Million Air Summer 2021

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JSX JSX, with the backing of JetBlue and Qatar Airways, has created a hybrid model filling the gap between traditional private jets and crowded airports and airliners. Founded by former JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic executive Alex Wilcox (pictured right), JSX helps the environment by using regional jets prematurely retired by the airlines, adding WiFi, taking out two rows of seats, and offering legroom similar to domestic US first class. JSX runs scheduled flights like the airlines do, but it uses private terminals, meaning you can show up 20 minutes before your flight and avoid crowds. It has recently been expanding its network from the West Coast to Texas and even offered pop-up flights to the East Coast and Los Cabos. It’s not quite like having your own Gulfstream, but then again, seats on JSX can be had for under $200. jsx.com

VISTAJET In the late 20th century, NetJets’ founder Richard Santulli turned private aviation on its head by inventing fractional ownership. It offered a consistent fleet and service, operations and pilot training standards not available through charter fleets of managed aircraft, each styled to individual owners’ tastes. VistaJet, launched by financier Thomas Flohr in 2004, has again revolutionized the market by offering that same owner-like experience without laying out millions of dollars to buy part of an airplane or make the five-year commitment typical of fractional programs. His fleet of Bombardier super-midsize and large-cabin jets, all painted silver with a distinctive red stripe, feature stylish luxury interiors. Each aircraft type has the same cabin configuration and technology to make you feel at home. Don’t worry about ordering from the menu of a catering company — as with your personal chef, special requests are welcomed. If you want to keep the scions occupied, VistaJet can arrange an Alice in Wonderland party with in-costume actors aboard. You get guaranteed one-way rates — so no ferry fees — on as little as 24 hours’ notice worldwide. What you don’t get is a depreciating asset. Instead, you make a three-year commitment with at least 50 flight hours per year, a nominal amount for VistaJet’s target market of globetrotters who hop between continents. vistajet.com

Photos Frank Armstrong