Month: November 2013

9 Things We’re Thankful for at L&L

As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, we wanted to stop and reflect on a few things that make L&L and the private jet industry so great. We’re lucky to be an active part of such an exciting market, and we’re thankful for all the opportunities business jets bring to the table:

  • Speed. Our time is valuable, and our clients’ time is really valuable. Bizjets make sure business deals aren’t put on hold for traffic jams, long security lines, or cancelled commercial flights.
  • Family. Jet travel allows us to be more efficient at work and spend fewer nights away from home — and less time at work means more time with family and friends. Not to mention that, with private air travel, family and friends may be able to come along for the ride!
  • Experience. Since 1995, we’ve had the opportunity to grow and work with the best and brightest in the industry. We’re thankful we get to continue sharing our expertise with our partners, friends, and associates around the globe.
  • Flexibility. With more than 5,000 airports in the U.S., a private jet can take you anywhere. And whether your baggage includes liquids, oversized equipment, or something that barks or meows, it’s comforting to know that you can bring it on board without concern.
  • Connectivity. Whether you’re taking off from Timbuktu or soaring high above the Rocky Mountains, new advances in on-board Wi-Fi and videoconferencing solutions mean never having to disconnect.
  • History. The history of jet travel may be short compared to other forms of transportation, but it’s fascinating and chock-full of innovation! There are a number of industry leaders, trend-setters, and visionaries that have helped pave the way to a where aviation is today. We’re lucky to have so many resources and museums for researching and learning about them.
  • Customization. Private jet travel means having things your way. From food to amenities, a jet is a luxurious second home or office in the sky and it can be customized to even the most discerning tastes.
  • Innovation. Today’s jets are smarter, faster, and can go farther. Plus, have you seen some of the perks introduced in the latest bizjets? One word: sunroof.
  • Clients. L&L works with some of the best owners, brokers, dealers, service providers, manufacturers, and jet aficionados in the world. Period.

Thanks for your business and support over the years. We hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving full of family, food, and of course — flight!

The Perfect Watch

November is National Aviation History Month! Celebrate by treating yourself or an aviation-loving friend to a truly timeless gift: A Bremont Supermarine watch.

The Supermarine’s sleek-yet-rugged design offers everything you need to celebrate just how far aviation technology has come. Like all of Bremont’s luxurious timepieces, this watch is made for pilots and jetsetters alike. Its precise, rigorously tested chronometer is encased in an anti-magnetic Faraday cage, and a sapphire bezel makes reading the face possible even in low-light conditions. Depending on the model, the Supermarine is water resistant up to 6,150 feet. The price starts at $5,150.

Whether you’re scaling Everest, diving off the coast of Australia, or attending a board meeting, the Supermarine is the perfect companion.

Happy National Aviation History Month!

2013 Dubai Airshow Sees $192B in Orders on First Day!

The biennial Dubai Airshow, a five-day event that attracts visitors from all over the world, wraps up today. It’s the fastest growing air show in the region — mirroring the growth of Dubai itself as a major hub of the aircraft industry — and has grown exponentially in the more than two decades since it began as the Arab Air Show in 1986.

Some of the world’s largest and most influential aircraft manufacturers spent the week showing off their latest and greatest products:

  • Aerolux
  • Alsalam Aircraft
  • Gulf Aviation Academy
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Boeing
  • Airbus
  • Bombardier
  • And hundreds more!

The Dubai Airshow was held at Dubai’s $32 billion new Al-Maktoum International Airport. The airport will be the world’s largest when it is completed in 2027, but it already boasts a lot of space: More than 130 jets were on display at this years’ show and over 1,000 exhibitors, 60,000 attendees, and 1,500 members of the media were able to comfortably peruse the planes.

Beating expectations

This must-attend event focuses on connecting buyers and sellers, and this years’ show facilitated an unprecedented number of deals. In 2007, over $155 billion worth of deals were executed at the airshow, and this year has already blown those numbers out of the water — on the first day alone, there were $192.3 billion in commercial jet transactions.

Three Persian Gulf carriers — Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airlines — were responsible for a large part of the deals. Together, the three organizations placed orders for 393 commercial jets. Emirates alone added 150 of Boeing’s new 777X jumbo jet and 50 Airbus A380s to its already substantial fleet.

Boeing is particularly pleased with the interest it received in the new 777X — the latest iteration in its ever-popular 777 series. In an interview with CNN, Boeing Chairman and CEO Jim McNeary says, “With around $100 billion worth of orders, this makes it the largest aviation product launch. We look forward to … continuing to support Dubai’s expansion into a global aviation hub.”

This outstanding show proves why Dubai is quickly becoming a key region for the aviation market.

Keep an Eye on Your Jet 24/7

When people hear talk of aircraft safety, their first thoughts are often of in-flight practices. Little thought goes to a business jet once it has landed and been parked. However, this ground time puts the parked jet at risk for often-overlooked but increasingly common dangers:

  • Theft, vandalism, and damage to the aircraft or the sensitive tools and equipment on board.
  • Theft of and/or tampering with aviation fuel.
  • Becoming the unknowing transporter of illegal or dangerous materials and substances that are clandestinely loaded as cargo.

