Aviation
There has long since been a 'romance' associated with flying. From the time when the world watched the Wright Brothers first take flight, Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic, Bell Aircraft Corp. flew the first American jet, Chuck Yeager broke the speed of sound, National Airlines introduced the first domestic jet passenger service between New York & Miami, and the Concorde began supersonic air service, people have always been intrigued with air travel and the wonder of flight.
In 1966, a new breed of aircraft was born. Lockheed produced 20 JetStar's at a sale price or $1,500,000 a piece. This was the introduction of a 'true' corporate jet for the private aircraft marketplace. Even back then, the worry over perception as a 'luxury item' was of great concern to those able to afford an aircraft purchase. Furthermore, tax credit suspension for such capital items hindered sales and flattened the market on occasion.
At a high level glance, not much has changed. There is still a perception that private jets are luxury items and wasteful. Yet, today there are numerous examples that they are an efficient business tool that make good business sense. There are numerous opportunities to take advantage of private aircraft travel through charter, jet cards, fractional ownership, and whole ownership.
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| The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk |
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| 1962 Lockheed Jetstar |
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