platinum rated operator, and IS-BAO stage II approved.