The story of Solairus Aviation can be said to be one of resilience. Founded in 2008, just as the Great Recession began to rear its ugly head, one could’ve thought that such a company—and an aviation company at that—would eventually flounder and find itself in the maws of such economic misfortune. But contrary to popular belief, Solairus instead has continued to hold on tight, slowly and steadily growing its fleet in the years that followed.
One could chalk up Solairus’ success to a number of reasons. For one, being a company that’s grown in the midst of turbulence, it’s keen to see any changes or trends happening within the landscape that it can integrate into its services. For another, it was established by a repertoire of talented minds whose experience helped further Solairus to where it is today. Their jet card program, in particular, has proven to be a formidable addition to the growing list of service providers, with its sizable fleet and flexible pricing. But how does it cope alongside other jet card programs?
As per usual, we’ll be looking into the jet card program with the following aspects in mind:
- Type offered. Jet cards usually come in two kinds: aircraft-dependent and deposit-dependent. Some providers offer both. That said, this aspect is something you might want to look into if you’re more concerned about the aircraft you’ll be flying in or just the amount you’ll need to pay for a certain number of flight hours.
- Price inclusions. It’s hard to make comparisons without talking about how much membership costs. More than knowing the price, however, is what the price includes—whether it covers necessary expenses or if it contains any unneeded inclusions. This is especially crucial if you’re flying on a budget.
- Services included. Finally, when purchasing a jet card, you want to make sure you’re getting a bang for your buck, especially when it comes to the services and amenities. Here, we detail what each program includes so you can see if they’re up to par with your traveling style.
Type offered
Solairus Aviation’s program seems to lean more towards the aircraft-dependent model, with the pricing depending on what kind of aircraft you’ll need to use. Fortunately, the program offers two options to accommodate those with different travel needs:
- 25-Hour Card Membership. This option is perfect for those who only need a particular size of aircraft for all your trips. That said, pricing for this service depends on what aircraft size you need—and fortunately, you don’t have to think about paying by the hour.
- Fixed Dollar Program. If, however, your travel or business needs require a broader variety of aircraft, this service might be more applicable to you. If you choose to avail of this, pricing goes by the hour, with additional payment for fuel surcharge if needed.
Price inclusions
One advantage Solairus has when it comes to its pricing is that the customer knows what to expect, thus making it easier for them to organize their flight schedules and budget. Here’s the breakdown of inclusions per option, according to its website:
25-Hour Membership
(*Note: All pricing for this option is inclusive of fuel surcharge fees and FET.)
- Very Light Jet: $130,000.00
- Light Jet: $165,000.00
- Mid-size: $202,000.00
- Super Mid-size: $276,000.00
Fixed Dollar Program
(*Note: Availing of this program will require an initial deposit of $100,000.00.)
Very Light Jet
- Hourly Rate: $4,590.00
- Fuel Surcharge: $250.00/hr (max)
- Does not include FET
Light Jet
- Hourly Rate: $5,800.00
- Fuel Surcharge: $250.00/hr (max)
- Does not include FET
Mid-size
- Hourly Rate: $7,100.00
- Fuel Surcharge: $250.00/hr (max)
- Does not include FET
Super Mid-size
- Hourly Rate: $9,800.00
- Fuel Surcharge: $250.00/hr (max)
- Does not include FET
All this considered, Solairus’ program might be a little pricey for some, particularly if one were to avail of the fixed dollar program. However, considering the company’s sizable fleet and perks included in the pricing, one may argue that the price is well worth the service provided.
Perks included
Like some jet card programs, the perks Solairus’ offerings have depends on what kind of jet you’re looking for. And one While the website does not fully detail the amenities its fixed dollar program has aside from the ability to lock in discounted rates and guaranteed aircraft availability (that is, if you book within 5 days notice minimum), it’s a little more specific when it comes to its 25-hour program:
For Very Light and Light Jets
- You’ll have access to 5-star in-flight catering.
- Seating is spacious and comfortable, able to accommodate 4-8 passengers as well as containing enough storage for baggage.
- Connectivity and entertainment probably won’t be a problem here, as these packages also come with satellite phones as well as some audio/visual leisure options.
For Mid-size and Super Mid-size
- You can make use of their high-speed wi-fi for your work and leisurely needs.
- There are sleeping arrangements available for those taking long-haul flights.
- Worried about privacy in the restroom? No problem. If you avail of either of these packages, you can access full lavatories inclusive of private dressing rooms.
Conclusion
Indeed, at a glance, Solairus’ jet card program might seem a little pricey, mainly since its fleet seems relatively smaller than other providers. However, with its guaranteed availability and price inclusions—not to mention its rate per increment—the price can be well worth the service if utilized correctly.
Learn more about jet card services with us
With more jet card programs on the rise, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to look at each option as they come. After all, we believe the best choices are the most well-informed ones. That said, head on to our website and sign up with us now for more information.
