DALLAS, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- (http://www.flexjet25.com/expertguide) This holiday, those looking to give the gift of a lifetime need look no further than the Flexjet 25 Expert Guide Edition* jet card. Each limited edition card from Bombardier Flexjet -- the fractional jet ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, and Jet Solutions LLC, the air carrier operating the Flexjet 25 program under FAA Part 135 -- pairs the ultimate experience in private jet travel with an unparalleled opportunity for recipients to explore their passions through exclusive access to world-renowned experts for private, one-on-one experiences. From an inside look into the art world with Barbara Guggenheim, to learning Texas Hold 'Em from World Poker Tour bracelet winner Antonio Esfandiari, it's a gift that is sure to soar above the rest.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081008/LAW004)
Starting at $107,900, gift givers who purchase a Flexjet 25 Expert Guide Edition jet card from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2008 can combine an exceptional travel experience on the Flexjet 25 fleet of Bombardier high-performance jets with an opportunity for new customers to choose one of six Expert Guide packages. The premier experiences are provided through the Flexjet 25 jet card's partnership with Mint -- an exclusive lifestyle management service representing a private network of prominent individuals and families worldwide.
"The Expert Guide Edition jet card not only offers gift givers access to the legendary fleet of Bombardier aircraft, Flexjet's world-class service and Jet Solutions' operational excellence but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use their new jet card to learn a new skill or gain valuable insight directly from other top navigators who, in some cases, literally wrote the book," said Sylvain Levesque, Vice-President, Bombardier Flexjet.
The packages feature a range of expert guides in a variety of lifestyle categories from which to choose:
Navigating the Art World -- Flexjet 25 jet card owners can enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world of art with internationally renowned art consultant Barbara Guggenheim. Whether their is goal is to become a more knowledgeable art collector for love or investment, navigate the body of work of an individual artist or simply explore the art gallery scene, Ms. Guggenheim will be the authoritative guide through the intricacies of the art world. From counsel in purchasing art to an insider's perspective of a favored museum in Los Angeles or New York, the esteemed partner of art advisory firm Guggenheim, Asher Associates and lecturer at the Whitney Museum will provide the jet card owner and a guest a private four-hour consultation tailored to meet their personal interests and objectives.
Know When to Hold 'Em -- World Series of Poker bracelet winner Antonio Esfandiari will take Flexjet 25 jet card owners from amateur to ace. Renowned for his expertise and winning strategy at Texas Hold 'Em, the entertaining and charismatic co-star of television's I Bet You and author of New York Times best-seller World Poker Tour(TM): Shuffle Up and Deal will provide the jet card owner and up to three guests the ultimate opportunity to hone their poker skills with a private three-hour lesson at the spectacular Bellagio casino in Las Vegas. From preflop strategy to postflop play, Esfandiari reveals his most coveted secrets, how to achieve the poker mindset, and an insider's guide to casino etiquette. This memorable experience also includes a personally autographed copy of the champion's newly released DVD, I Bet You: Season 1.
Food for Thought: Epicurean Masters -- Flexjet 25 jet card owners are invited to discover the secrets of the world's most celebrated chefs and wine producers with a limited VIP invitation to the Second Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine event, April 16 to April 19, 2009. This premier epicurean celebration, held on California's Monterey Peninsula, immediately distinguished itself as a must-attend in its 2008 inaugural year. Jet card owners and a guest are invited to learn from the masters and indulge their senses with all things gastronomic. Enjoy access to award-winning chefs and vintners, cooking demonstrations, invitation-only receptions, dinners and after-hour festivities with inspired cuisines and premium wines. In addition, this experience includes an intimate private cocktail party and book signing with one of the event's celebrity chefs.
A Higher Purpose: The Power to Make a Difference -- Knowledge is power. This opportunity bridges the gap between wanting to make a difference and knowing how to make the most significant impact. Flexjet 25 card owners are invited to create their own personal giving plan with expert guidance from leading philanthropy advisor and strategist Marjorie Federbush. Founder and president of Strategies and Synergies International, Federbush has more than 25 years experience in domestic and international philanthropy, including 16 years with the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation where she served as Executive Vice President. From counsel on charitable giving and identifying areas of philanthropic interest, to forming one's own foundation and developing a mission statement, this private four-hour consultation will provide meaningful and actionable direction for one's most rewarding investment.
