With MERLIN1, you can travel by private charter jet across Texas and beyond. With our primary bases in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, we offer luxury travel on our fantastic fleet of medium-size Citation 650 jets.
MERLIN1 is your all-inclusive charter jet company. Whether you need to travel within Texas or internationally, MERLIN1 can handle all of your needs – getting from A to B is just the beginning. What sets MERLIN1 apart is our unparalleled commitment to safety, low prices, and reliability that can’t be matched by commercial airlines.
With primary bases in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, we’ll find you the best route and travel options to and from the airport, whilst providing excellent catering and any other luxuries you would expect from a prestigious jet charter company.
The concept of soaring through the skies has captured our imaginations for almost a century. This month at MERLIN1, we’re taking a look at the fascinating history of private jet charters and how the industry has evolved from the earliest attempts at private jet travel to where we are today. In 2023, flying on a commercial airline has become the norm for most travelers, and more and more people are turning to executive jet charters too.
How it all began
Lockheed JetStar, Learjet 23, Dassault Falcon 20, North American Sabreliner 40
The history of chartering private flights dates back to the early 20th century, when wealthy individuals and businesses began purchasing their own aircraft for personal use. At this time, commercial aviation was still in its inception, and only a small number of airlines operated regularly scheduled flights.
As commercial aviation became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, the charter flight industry struggled to compete. The cost of chartering a plane was still much higher than buying a commercial airline ticket, and the convenience of scheduled flights meant they were a more appealing option for travelers.
A turning point
The commercial airline industry experienced rapid growth after World War II, making flying easier and more accessible; suddenly more and more people were able to afford to fly. This coincided with increasing demand for charter jet services from business travelers who needed to get where they wanted to quickly and efficiently, without being tied down by strict schedules – this remains a huge benefit of executive jet charters to this day.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the private jet charter industry as we know it today really started to take off. During this time, visionary entrepreneurs recognized the potential of offering private air travel as a service to those who could afford it, and the industry began to flourish. Private jet travel continued to gain momentum as more companies entered the market, offering a wider range of services and options to cater to the growing demand from affluent travelers.
The rise of private jet charters
As the charter flight industry continued to grow, it began to diversify. In addition to private jet carter flights, businesses began offering luxurious private jets and helicopters for hire, targeted at wealthy individuals and businesses wanting the convenience and exclusivity of private jet travel.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the charter flight industry faced new challenges as low-cost commercial airlines began to enter the market and gained huge popularity. To stay competitive, many charter flight companies began offering their own low-cost options, including empty leg flights, and fractional ownership programs, allowing individuals and companies to purchase shares in private jets or prepay for a certain number of flight hours, providing access to private jets without the need for outright ownership.
Advancements in technology, increased globalization, and changing travel patterns influencing the market also helped to drive the private jet charter industry forward in the 1990’s and beyond.
The charter jet industry today
Fast-forward to 2023, and today, the charter flight industry is a thriving industry, offering a wide range of options for private air travel. Chartering a private flight today offers convenience, flexibility, and ultra-luxury bespoke experiences with clients able to customize their flights, and choose their desired aircraft, route, schedule, and on-board amenities. Technological advancements, from apps to online booking platforms and digital marketplaces that are now standard, mean that booking and managing private jet flights is more convenient and efficient than ever.
While executive charter jets were often associated with entertainers and top executives, they now account for a quarter of U.S. flights, roughly twice the pre-pandemic share, according to research and consultancy firm WINGX. Private jet travel has now become more accessible to all types of travelers, from business travelers to families wanting an unforgettable vacation experience away from the crowds.
Charter a flight with MERLIN1
Ready to discover the bespoke luxury of executive jet charters in 2023? There’s so much to love when you travel with MERLIN1. Our concierge team is available to find the right solution to fit your unique travel needs and discuss any queries you have. Give us a call on 210.MERLIN1 (210.777.6839) or leave us a message via our website and we’ll be in touch soon. Charter a private flight with us today for an unforgettable experience… Its’ Your Time to Fly!
Get in touch
Our concierge team is available to find the right solution to fit your unique travel needs and discuss any queries you have. Give us a call on 210.MERLIN1 (210.777.6839) or leave us a message via our website and we’ll be in touch soon. We can’t wait to welcome you on board our executive charter jets for an unforgettable experience. It’s your time to fly!
What are you waiting for? Start making memories with MERLIN1 today.
Tell Us How We’re Doing!
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