Jet Charter out of BN

[nesbit]

Can I just ask people's opinions of whether you think it would be viable to operate a corporate light jet out of BN. Something like a Citation II or Bravo! There has to be a need for it somewhere and BN or South East QLD doesnt have anthing to offer.

Any ideas???

[Cactus Jack]

Nesbit, many prior to you have made a small fortune out of this kind of operation. Out of a big fortune, that is.

[grrowler]

Don't want to be rude, but nesbit, as a "GA business operator" from AF, you seem a bit vague about whats happening in your area. Responses to your question in GA suggest that there is in fact corporate charter aircraft available, and that they are far from busy.

You seem to have your heart set on this corporate thing though, so why don't you approach some big corporates and see what response you get. Maybe some sort of fractional ownership thing could work:confused:

[nesbit]

grrowler, thanks for the ideas champ! Already well on my way to investigating all those ideas. The response has been very high from major corporates! Just one thing though, I wonder if I put a light jet online, would the big red fish come and put 2 light jets online and discount the price???

[spinout]

I understand some of the more affluent residents on Hamilton Island are considering purchasing a Jet of some sort as they are not happy with the Jet* service…. Could be an opening there..

[grrowler]

Big red fish? Not sure exactly who you mean. If you can tie up deals with businesses before you commit yourself too much, and then provide a cost effective, good service with good pr, it shouldn't matter. As long as you don't get greedy and "keep it real", I don't see anyone bothering to buy 2 citations to undercut you and make half the profit.

Just consider where and when these companies would want to fly that the majors don't service. While they no doubt like the idea of the prestige of flying around in a bizjet, when it comes to the crunch it's the bean counters that make the decisions.

I have to admit I remain cynical, but good luck :ok:

[nesbit]

Thanks for the opinions grrowler! many thanks, will keep you informed of my purchases!

[gaunty]

nesbit

Well done spot the market fill the niche!

A well developed Business Plan will tell you whether it can be made to work or what would be required. If you can't make it work on paper with the proper research it wont.

If you want a hand PM me I have a programme that might help, if I can find it.;)

[megle2]

Nesbit

In your study of the markey have you taken in the rumours of the jets soon to come to Brisbane?

ie 1 x Falcon 2000, 1 X Hawker 125, 1 x Lear 35, 1 x Citation Mustang plus your purchase.

Things might get a bit crowded if the rumours are true.

[olderairhead]

And the Astra that has been operating out of Brisbane for quite a while with little success......

[Sheep Guts]

Nesbit,
It beats me why People are scared of Jets. In the Americas and Carribean it is the norm. Youre only real competition would be from a couple of B350 King Airs whioch have a good Range. They do alot of Island stuff like Vanauu etc from Bris. So youd prolly need something with a little longer legs maybe a Citationx?

If ya need a driver give a PM? Hey it had to be said.


Sheep.

[UATA]

Any of you after a Charter Driver? drop me a PM...

[Tankengine]

There is a very nice Citation at Armidale available for Corporate and medivac charter, not too far from Brisbane.:D

[F111]

Add a Shorts 360 and a Metro 3 at MCY to the available charter aircraft in the Brisbane area.

[nesbit]

megle2

Do you know who will be operating these aircraft and where their proposed routes? Would love to get a heads up as I have nearly confirmed to contracts already with corporates!

Cheers

[grrowler]

Have you already got an AOC? If not this is another consideration, it can take a long time to get approved (6 months plus).

I would think that they wouldn't have any proposed routes, rather be available for charter wherever they wanna go.

[nesbit]

hey grrowler, already got one of those tickets, already an established operator!

[Lodown]

nesbit, take Gaunty's advice and put the time and effort into a comprehensive business plan. You'll need it for financing, planning and operations for the first few years. It will also come in useful for corporate sales and staffing.

There will be lots of people who will tell you there is a viable market, but a business plan will put it all there in black and white and it will also encourage you to look at aspects of the operation that you may not have even thought about. A good business plan will take much of the emotion out of the decision and leave you with a relatively simple go/no go choice based on the best facts available. It's a cheap investment prior to having a jet delivered on your ramp.

If you enquire you might find a few willing business students from Griffith or the U of Q who would like the credits for a PhD or Masters and would jump at the opportunity to assist. Their professors may provide some valuable oversight as well. I can also give you a recommendation on a good friend in Brisbane who has excellent research skills and quals and knows the aviation industry inside out. He's not cheap, but well worth the investment.

One of the hassles you will face is that many people will say they will use your services, but when the aircraft is sitting at their door, they won't commit. And competition is a fact of life. A high investment makes a high barrier for entry for many would-be operators. First in gets the spoils.

Australian GA has been messing about with clapped out pistons and mediocrity for so long it is great to see someone taking the initiative towards upgrading the equipment and raising the bar. With an operation like this, there will be more emphasis on your marketing and sales.

Absolutely great to see and I wish you all the very best in your endeavours. I hope the market is there for a viable operation.

[nesbit]

Thanks Lodown

Like any investment/business idea, I do my research hard! its a fact of life, to be eductated about something is the key to success. I understand everyones negative points of view, saying that no one will use the aicraft.

I come from a very business oriented background, aviation aswell!!! I know, understand and can implement a successful marketing campaign make this work.

The old saying, if you build it, they will come!!!

Thanks for the positives. I intend to keep you all posted about my purchases. Im sure Ill see something on here before I get the chance though.

Can everyone please keep giving me their opinions and thoughts on bringing a light Jet to Brisbane for Corporate charter, I value everyones opinions greatly.

Cheers

[megle2]

Sheep Guts

2 King Air 350's going to the Islands regularly? One went a few times, the other nil.

Five Star closed their doors, no commercial return. Sold their Baron and traded the 2 King Air's on a newer 350, private cat only. They tried hard but couldn't make charter work.

