This fireside chat recap is from FLYING’s “What’s Next in General Aviation” Virtual Event on Wednesday.
FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Jet It is providing a fractional ownership experience for passengers and pilots seeking to own a piece of a HondaJet.
DETAILS: FLYING CEO Craig Fuller sits down with Glenn Gonzales to talk about how Jet It’s Red Jet Squadron program allows type rated pilots to fly with a professional pilot in an aircraft they are a part owner in.
SPEAKER: Gonzales is founder and CEO of Jet It.
BIO: Prior to forming Jet It, Gonzales provided transportation solutions as the regional sales manager for the eastern U.S. for Honda Aircraft Company. In that role, he developed and executed a sales, communication, marketing business plan, and strategy to sell Honda’s first venture into aviation, the $5 million-plus HondaJet. He also previously performed a sales support role as an international demo pilot for Gulfstream. Gonzales began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a T-38A instructor pilot. His military career culminated as an F-15C flight commander and 4-Ship flight lead. He also was a member of the U.S. Embassy Kyrgyz Republic Country Team while deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom.
KEY QUOTES FROM GONZALES:
“What we found in building our model is that more times than not, people are looking for access to a private jet but they don’t want to have a need for buying the whole airplane.”
“We’re very much focused on having a great time.”
“We choose our flight crew focused on personality first. They are the face of our company, so it’s guaranteed that you’ll have someone enjoyable to fly with.”
“A good long-time friend, Cyrus Sigari of jetAviva and now Up.Partners, says, ‘Life is short. Fly a jet.’ And that’s kind of how we view the Red Jet Squadron. It’s an opportunity to fly your own jet and at $1,600 an hour without a need to buy the whole airplane. … It really serves as a platform for people gaining the knowledge and experience to maybe buy your own jet in the future, or just to continue with Jet It long term.”