These dangers are considerable at minor airfields where security can be rudimentary. However, even at larger airports, private aircraft aren’t always parked in range of security cameras.

To address these dangers, Blue Green Technology developed VIGIPLANE™. This security system for parked aircraft provides constant, real-time surveillance while operating autonomously from the aircraft systems. The system is aware of routine activity and notifies the pilot directly if there is a security threat.

VIGIPLANE™ uses high-performance and low-power detectors, day and night HD cameras, cellular and satellite modules, as well as a flashing alarm light to detect intrusion. It takes pictures and videos that are transmitted almost in real-time to the safety staff of the aircraft. The system does not require certification and it’s cost-effective, small enough for pilots to carry, and installs on the front landing gear of the aircraft in less than two minutes. Once it’s locked, VIGIPLANE™ cannot be released or removed by anyone other than authorized personnel, and it can immobilize the aircraft through a special nose wheel chock should a theft attempt take place.

Heads of state, medical air services, and business travelers who fly into dangerous areas look to VIGIPLANE™ for ground security. If you fall into one of these categories, this technology may be a necessity for your business. But it’s also for anyone looking for 24/7 surveillance of their aircraft — so you’re protected no matter what.

Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313), or visit us online.

The 4 Best Thanksgiving Destinations

For some people, Thanksgiving is a holiday to be celebrated at home with family. But for others, Thanksgiving is a chance to take a mini vacation and enjoy some much-deserved time off. This November, consider jetting to one of these great Thanksgiving destinations.

New York City

How about Thanksgiving dinner in New York City? You can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The oversized balloons, lavish floats, performers, and marching bands have graced New York’s streets on Thanksgiving Day for 87 years. For the best views, consider booking a luxe suite on the parade route. The Mandarin Oriental, New York Hilton, and the historic Warwick hotels all boast unbeatable views.

You can even get some behind-the-scenes and watch the balloons being blown up the night before at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Blow-Up at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue.

Plymouth, Mass.

If you’re interested in a historical Thanksgiving, point your jet toward Plymouth, where the 17th century colonists once lived in what was then a small English village. Starting on Nov. 22, there is a three-day celebration of Thanksgiving history that includes concerts, parades, and waterfront events.

Check out the costumed actors on the Mayflower II, a full-sized recreation of the real Mayflower, see the real — and surprisingly small — Plymouth Rock, and don’t forget to visit Plimouth Plantation, where you can learn about how both the pilgrims and the Wampanoag people lived in 1627 and enjoy a truly traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Washington, D.C.

If you’re in Washington, D.C. over Thanksgiving, you’ll have access to a variety of attractions to commemorate the history of the many people who have shaped America, from Washington to Lincoln to Jefferson and beyond. Many restaurants in the city host lavish Thanksgiving dinners, so you won’t have to miss out on your turkey and pumpkin pie.

And don’t miss the turkey pardon at Mount Vernon: Every year since 1989, the president has pardoned the turkey meant for the White House table, allowing it to live to a ripe old age on a farm.

Dallas, Texas

Texas might not seem like a destination that has much relevance to Thanksgiving, but you’d be surprised: They have an entire year-round park downtown dedicated to giving thanks. The park includes the Hall of Thanksgiving, which displays the history of Thanksgiving, among other attractions.

And if sports are more your speed, the Dallas Cowboys have a game every Thanksgiving, a tradition that’s been in place since 1966. Their new Arlington stadium cost $1.15 billion and watching the game from one of its fully-stocked suites would undoubtedly be a fun way to spend your Thanksgiving Day.

No matter where you spend your holiday, may it be full of good times, good food, and good friends and family. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

The Safest Way to Fly with Your Pets

For many pet owners, furry companions are family. This makes travel challenging, especially when faced with the danger and uncertainty of commercial airlines’ pet regulations.

Although you think of your pets as family, they are cargo to commercial airlines operators. As such, larger animals are often placed in the cargo hold, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically, the noise level is very high, and pressure levels can drop significantly. These conditions can be stressful and unsafe for even the healthiest pets.

Although two million animals travel on commercial flights each year, the statistics about the animals’ safety are scary: In 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 35 pets died, nine animals were injured, and two were lost entirely while traveling on commercial flights with U.S. airline companies. In 2012, 29 pets died, 26 were injured, and one was lost.

Faced with these numbers, the benefits of traveling by private jet are considerable. First, travel time is much shorter and less stressful for private aircraft travelers of all species. In addition, animals that can stay in the pressure-controlled, temperature-regulated cabin with you nearby will be better able to cope with the general stress of travelling.