Trout Whisperer -- Flexjet 25 jet card owners can learn the perfect cast amid the majestic rivers and wildlife of Idaho with renowned fly fisherman Mike Lawson -- popular author and contributing editor to Fly Fisherman Magazine. As their private guide, Lawson will share a lifetime's worth of knowledge and insider secrets on the Holy Grail of fly-fishing: Henry's Fork River. From reading the water to advanced angling, Mr. Lawson will lead the jet card owners and up to three guests on an exclusive, two-day fishing trip --including two nights at the acclaimed Henry's Fork Lodge. The first day's adventure will begin with an eight-hour expedition on Henry's Fork River and conclude with a culinary feast prepared from the day's catch. The following day, enjoy whitewater rafting and fishing in the secluded wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.
Navigating Your Life: The Mint Experience** -- Looking for a legendary tennis pro for a private lesson with the kids? Dreaming of teeing off on one of America's most exclusive golf courses with a PGA Tour finalist? Searching for an author to give a loved one the gift of his or her own biography? In an unparalleled opportunity to make one's dream a reality, the Flexjet 25 jet card has partnered with Mint -- an exclusive lifestyle management service dedicated to accommodating highly specialized requests on behalf of its private membership -- to provide unprecedented access to their personal life navigators. These expert guides, with their exceptional knowledge and extensive contacts, can help make almost anything possible.
"Mint is pleased to partner with the Flexjet 25 jet card to offer a truly unique experience that gift recipients will likely remember for a lifetime," said Mint Co-Founder Gordon MacGeachy. "Whether Flexjet 25 holiday card owners wish to close down the Louvre for a private dinner party with a celebrity chef or build the perfect wine collection, the highly skilled Mint experts will make even their most farfetched wishes a reality," added Mr. MacGeachy.
First introduced in 2006, the Flexjet 25 jet card offers fliers an easy way to sample private aviation without assuming ownership of a plane, while providing them with an unbeatable combination of choice, flexibility and benefits amongst jet cards. Jet card owners can choose from four different price levels for each aircraft based on a preset number of travel days per year -- ranging from an unrestricted 365-day jet card to a 355-day, 325-day or 275-day jet card. Additional hours are also available for purchase as needed. With the recent addition of the Learjet 40 and the Challenger 300 aircraft to the Flexjet 25 jet card fleet, jet card owners now have access to its full fractional fleet of legendary Bombardier business aircraft, which includes the Learjet 45, Learjet 60 and Challenger 604 jets.
Pricing breakdown is as follows:
Learjet 40 25-Hours(1)(2) 30-Hours(1)(2) 35-Hours(1)(2)
Learjet 40 (275 Days) $107,900 $129,480 $151,060
Learjet 40 (325 Days) $116,900 $140,280 $163,660
Learjet 40 (355 Days) $125,900 $151,080 $176,260
Learjet 40 (365 Days) $134,900 $161,880 $188,860
Learjet 45 25-Hours(1)(2) 30-Hours(1)(2) 35-Hours(1)(2)
Learjet 45 (275 Days) $128,500 $154,200 $179,900
Learjet 45 (325 Days) $138,500 $166,200 $193,900
Learjet 45 (355 Days) $148,000 $177,600 $207,200
Learjet 45 (365 Days) $155,500 $186,600 $217,700
Learjet 60 25-Hours(1)(2) 30-Hours(1)(2) 35-Hours(1)(2)
Learjet 60 (275 Days) $148,500 $178,200 $207,900
Learjet 60 (325 Days) $156,000 $187,200 $218,400
Learjet 60 (355 Days) $166,000 $199,200 $232,400
Learjet 60 (365 Days) $175,500 $210,600 $245,700
Challenger 300 25-Hours(1)(2) 30-Hours(1)(2) 35-Hours(1)(2)
Challenger 300 (275 Days) $210,000 $252,000 $294,000
Challenger 300 (325 Days) $220,000 $264,000 $308,000
Challenger 300 (355 Days) $235,000 $282,000 $329,000
Challenger 300 (365 Days) $250,000 $300,000 $350,000
Challenger 604 25-Hours(1)(2) 30-Hours(1)(2) 35-Hours(1)(2)
Challenger 604 (275 Days) $217,400 $260,880 $304,360
Challenger 604 (325 Days) $231,400 $277,680 $323,960
Challenger 604 (355 Days) $249,800 $299,760 $349,720
Challenger 604 (365 Days) $286,800 $344,160 $401,520
(1) Customer is responsible for Fuel Component Adjustment (FCA) & Federal
Excise Tax (FET) for every hour flown.
