AeroOne™ Newsletter
September 2024
Dear Aeros:
How time flies. It was a year ago this month that I had the pleasure of writing my first President's Message here. And what a year it has been. Such a pleasure to meet so many of you and help you with your aviation needs.
One common thing in common amongst Aeros is that we do a lot of flying for business. We regard aviation as a business tool, not a luxury. Over the years we have come to expect seamless, barrier-free flight options that get us where we need to be, when we need to be there, and back again. Fast. Reliably. So we can get on with living life where and with whom we choose.
At the start of the last pandemic I realized drastic action would be required for me to maintain that balance. That meant two things--purchasing a jet AND partnering with a management team that had the experience to navigate rules and regulations. The jet acquisition was relatively easy given my prior 25 years experience in that business. Jet Logistics, brought its cross-border organ transport and medic experience to the table to unlock the lockdowns. The plan worked and I have never looked back.
This may sound alarmist but dark clouds are forming once again. On July 19 many of the US largest air carriers, including Delta (the world's largest carrier) were forced to shut their entire global operations on account of an alleged cyberattack. Service did not get back to normal for several days. Notably, the private aviation network was largely unaffected by this threat and operated normally. As I write this message, the World Health Organization just declared a global emergency on monkeypox. If that were not enough, the recent civil unrest in the UK is apparently triggering talk of lockdowns there. These developments can quickly change the operational playing field and are outside of our control.
What is within our control is how we respond. I am prepared. Our AeroOne owners are prepared. That is what we bring to the table. My advice...Do not wait until another lockdown has been declared before you start to prepare. The aircraft market is a highly elastic ecosystem. Whether you choose to buy or charter, availability will become an issue. And forget about deals. My jet doubled in value during the course of the pandemic. By 2021 the pre-owned market of quality aircraft had dried up.
AeroOne was founded during a time of pain. Our mission is to be a painkiller. I am sure many of you will decide to step back and find other ways to do business. And you will allow yourself to be out of control, accepting the consequences of that diminished space. But for those of you who, like me, are determined to do what it takes to maintain control, give us a call. We are here to help you assess your needs and figure a cost effective travel alternative to ensure your business is not interrupted. And just so you know, you may actually improve market share when you set yourself apart from your competitors, swooping in to get deals while they are grounded. We did.
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This month we feature an article by Kristian Stevens, AeroOne's Director of Operations, on how private aviation was an essential ingredient to successfully hosting a party on a remote island. And, of course, this month's Aircraft of the Month. Next month, we will be featuring the latest Aircraft Market Report, which we just got in. Please enjoy. And stay safe.
Happy Flying,
Roger Proctor, CEO
How To Throw A Party In Style.
A Mid-Summer Night's Dream.
Opinion:
Once every few years we host a summer evening “to remember” at our organization’s compound in the Southern Gulf Islands. This summer’s event was called “Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” and attended by 70 invited guests.
The property was designed as a refuge for people around the world to come together and collaborate, innovate, and celebrate in peace and tranquility. It also serves as a perfect venue for charity galas and other celebratory events.
When hosting an event of this nature on a remote island for guests travelling from all over, meticulous planning, expert staff, and flawless execution are essential ingredients. For Mid-Summer Night’s Dream this meant transporting over thirty guests from off island, a four-person band, equipment, eight fog machines and laser light shows, catering and staff, accommodating them comfortably overnight, and getting them home again the next day.
What made this event so very special was our ability to invite people who normally could not attend due to time and distance constraints. Many have such busy lives these days. AeroOne’s jets were put into action to collect those who were further afield. Guests arrived at their local airport with wheels up in 30 minutes instead of multiple hours with a commercial airline and added threats of flight delays and cancellations. When guests arrived at YVR they were escorted immediately onto Seair Seaplanes for direct transport to our private dock.* This reduced local travel time down from several hours by car and ferry to just 20 minutes. Even though this does come at a greater cost it also presented an opportunity to gather togther amazing people from all walks of life, form new relationships, and show everyone the very best that British Columbia has to offer. Priceless.
The day of the event every piece of the puzzle came together beautifully. People attending and working the event knew exactly where to be and how to execute the well laid-out plan. Mother Nature was on our side treating us to a stunning Westcoast sunset. Even a pod of Orca whales surfaced right on cue to put on a show before our very eyes. (for a fee of course). The Max Zipursky band struck the perfect note to complement and enhance the space creating an ambiance everyone enjoyed. As the night drew on we illuminated the forest with hundreds of lights as icing on the cake.
Any event takes a lot of work. Maximizing our tools and resources is what made the difference to previous years. Guests came away with a weekend to remember and new friendships that will last a lifetime.
This is just one example of the many ways private aircraft can enhance one’s life.
Kristian Stevens, Director AeroOne
*Seair has been an essential service for us for over 12 years. We highly recommend them
Featured Jet of the Month for Sale (Ready to Go)
