London Heliport Comes onto the Market

London’s only commercial heliport has come onto the market with interest rumoured to include Mohammed Al Fayed, the Harrods owner, and Joe Bamford, owner of construction equipment firm JCB. Von Essen Aviation Ltd, the owner of the heliport, has placed it up for sale though it is a separate entity to the similarly named Hotel chain which went into administration this year.

Despite paying £50million for the heliport and building a new passenger terminal, owner Andrew Davis has posted an asking price of £40million. There are some rumours that potential bidders see greater commercial viability in the land for development purposes, which may mean the heliport is replaced with apartments or shopping complexes.

Book a Flight Pre-Xmas – Get a Free iPad2

Jet Booking Direct are proud to announce that all customers who book a flight between now and Christmas 2011 will receive a free iPad2. The iPad2, worth $499, is a revolutionary tablet computer which runs a range of thousands of apps on the iOS platform.

“Two cameras for FaceTime and HD video recording. The dual-core A5 chip. 10-hour battery life.¹ Over 200 new software features in iOS 5. And iCloud. All in a remarkably thin, light design. There’s so much to iPad, it’s amazing there’s so little of it.”

Terms of the offer are as follows

This offer is subject to availability, whilst stocks last. There is no cash alternative. The promoter is Jet Direct Services Ltd Company Number .

The offer is only valid on flights booked between the 24^th of November and the 24^th of December, and £10k or over in value.

The offer is on flights that must be flown before the end of 2011 on the 31^st December and the offer is for one iPad2 on a per flight basis. Each customer is limited to one iPad2 on a per household basis.

Please allows up to 28 days for delivery of the iPad2. The iPad2 will only be shipped to the address supplied when you confirm your flight booking.

The iPad2 is non-exchangeable and non-refundable, technical issues and support should be taken up with the manufacturer. This offer is for the 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad2.

This offer is not related to nor endorsed by Apple Inc. Jet Booking Direct reserve the right to amend these terms without prior notice, and reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time without prior notice. This offer is only available to residents of the UK, Europe and the Middle-East.

Phenom 300

The Phenom 300 is a light private jet manufactured by Brazilian firm Embraer. The jet signifies a strong step forward for the company, which has found itself at the forefront of private jet design almost overnight, having only started building them 12 years ago. The Phenom 300 must surely have other business jet manufacturers worried, it’s sumptuous, modern interiors, the incredible flight deck that looks like something out of Star Trek, and the jets fantastic performance surely cements its standing as one of the light jets of choice.

Whilst there are nowhere near as many 300s available as there are Citations, the Phenoms are rolling out fast. This expansion by Embraer is set to continue with the release of the 450 and 500 models, larger jets that extend the range and provide alternative, flexible options to buyers and operators. The company’s phenomenal growth must surely be a warning shot to other manufacturers.

Jet Booking Direct are proud to add the Phenom to our fleet of available aircraft. Whilst there is limited availability on this jet at the moment, we expect more private jet charters to be carried out by Phenoms as more are sold to operators across Europe over the coming months.

Read more about the Phenom 300 →

Christmas Private Jet Hire Options

It may only just be the end of October but that means Christmas is only six weeks away. To save yourself the stress of the usual travel arrangements many of us make during the festive season, arranging your private jet charter now can mean you are assured of valuable slots at airports which by Christmas will be fully booked up.

Whilst Private Jet hire from Jet Booking Direct can usually be arranged “on the fly”, we encourage our customers and clients to make advance bookings in order to gain this security of knowing your travel arrangements are sorted. Leaving it up until the last minute could unfortunately leave you out in the cold, all airports have limited slots and whilst during normal times there are usually always free slots, during busy festive periods this is not so likely.

