Business aviation’s newest fractional ownership company, JetClub, sister company of the US brand, Jet It, is now flying in Europe. The company has been awarded its Air Operating Certificate AOC by the Maltese authorities, meaning it can now operate private charter flights to its clients in Europe.
JetClub, along with its sister company Jet It, is the world’s largest operator of the HondaJet. The brand has now launched in Europe after two years of rapid expansion in the US. JetClub seeks to meet the needs of businesses and individuals in Europe that are looking for a more efficient approach to owning or chartering an aircraft. The brand is based upon a fractional ownership business model, with a hybrid charter option for those not ready to buy.
At the core of the brand is a commitment to safety and best-in-class industry standards. As such, JetClub has secured an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from Malta, one of the world’s most esteemed and highly regulated aircraft authorities. We sit down with the JetClub team to understand more about its approach to business aviation and what the AOC means for the brand.
JetClub CEO & Founder, Vishal Hiremath commented: “Over the past 12 months, we have been preparing to open JetClub in Europe. The most important part of this process is satisfying stringent safety standards of a commercial Air operating certificate (AOC). Receiving an AOC is a testament that we as an operator have met and exceeded the exceptionally high operating standards of the Maltese and EU Authorities. As meeting such high standards is extremely challenging, receiving an AOC is an important milestone for JetClub.”
Charles Pace, Director General for Civil Aviation at Transport Malta CAD added: “To obtain an AOC, an operator must meet high regulatory, safety and operational standards. Applicants go through a rigorous process and should be able to demonstrate that the operator will be able to carry out safe operation of commercial aviation services. In JetClub’s case, the company meets Transport Malta and EASA standards and can now operate passenger flights. We welcome and are proud to have JetClub as part of the Maltese and European aviation, transport and travel ecosystem”
The process to obtain an AOC is thorough and exhaustive. While issuing an AOC, the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate looks for qualified, experienced personnel holding key positions in the company along with evidence of operational capability, safety standards, maintenance oversight and proper documentation. Malta was selected by JetClub as the certifying authority because it is highly regarded as having stringent safety standards, a professional transport authority, and competent staff with an aviation friendly environment.
JetClub, along with its sister company in the US, Jet It, are the world’s largest operator of the HondaJet. The company launched in Europe after two years of rapid expansion in the US. JetClub seeks to meet the needs of businesses and individuals that are looking for a more efficient, lower cost, and transparent approach to owning or chartering an aircraft. JetClub is based upon a fractional ownership business model, with a hybrid charter option for those not ready to buy.
Having successfully established a presence in the US, and Europe, JetClub plans to expand further as the company looks to offer the same level of accessibility and superior service worldwide.
For those that are not familiar, what is an AOC?
An AOC is an Air Operating Certificate. An operator has to meet high regulatory and operational standards. This is done through a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and processes which ensure that the operator will be able to carry out safe operation of commercial aviation services. In JetClub’s case, the company meets EASA standards. Once JetClub demonstrates to the regulatory agency that we have the aircraft and all the resources to support its safe operation, an AOC is then issued. We can then fly passengers on the jet, providing the assurance of full safety compliances.
Why is the AOC an important milestone for JetClub?
Receiving an AOC is a testament that we as an operator have met and exceeded the exceptionally high operating standards which are deemed to be safe for flight operations. As meeting such high standards is extremely challenging, receiving an AOC is an important milestone for JetClub.
For business jet operators, what is the process of obtaining an AOC?
The process to obtain an AOC is through and exhaustive. While issuing an AOC, the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Department looks for the following:
– Qualified, experienced personnel holding key positions in the company.
– The company must have operations and manuals which ensure that the aircraft can be operated in a safe manner.
– Maintenance set up which ensures the airworthiness of the aircraft.
Why did JetClub get its AOC in Malta?
Malta is highly regarded as having a stringent aviation authority. It is also a tax-friendly nation and hence suitable for aviation companies planning to establish fractional and charter programs.
What is JetClub’s business model?
JetClub is a hybrid, co-ownership programme. Owners purchase a share in the aircraft and in return get to use the jet, or another jet of the same type in the fleet for a certain number of days per year. JetClub takes care of all logistics related to the operation of the aircraft like pilot hiring and training, maintenance, landing permissions, handling and import regulations. When the jet is not in use with its owners, it is also available for charter. Owners pay fixed monthly expenses which are distributed amongst all the owners which ensures lower monthly expenses.
What’s next for JetClub?
JetClub plans to acquire its next AOC in India and Southeast Asia and will continue to offer charter and fractional programs which suit the needs to the new and emerging markets
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To learn more about JetClub, please visit: https://jetclubgroup.com/