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.

FMI: www.airelite.com