To further reduce the pain of your Christmas travel woes, we’re happy to sort for you extra travel options such as Helicopter transfers, car hire – even make a hotel reservation for you in advance. Providing an all encompassing package for your festive and new year travel needs is a result of our core belief in traditional customer values and always placing your needs first in line.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need and would like to have a casual chat to discuss your options for Private Jet travel this Christmas and New Year then feel free to call us on 0800 6226 538 (UK) +44208 005 9811 (Int’l) and one of our friendly brokers will be happy to break down our services to you and put together a package that suits. Alternatively, you can get a quote today for your flights by clicking “Book a Flight” above and filling in our quick form.

Jet Booking Direct now offering Libya Flights

In what could prove to be an invaluable asset to those with business interests in or around Libya, we announce we are now able to offer flights to and from Libya. All Flights to Libya are fully-regulated and all necessary procedures followed to ensure the safety and security of those who need to either visit or leave the Country.

Whilst still unstable in many areas, much of the fighting in Libya is now focused on Sirte, the home town of ousted leader Colonel Gaddafi. With this development, many other areas of Libya including Benghazi and Tripoli are looking to stabilize and return to some sort of normality. Part of this process is the restoration of services – notably in this case transportation.

By offering safe flights to and from Libya Jet Booking Direct are able to provide a resource that will surely prove vital for many people. We believe this option will provide much needed support. If this is a service you require, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your private jet charter options to/from Libya and all other Middle-East and African nations. Flight operations to/from Libya are based in the UAE with selected aircraft availability.

Charter a Jet for Rugby World Cup 2011

With Mike Tindall now tied to Zara Phillips, the England Rugby Union centre back is now free to concentrate on the Rugby World Cup. The Rugby World cup is the biggest event in the Rugby Union calendar with this years tournament in New Zealand. Whilst many will already have their tickets and travel arrangements organised, it’s not too late to sort yours out. With a private jet charter from Jet Booking Direct, you can be sure of one thing, the price is not time dependent.

This means that the price you get will not be affected by when you book your flight. Whereas, with a commercial flight, ticket prices dramatically increase the closer you get to your flight date. Let’s not also forget all the other advantages of private jet charter, who could forget the beautiful private jets?

So if you’re looking to attend the Rugby World cup this September, considering a private jet charter could save you time, stress and hassle, and without the worry of a price hike the later you leave your booking.

Cowes Week Helicopter Charter

Jet Booking Direct are pleased to announce we will be able to offer helicopter charter, direct to Cowes Week. Cowes is an annual Yacht Regatta. Not only is Cowes Week one of the oldest regatta’s in the world, it’s also the biggest with 40 daily races, 1000 boats and up to 10,000 competitors. With the event proving popular as ever private helicopter charter direct to the event from anywhere in the UK is a sensible option to avoid the queue’s and stresses of making the journey by car.

Additionally, our helipad at Ham Polo Club allows you to fly by helicopter direct from London, just a 15 minute drive from the City of London. If you live further than the South Coast, you could travel to Southampton by private jet, before catching a connecting helicopter flight direct to the event.

UEFA Euro 2012 Private Jet Options

Just as we are able to offer flight packages for the 2014 World Cup, we are also offering similar packages for the UEFA Euro 2012 Poland/Ukraine. This event is the second biggest international football competition in the world behind the World Cup and thousands of fans will descend on Ukraine and Poland to see some of the finest footballers in the world battle for the ultimate prize.

We are able to provide for you:

• A private jet from an airport of your choice direct to the city of the first game you wish to attend
• Internal private jet and/or helicopter flights between venues
• Hotel reservations – so your accommodation is ready for you
• Chauffeur care hire – for those shorter journeys
• Private Security – security personnel to ensure your safety

Our team of brokers can produce for you a package that directly reflects your need. Our packages can be as rigid or as flexible as you need. We can provide an entire transport solution for anybody attending this huge sporting event. Whether you are a journalist, a broadcasting team, a sports fan or a footballer our private jet charter and additional services can help ensure you spend your time concentrating on this special event and not worrying about your transport.

If you would be interested in this service, please call us today so we can assemble your bespoke UEFA 2012 Private Jet travel package – on 0800 6226 538 or sales@jetbookingdirect.com.