Nesbit

Go for it, the more work you do in generating a market, the better it will be for all. You will arouse a bit of new interest, get some response and at the same time they will start shopping around and your competitors will pick up some extra work courtesy of your marketing.

Beware of thinking that hey, I have an AOC and I am already a Operator , I will just add the new aircraft to the AOC. You might get a shock as to hard difficult it can be. It could take 6 months plus.

The Astra ( Gulfstream 1 ) which I forgot to mention does virtually nil Brisbane sourced charter.

Then again your posts could just be a wind up. Generated some interest though hasn't it!

[nesbit]

megle2

Thank you. think what you need to think. I need not waste my time and yours with questions and information.

If you feel that you dont like what im talking about then I understand, all im trying to do is get a feel for the market on a different perspective - the rig flyers of SEQ.

[nesbit]

spinout

Do you have any ideas who will be the operator setting up camp at BN with those Jets. Is it ADAGOLD Aviation?

[megle2]

No offence Nesbit.

You asked for info. I gave you some of the current scuttlebutt.

I am not aiming at you, just pointing out that you said you research the market "hard" but you didn't seem to be aware of the talk around town.

I guess your up to speed on the FBO rumours.

[Sheep Guts]

Megle 2,
Thanks for the update. Ive been outa town for awhile .. :)

Who operates the Astra Jet? Is it Pearl Aviation? Or is that another machine?


Nesbit,
It doesnt Matter if you have competition, you just have to research as much as possible their Markets. And establish other Markets.

As far as those Jets arriving in Brisbane, well wait an see. Rumours are rumours but hardware on the Tarmac is another thing. Incidently having these rumoured jets arrive isnt negative for you anyway. It could offshoot other clients. You may get a few flick backs from these guys. Why? well the sort of hardware talked about will spawn very expensive rates and having a Citation a relatively cheaper Aircraft will cater for people who would like to travel corporate jet but cant justify the dollaz.
So it could be a benefit in the long term, ie. you may grow with these clients onto bigger things.

But you will need to be proactive. Everyday that Jet is parked is not a good day.:(
You need to target Companies that are established and have never used Planes much before. Obviously the Mining and Cattle Sectors will be at the top of your list. Also look at the QF and DJ and Jetstar timetables and see where their weaknesses are study those detinations and their relative industries. Sort of work backwards. Maybe you will come onto something. Industry and Corporate is not a set thing anywhere. SEQ is one of the most dynamic growth regions in Australia and even ASIA. Allways think outside the box when thinking Customers. They could be as diverse as Sporting Teams.

Anyway I am bantering a bit.


Regards
Sheep:O

P.S Also Ive noticed with the onset of all these LCCs the Business Traveller has left out of the picture so much so that QF have reduced their Business Class etc. So theirs a sales pitch if Ive seen one. Go for it mate.................

[nesbit]

Sheep Guts

thanks mate, will be an interesting few months ahead. Will give another update soon.

Anymore ideas you guys have got, though them at me, it can only better the industry i think!

nesbit

[Sheep Guts]

Nesbit,
I know it sounds cheap but I would advertise your services, in the paper, radio to start and then even TV after you start getting returns. Former tryers like Megle have mentioned above didnt and totaly relied on word of mouth. Well with the Populous growth in SEQ , advertising is the key.
Net jets in the USA do adverts etc., buyt alot of their sucess now is on the back of the 9/11 aftermarth.
Ofcourse the US Corparate Jet world is s tad larger than Oz. What about the Conrad Casinos? Do they have their own fleet?

Hey im bantering again!

Sheep

[UATA]

The Shorts and the Metro would help if their owners would happen to reply to emails...

[F111]

UATA,

Care to explain your reply. I'm happy to recieve an email from you. Send it to [email protected]

Charter is a secondary function at SEA, RPT is the primary function. However another Metro (M23) will be joining the fleet this week and another aircraft type will join the fleet in October, so the company may expand further into charter.

nesbit,

I have also heard the rumours re the Cessna Mustang, I've also heard a LR35 may also be based at CG very soon.

[megle2]

Sheep G -

" a former tryer", I didn't know I was past tense. Didn't realise I was into marketing.

The Astra is privately owned and operates with Pearl with their crew I think.

UATA -

Had a gander at your web site. I wonder if you identified yourself the Metro and Shorts guys might be a bit more pro active with your emails. Unless I am blind I couldn't locate your name or operating base. Also your aircraft, a E20, is pretty rare. Is that the parachute Let that operates out of Caloundra?

[Sheep Guts]

Hi Megle,
' You may have misread my post. It was:
Former tryers like Megle have mentioned above didnt and totaly relied on word of mouth.

I should put in 2 comers, it should read:
Former tryers, like Megle have mentioned above, didnt and totaly relied on word of mouth.

My apologies for the assumed guilt. I dont know you and this is an anonymous forum.:)

Ofcourse I was relating to your original post of:


Five Star closed their doors, no commercial return. Sold their Baron and traded the 2 King Air's on a newer 350, private cat only. They tried hard but couldn't make charter work.

I assume if you sell some King Airs and a Baron and scrap an AOC, surely that could be taken as a "Former Tryer"

So the Astra Jet is privately owned and operated by Pearl. It isnt by chance the Calibration Aircraft for Navaids etc?
If so that would imply its appearance of lack of work, would it not.

Sheep

[megle2]

Sheep G

I feel a little better now.

The Astra you refer to ( nav aid cal ) was returned to corporate condition and sold to the US.

The private one appeared about 3 years ago and is in VIP config and pretty new so you would think it would get its share of work.