(2) Customer is also responsible for additional fees including
International Fees when flying outside of Primary Service Area (PSA)
Note: Pricing subject to conditions and subject to change without prior notice.
In addition to a variety of pricing options, the Flexjet 25 jet card offers several other key benefits:
Unique Twin Guarantee -- Flexjet 25 is the only jet card program that offers a dual guarantee that card owners will fly on the Flexjet 25 fleet 95 percent of the time or better, and a satisfaction guarantee promising that card owners will be refunded the remaining portion of their pre-paid balance if they are not completely satisfied after their first flight.
Industry-Leading Secondary Service Area -- The expanded Flexjet 25 secondary service area program provides travel to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Central America and Hawaii without repositioning charges.
Ultimate Flexibility -- The Flexjet 25 card gives its owners options for travel on larger or smaller aircraft using a standard interchange ratio, along with the ability to apply unused card program funds toward the purchase of a Flexjet fractional share. Point-to-point international travel can also be arranged for jet card owners through Skyjet International***.
For more details on the Flexjet 25 Expert Guide Edition holiday program call 866-473-0025 or visit http://www.flexjet25.com/expertguide.
About Bombardier Flexjet
Established in 1995 and based in Richardson, Texas, Bombardier Flexjet offers a turnkey program allowing individuals or companies to purchase a share in a Bombardier business jet at a fraction of the full ownership cost. Flexjet owners select the aircraft type that best fits their needs, determine the number of hours per year they expect to fly, and purchase shares starting at 1/16th (equal to 50 hours of flying).
Owners pay predictable monthly management and usage fees, while Flexjet manages aircraft maintenance, flight crews, hangars, fuel and insurance on their behalf. Flexjet fields an exclusive family of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300 and newly redesigned Challenger 605 business jets. The Flexjet One program is an aircraft management service providing owners who purchase a whole Bombardier aircraft access to Flexjet's entire fractional fleet, cost savings and a simple, worry-free solution to aircraft ownership.
About Jet Solutions LLC
Richardson-based Jet Solutions, established in 1987, is one of the largest FAA Part 135 carriers, having operated more than 100,000 flights for customers throughout the world. Jet Solutions is one of a small number of Part 135 air carriers that meet the strict compliance requirement of AS9100. Jet Solutions has partnered with Bombardier Flexjet since 1995, operating all of its commercial flights and managing its maintenance programs. Jet Solutions operates the Flexjet 25 jet card program under FAA Part 135.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended in Jan. 31, 2008 were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability Worth and North America indexes. News and information are available at http://www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Flexjet, Flexjet 25, Flexjet One, Learjet, Challenger, Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
About Mint
Mint is a highly specialized lifestyle management service representing a private network of prominent individuals and families worldwide. Mint's experts provide advice on and access to the best of everything by way of their exceptional knowledge and extensive rolodex. In a world full of those seeking similar experiences, Mint provides its members the ultimate edge, all the while handling every last detail in just the right way. Mint's portfolio of services includes, but is not limited to, travel, real estate, entertainment, specialty shopping, restaurant reservations, household staffing, management of fine collections and the creation of extraordinary experiences.
* Flexjet 25 jet card terms and conditions apply.
** Navigating Your Life: The Mint Experience package grants access to one
of Mint's specialists for the length of time required to complete a
single, specific request; the handling of additional requests will be
at the discretion of Mint. Flexjet 25 Expert Guide Edition jet card
recipients will be responsible for all costs associated with the
request beyond the Mint consultation.
*** Trademark of VistaJet.
Website: http://www.flexjet.com/
Website: http://www.jetsolutions.com/
Website: http://www.bombardier.com/
Website: http://www.inthemint.com/