September 18, 2013
Fractional jet ownership company Flexjet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S. jet manufacturer Learjet with a nationwide tour that lets guests explore the brand's Learjet 85.
The "Legends Redefined" event will travel to six U.S. cities Sept. 17 - Oct. 15 with a host of partners such as British automaker Aston Martin to introduce guests to Flexjet's newly acquired Learjet 85. Heralding the brand's gradual arrival of 30 Learjet 85 models beginning 2014 with an embellished tour will likely create a protracted buzz that draws new consumers.
"Designed to fly farther and faster than any Learjet aircraft ever built, the Learjet 85 aircraft lives up to its legendary lineage while setting a new standard for passenger comfort," said Deanna White, president of Flexjet, Dallas, TX.
"With all the performance of a true Learjet, the Learjet 85 aircraft will provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than current jets in the midsize category, featuring a true double-club arrangement," she said.
"The Learjet 85 aircraft is a natural-born leader, now available for fractional ownership exclusively through Flexjet."
Enduring brands
Legends Redefined will travel to Menlo Park, CA; Chicago; Columbus, OH; Washington; New York; and Houston.
The Learjet 85 will be the primary attraction for guests who will be able to take a private tour of the interior. The aircraft will feature the company's new interior design updates, redesigned seats, innovative storage solutions and passenger interfaces, per Flexjet.
Learjet 85
The model seats eight passengers comfortably in a traditional double-club seating arrangement, with approximately 30 inches between each seat for even more room when traveling on long-distance flights.
Learjet 85 interior
Learjet 85 aircrafts will provide Flexjet owners with access to some of the most technologically advanced and youngest business jets in the industry, averaging approximately six years of age.
DuringLegends Redefined, Flexjet will be joined by brands including Aston Martin, Scotch Whiskey producer Royal Salute and Napa Valley-based winemakers Ackerman Family Vineyards and Bespoke Collection.
Aston Martin, which is currently celebrating its centenary, will offer test drives of its newest models, including the Vanquish, Vantage, DB9 and Rapide S.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Among other enhancements, the Learjet 85 is the first business jet with both fuselage and wings built primarily from carbon composites, improving passenger comfort by allowing for the use of complex curves in the aircraft cross-section and thinner wall thickness to maximize cabin volume and optimized placement of windows and other cut-outs, according to Ms. White.
Unavoidable solidarity
Luxury private jet travel has soared in recent months due to an intersection of strong markets, shrewd partnerships and expansions by several brands.
For both business and leisure purposes, brands have responded to private jet demand with an increasing array of bespoke options. Offers geared toward introducing consumers who may be foreign to private jet travel have also become common as a way to break down barriers (see story).
Another major aviation partnership occurred recently that will likely alter the US market.
Global business aviation company VistaJet is partnering with membership-based private aviation company Wheels Up to bring the brand’s signature Flight Solutions Program to the largest available market.
The U.S.-based fleet will be operated and managed by U.S.-certificated air carrier Jet Aviation and is expected to begin in March 2014. Extending the Flight Solutions Program to this lucrative market will likely cinch the brand’s aim of becoming a truly global player and generate interest among both U.S. and international travelers (see story).
Sharing the shine of the tour with other brands demonstrates to consumers that Flexjet is keen to the holistic nature of luxury.
"The integration of Aston Martin and Royal Salute adds to the event atmosphere by offering test drives of the Vanquish, Vantage, DB9 and Rapide S and educational whiskey tasting sessions, while customers of our brand partners are invited to explore firsthand the highly-anticipated Learjet 85 aircraft model," Ms. White said. "It's a win-win."
Final take
Joe McCarthy, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York
Share your thoughts. Click here
