Want to Fly Privately But Can’t Afford It? Blue Star Jets’ CEO Tells You How

By Patrick Batu
October 30, 2009

The state of the airline industry is a mess.  You have pilots who miss runways because they are preoccupied with playing on a laptop or arguing with one another.  Then you have the rising cost of baggage fees that make you want to fly in your birthday suit (ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme).  However, you don’t have to mess with any of those headaches when you fly on a private jet charter like Blue Star Jets.
Ricky Sitomer, CEO of Blue Star Jets tells AOL Travel how accommodations can rival that of any first class perk and how easy it is to show up and go.  Gone are the long lines at security or having to worry about packing those much needed liquids.
You’re probably thinking that you can’t afford it right?  Well, to your surprise you just might be able to.  For the cost of a first class ticket, you may want to look into chartering a private jet and experience what it’s like to fly like Andy Roddick, Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Janet Jackson and Regis Philbin.
How has the economy impacted your business?  Have you had to change the way you operate due to current economic conditions?
Ricky Sitomer: It was off about 25% over the first 5 months.  However, since the beginning of June it has really picked up and we are seeing many requests for seasonal north/south business and holiday travel.  We have not changed the way we operate.  Since our model represents flexibility, we have more options of aircraft available to our clients.  The more supply has brought down prices to the clients.
Have recent changes in air travel (additional fees, tighter security) had an impact on your business?
Ricky Sitomer: These fees and tighter security are for commercial aviation.  These changes actually help our business.  Private aviation is all about time equity and having flexibility.  You show up to the airports 10 minutes before you want to leave and if you’re late the jet will wait for you.
How do a private jet’s accommodations go above and beyond the typical first class accommodations?
Ricky Sitomer: Again, you can’t compare going through security and getting to the airport an hour and a half prior to your flight.  The customer can also order any type of food he/she desires such as lobster, caviar, and even pizza for the kids.  They also can get food from any restaurant they like, any wine or champagne.  Flowers for the wife, video games for the kids and movies are on board.  We can make beds up for long trips or overnight travel.  It’s a much different experience.
For someone flying on a private jet for the first time, can you provide some quick etiquette tips?
Ricky Sitomer: Be friendly.  Show up 10 minutes prior to your departure time.  And if you are happy with the service, give the pilots a gratuity.
What services do you offer that make your business unique from other private jet companies?
Ricky Sitomer: We offer everything from manicures and pedicures, massages, yoga, facials, nutritionists, etc.   We can also wrap the jet inside and out with your kids favorite characters.
What should consumers know (but probably don't) about private jet charters? 
Ricky Sitomer: If you fill up the jet, it is usually as cost effective as first class tickets.  Blue star jets have lowered the barrier of entry for families and businessmen that want or need to fly private.

Mr. Richard (Ricky) Sitomer has been partners with Mr. Rome since 1992, co-founding their Wall Street business before the conception of Blue Star Jets. Mr. Sitomer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, with a major in Finance, which he earned in 1990. When he is not working, Mr. Sitomer enjoys playing tennis, skiing, spending time with his family, and relaxing in the Hamptons.