Delta AirElite, the charter business jet division
of Delta Air Lines, says this new program is part of the new trend
in "hybrid" offerings that fill the gap between traditional private
jet charter and fractional ownership. This is the first such
program with a dedicated aircraft fleet. It is also the first
private jet membership program offered by an operator and owner of
business jets, and the first offered by a major airline and a
global brand.
Delta AirElite Business Jets, Inc. is launching a
new Fleet Membership Program combining top-quality corporate jet
service and maximum flexibility without the long-term financial
commitments required in competing programs. Delta AirElite’s
Fleet Membership program offers companies and individuals the
opportunity to purchase travel on Delta AirElite’s corporate
jet fleet in blocks of 25, 50 or 100 hours of flight time, and the
flexibility to choose the desired aircraft size on a trip-by-trip
basis.
"Through its unique features and benefits, Delta AirElite Fleet
Membership offers customers a level of flexibility, convenience and
value unavailable anywhere else in the industry," said Frederick W.
Reid, president and chief operating officer of Delta Air Lines.
"Delta is pleased to offer a new product that takes full advantage
of the benefits of Delta’s industry-leading customer loyalty
programs and creates a high-quality, easy-to-use business jet
travel option that complements scheduled passenger service on Delta
Air Lines."
"This innovative program brings together an
unmatchable combination of Delta Air Lines’ customer loyalty
programs and Delta AirElite’s peerless corporate jet
program," said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive
officer of Delta AirElite. "It also provides the safest, most
secure and consistent travel experience possible. We believe
travelers desiring business jet service will respond favorably to
an option allowing them to choose the aircraft size and schedule
that meets their needs without many of the complexities and
uncomfortable long-term commitments associated with other
programs."
The Delta AirElite Fleet Membership program
requires no aircraft ownership. The program allows members to
select a membership level based on travel needs and utilization
(Silver Level for 25 hours, Gold Level for 50 hours, and Platinum
Level for 100 hours) combined with the member’s preference of
a light, midsize or large-cabin jet.Members can fly all or some of
their purchased hours as one-way flights. The Delta AirElite
"Efficiency Bonus™" is a unique advantage of the program,
allowing members to increase their flight hours up to 40 percent at
no additional cost when flying two-way trips, making the membership
even more cost-effective.
By becoming a member of Delta AirElite Fleet Membership,
customers automatically receive the full privileges of Delta
SkyMiles Medallion™ program when traveling on Delta. Based on
the membership level and aircraft category selected, members will
qualify for the corresponding Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, or
Platinum Medallion membership. The Delta SkyMiles Medallion program
offers a wide range of benefits including upgrades, priority
wait-listing, special check-in privileges, and preferred seating
and boarding.