(September 20, 2004) - Air Partner PLC has today launched its Jet Membership Program - a scheme that contains many unique benefits for business travellers who prefer to fly in private aircraft.

The company is the world’s largest and oldest aircraft charter provider, the only company of its kind to be fully listed on the London Stock Exchange, and the only aviation company to hold a Royal Warrant granted by Her Majesty the Queen.

The Jet Membership Program is designed to meet the needs of an emerging market of regular jet users who prefer to negotiate the cost of their flying annually in advance. After extensive client research, Air Partner has designed its program so that the three main weaknesses found in alternative schemes are eliminated. Highlights include:

• Provision of one dedicated aircraft and its crew for the duration of a client’s itinerary. Many business trips span 3-5 days and while rival schemes allocate aircraft separately for each sector, Air Partner guarantees a personal service with consistency throughout a trip.
• Lowest cost whilst retaining the highest service levels. Air Partner’s rates are the lowest published hourly costs in today’s market, on a like-for-like basis. Low prices are achieved without compromising on quality.
• Fixed prices for given routes. Air Partner does not charge its clients extra if flights take longer than expected due to headwinds or holding time delays. The full cost of each trip is fixed and known before the first departure.

Uniquely, the scheme is the first of its kind to offer members access to the new generation ‘entry level’ Cessna CitationJet 1. Additionally, Cessna’s larger models, the Bravo and Excel jets, are also included in the fixed price scheme although cardholders can use their credit to book flights on any jet of their choice anywhere in the world, through the highly developed Air Partner global supply network.

Members can buy aircraft time in blocks of 25, 50 or 75 hours. The Jet Membership Program is operational 365 days a year, guarantees aircraft availability, includes $100million of CSL insurance cover free of charge and promises no ‘hidden extras’ such as monthly management fees, long term commitments or operational liability on behalf of the member.

The scheme is underwritten by Air Partner’s 43-year history as a consistently profitable and financially secure organisation. It is the only London Stock Exchange listed company to offer business jet charter services and is widely respected in City circles.

“Having studied the endless jet membership schemes on the market, plus those that have failed, it is not surprising that clients are confused and frustrated by their lack of simplicity and transparency”, said Chief Executive David Savile. “Not only have we priced our program carefully and competitively, we have also removed all questionable variations so that clients have clear and concise knowledge of what they are buying before they sign up.

“We believe Air Partner is now offering two of the strongest products on the executive jet market, both of which provide the least cost, highest quality solution to business or leisure users:  Air Partner ‘Classic Charter’ - our traditional on-demand, business jet product -and Air Partner ‘Jet Membership’ - for users who prefer to purchase their flight requirements on an annual basis.”