true true 3 When three top auto executives traveled to Washington yesterday to plead for a multi-billion dollar slice of the government bailout, headlines blared about the trios’ [choice of transportation](http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/WallStreet/story?id=6285739&page=1). But even as [private jets](http://jets.halogenguides.com/) are being painted as the latest symbol of corporate excess—at least by Congress and taxpayer advocacy groups—private aviation companies report that now is actually a good time to be a private flier. With companies rolling out more deals and programs with increased perks for consumers. As the end of the year approaches, everyone from jet makers to fractional and charter providers are readjusting their outlook for the slowing global economy. Here are three ways that this tough market can positively impact your private aviation bottom line. h3. More deals Some private jet makers are cutting prices and throwing in incentives to sweeten the deal. This week, Diamond Aircraft, a manufacturer of single-engine aircraft, announced a promotion that includes a year’s worth of free fuel, maintenance and insurance—a package worth $13,750—for buyers who purchase Diamond’s DA40 model before December 31. Used aircraft buyers should also see dropping prices. Used aircraft inventories were up again in October, according to a report from J.P. Morgan, and as inventory grows, asking prices are expected to dip. In the market for a used very light jet? When air taxi operator DayJet closed its doors this fall, the company sold its fleet of 18 Eclipse 500 jets back to Eclipse, which is now unloading them. h3. More flexibility If you're interested in [fractional](http://jets.halogenguides.com/decision-guides/fractional-ownership) ownership or a [jet card](http://jets.halogenguides.com/decision-guides/fractional-card), know that buyers have more options than ever. Jet card companies are rolling out [new card configurations](http://jets.halogenguides.com/articles/1516-jet-card-companies-roll-out-new-products-ways-to-save), including ten-hour plans and options that allow access to more than one type of aircraft. Fractional providers are giving owners more options for dealing with unused hours. [Flexjet](http://jets.halogenguides.com/companies/flexjet), for instance, now allows fractional owners to [sell unused hours](http://jets.halogenguides.com/articles/1561-flexjet-ceo-reid-talks-about-state-of-private-jet-industry) to other owners. h3. Empty leg bargains Charter providers are beginning to see some changes in the travel patterns of private fliers. These types of shifts have a direct impact on where private fliers will see the greatest availability of [empty-leg segments](http://jets.halogenguides.com/articles/1498-private-jet-savings-how-to-book-an-empty-leg) (cut-rate flights that are flying passenger-free after dropping off a traveler, or repositioning to pick a client up). Justin Sullivan, president of charter jet provider Regent Jet, said that his typical client has multiple second homes in places like Aspen, Jackson Hole and Palm Beach. “They still have those homes,” said Sullivan. “Those routes are just as strong as ever.” As a result, those prime winter travel corridors are likely to remain flush with empty-leg deals. It’s the flights to second-tier locations—and even Europe—that are seeing less activity, according to Sullivan. “The Giants fan who flies to every away game—those flights have dried up,” said Sullivan. 2008-11-20T23:09:16Z 2 true 1580 true false 2008-11-20T13:07:00Z true false how-the-recession-will-impact-private-fliers false 0

Times are tough in the private aviation industry, but private fliers may find a silver lining in discounted rates and added flexibility.

Article 2009-03-20T12:59:50Z 600 41