Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Aircraft charter membership firm VistaJet said last year was its best year ever in North America, with the U.S. the company’s top growth market. Since Malta-based VistaJet is foreign-owned, Jet Aviation operates the company’s Bombardier Challengers and Globals in the U.S.


Overall, the number of flight bookings in 2016 climbed 137 percent year-over-year across the VistaJet-owned fleet in North America, the company said, and more than 65 percent of VistaJet U.S.’s new customers came from corporations and Fortune 500 companies. International and American passengers arriving and departing from the U.S. also soared 122 percent last year compared with 2015, making it VistaJet’s number-one country for takeoffs and landings.


“North America has the most mature business aviation market in the world, so for us to experience such advanced growth in a short time frame is a true indication that this market is ready for change,” said VistaJet chairman and founder Thomas Flohr. “We’re excited to give customers a new option, arranging for flights to more cities in the U.S. and around the globe, in collaboration with our partner Jet Aviation.”


The company now counts 71 aircraft in its worldwide fleet, which includes Bombardier Challenger 350s, 605s and 850s, as well as Global 5000s and 6000s.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Fueled by Growth in U.S., VistaJet Bookings Climb 137%

More than 65 percent of VistaJet U.S.’s new customers came from corporations and Fortune 500 companies.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Deal marks expansion of Jet.AI’s fleet for 2026

Jet.AI Expands Fleet with Three Citation CJ4 Gen2 Jets

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

U.S. start-up recently made a commitment to buy up to 116 of Archer's Midnight aircraft

Future Flight Global Targets Multiple eVTOL Aircraft Use Cases

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

New service is intended to bridge the gap when aircraft are being bought and sold

SkyBridge Offers Aircraft Sellers Use of Fractional Fleet

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company aims to offer access to fleet

Jet Linx Links Up Customers with New Jet Card Program

Company spreads wings in Asia-Pacific region

RoyalJet Adds Charter Base in Malaysia

Dallas business aircraft services companies combine forces

Leviate Air Acquires Majority Share in Chairman Aviation

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

eVTOL aircraft could carry workers, business leaders, and tourists

Report Calls for Irish Advanced Air Mobility Network

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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