Exhibition gives unique insight to the luxury of customised private jets

We know here at Jet Booking Direct just how stunning and beautiful a private jet can be. But even we were taken aback when we browsed a gallery of “pimped” private jets, owned by African dictators, heads of state, actors and sports stars. Some of the interiors shown leave very little to imagination, demonstrating beautifully, if a little elaborately, the sheer luxury available with private jet charter.

The photographs were taken by Nick Gleis, who remained coy about who the jets belonged to and how he gained access for the pictures to be taken.

View the rest here.

New Yacht Available – Riva Iseo 27

Recently launched, the stunning and beautiful Riva Iseo 27 is Italian luxury yacht builder Riva’s latest model, combining power, speed and comfort with superior levels of luxury. Considered by many the “Jewel of the Riva Crown”, the Iseo would be a stunning companion to any private jet holiday.

Can you imagine catching your private jet charter at 10am on Saturday at Farnborough, and cruising along the Amalfi Coast by 1pm in this beautiful boat? The two would surely combine for an unforgettable experience. Our luxury yacht charter partner Ventura are currently available to take orders for the Iseo 27 – if you think this is the luxury speed boat you’ve been waiting all your life today then don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ventura Yachts & Jet Booking Direct – for luxury private jet and yacht charter, the ultimate partnership.

Our Top 5 Private Jets

We select our top 10 favourite Private Jets – and of course all are available for charter

5. Hawker 400XP

The Hawker 400XP may be a light jet, and it may be an older design, but the fact it has been in production since 1978 is more a testament to it’s outstanding quality, practicality, comfort and range than anything else. The 400XP was due to be replaced by an upgraded 450XP, however economic conditions forced Hawker to give up their plans – so the 400′s reign continues!

4. Dassault Falcon 50

Much like the 400XP, the Falcon 50 is something of a legendary private jet. Developed for long range trans Atlantic and transcontinental flight sectors, the Falcon 50 was based around the design of the older Falcon 20. It was revamped in the twilight of it’s life, the Falcon 50EX offered various improvements in the mechanics of the Jet, most notably its engines, and the EX is the variant most frequently chartered today. The last EX was manufactured in 2008, marking the end of the line for a classic Jet.

3. Cessna Citation V

The Cessna Citation V is one of the classic Cessna jets that over the years have held a strong and credible market share. Seating up to 8 in superior comfort, the V is one of the most popular jets we charter for European and continental routes. It may be an older jet now but it is still one of the most popular jets.

2. Challenger 601

The Challenger 601 is the most economical long-range executive jet available for private charter and leaves no questions asked regarding its triumphant reputation. Seating a maximum of up to eighteen passengers with normal configuration and twelve with VIP configuration, the Challenger 601 boasts the widest and quietest cabin in its class.

1. Embraer Lineage 1000

We have seen a lot of private jets, but this large jet from Brazillian firm Embraer has got to be one of the best private jets ever made. It will seat up to 19 in comfort but what is more impressive is the interior. The jet is akin to a flying 7-star hotel, there is a double bed, a shower and a study. The Lineage 1000 is simply put probably the finest way you can get to anywhere long haul at speed.

Jet Booking Direct Offer Helicopter & Jet Packages for F1 Silverstone Grand Prix 2011

Silverstone, England
8th – 10th July 2011

It’s the oldest race in the calendar and for many drivers winning at Silverstone ranks up there with Monaco as a pinnacle moment of their career. Silverstone is also arguably the home of Formula 1 and as a  local venue to many of the teams and the drivers the one that so many want to win.

Nestled in the middle of the English countryside and built on a former World War II aerodrome Silverstone is challenging and it takes bravery and skill to achieve a quick lap time.

Possibly one of the most accessible by air tracks on the calendar, Silverstone is within good distance of five international airports and four or more local airfields. We can offer international private jet charter flights into the UK and helicopter transfers directly to the track.

Call us now for details and become a Jet Booking Direct VIP today.

From the UK: 0800 6226 538

From the USA: 1 8666 811 889

Worldwide: +44(0) 20 3005 9808