To be sure your pets have the best possible experience traveling by private aircraft, take these considerations into account before your trip:

  • Flying, even in the comfort of a private jet, can still be hard on pets. Talk to your vet about making the trip as stress-free as possible before you go airborne. Also make sure that you have a copy of your pets’ vaccination records.
  • Make your pets comfortable on board. Don’t overfeed them before the trip, and bring toys or other comfort objects from home.
  • Make sure you’re considerate of other passengers by keeping pet etiquette in mind. If you’re chartering a flight, ask your broker to alert the staff that your furry family will also be along for the ride.

If you’re truly interested in providing an easy travel experience for your pets, consider a service like Sit ‘n Stay Global. This company provides corporate pet flight attendants whose focus is getting your pet to and from your destination safely and comfortably.

When your pets fly private, you can stop worrying about their safety and enjoy the trip!

How Long Does It Take to Buy or Sell a Jet?

One of the first questions that comes to mind when it’s time to buy or sell a jet is, “How long will this take?” Of course there’s no exact answer to that question — everyone’s situation is different. There’s the market to consider, as well as the condition of the plane you’re selling and the demands for the jet you’re interested in purchasing. However, there are several scenarios that can cause jet transactions to go much more slowly than expected.

  • Incorrect pricing. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a jet’s price tag has a huge impact on the transaction. If you’re selling a jet and it’s priced too far above market value, it may not garner any interest. And as a buyer, you want to watch out for deals that are too good to be true — unusually low prices are often signs of bigger issues you may uncover during your inspection.
  • You have, or are looking for, something specific. Of course you want a business jet that meets all of your needs — capacity, efficiency, cost. But if you’re interested in a new, hard-to-find, or popular model, obtaining the ideal aircraft could take months (or years!). Similarly, if you’re selling a jet that has been highly customized to your tastes, it may take a while to find an interested buyer.
  • You can’t find the right buyer or bizjet. People aren’t exactly searching the classifieds for business jets. Buyers and sellers aren’t always public — and the bizjet market spans the globe. If you don’t have the right network, you can expect to spend a lot of hours searching for the right fit.
  • You have to sell before you can buy. If your new jet purchase is contingent upon the sale of your current jet, then you may find yourself in a bind. Trying to find the ideal buyer and your ideal upgrade in the same timeframe can be like waiting for the stars to align.

If you’re interested in a smooth, quick aircraft transaction, then the smartest option is contacting a jet broker. Brokers have established relationships with buyers and sellers around the globe — and even have access to off-market and unadvertised inventory. Plus, they take the frustration out of the process: A skilled broker will efficiently identify what you’re looking for, handle negotiations, and manage closing. They’ll even juggle the sale of an old aircraft with the purchase of a new one.

You’re busy. Waiting around to buy or sell a jet may keep you grounded longer than you can afford. Let the brokers at L & L International ensure the plane you’re buying or selling spends as little time on the market as possible!

Why an LLC May Not Be a Great Idea

Many businesses use a “sole purpose” limited liability company (LLC) to own and operate a business jet. The reason people still follow this common structure is sound: They want to create a separate business entity with the sole purpose of owning and operating the corporate jet, thus protecting their other assets from liability. However, as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and most aviation attorneys agree, it’s not that simple.

The FAA applies different rules to strictly private air transportation, which is regulated under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS), and commercial charter operations, which are regulated under Part 135.

Many businesses intend to own and operate their LLC under Part 91, but these rules are more relaxed and easy to unintentionally violate. Remember, even if you fly the private aircraft that is owned by your LLC, you’re still paying the LLC to cover all of its expenses, including fuel, pilots, hangar fees, and insurance. Therefore, the LLC is actually operating air transportation for compensation, and under FARS, an entity whose only asset is an aircraft that’s deemed to be in the business of providing air transportation service for compensation must follow the stricter rules of Part 135.

When your LLC is operating under Part 91 when it should be under Part 135, you face a host of penalties and may no longer be protected as an LLC:

  • Insurance — If an aircraft is for commercial use and is subject to Part 135 regulations, it needs to be explicitly stated in the policy’s purpose-of-use clause. Otherwise, if an accident occurs and the aircraft wasn’t certified for Part 135 activity, your insurance coverage could be void.
  • Taxes — The money paid to an LLC to fund aircraft operations is considered by the IRS to be compensation for transportation, making these payments subject to 7.5% federal excise tax (FET). This can come as a shock to unaware aircraft owners who find themselves in an audit.
  • FAA fines — Violating Part 135 regulations could result in significant FAA fines that accumulate on a daily basis.
  • Legal issues — The whole point of placing your aircraft in an LLC is to protect your business and your assets. But if the FAA determines the LLC is involved in illegal activity by failing to comply with Part 135 regulations, the protections of the LLC may no longer be relevant.

It’s important to note that LLCs can still work with the help of experts who know how to make sure you’re covered legally. To ensure your transition into jet ownership is as smooth as possible, work with a reliable, skilled broker. Whether your aircraft is for private or business use, the brokers at L & L International have the resources to make sure your ownership structure is ideal for your situation.