Blue Star Jets: The New First Class

Social Life
June 2006

Founded in 2001, Blue Star Jets has quickly become a trailblazer in the private jet industry. With a customer centered business savvy approach, Blue Star Jets has earned endorsements from Dennis Leary, Andy Rodick, and Sammy Sosa. For competitive fares, the company offers tailored excursions and an eclectic, yet refined array of aircrafts. Todd Rome, the president, resides in Southampton, while Rick Sitomer, the CEO, keeps a place in Watermill.

When was Blue Star Jets founded?

Todd: The airline was started in 2001. It’s the new first class way to fly.

What makes Blue Star Jets unique among private jet companies?

Todd: We have a jet to you any time, any place, within four hours notice. We've got anything and everything you need from helicopters to Hawkers. We can accommodate a party of any size.
We have the resources to best satisfy our clientele and that is our goal - customize for ultimate satisfaction.

How do you make the customer a priority?

Todd: Blue Star Jets is the only private jet company that works for the customer. Service is our priority and we always get the best possible price for every trip our clients take. For us, that's important. We provide the best plan at the best price.

Ricky: We also have more amenities than any other private jet company. You name it, we've got it: spa treatments, hair stylists, manicurists, customer tailors and much more. We can even set up movie premieres on the plane. In addition, Blue Star Jets arranges all types of trips from golfing with friends at Pebble Beach to a day of sweet sixteen dress shopping. And we sponsor public events as well. We have an upcoming lunch at the Miami Ritz Carlton celebrating Art Basel.

What brought you into the private jet business?

Todd: The idea was to make private flight more affordable. We cater to money that's busy and doesn't have time to waste - hedge fund money, movie stars, and people on the go. We're here to make flying more convenient and accessible in the new landscape of private flyers.

Ricky: We're all about options really. With Blue Star you can pick and choose jet size according to your needs. Whether you're booking for a small business trip or a bachelor party, we can accommodate. It's flexibility that really separates us from our competitors.

Todd: And we're not just jets. We're the most popular helicopter company that flies to the Hamptons. We're the people everyone goes to when they want to avoid the gridlock.

Ricky: Client satisfaction is out biggest priority. An independent survey from the New York based Luxury Institute named us Number One in client satisfaction. With our many personalized services, we make people feel special.

Can you talk about some of these personalized services?

Ricky: Sure. The services we offer depend solely on the customer, we really cater to the individual client. We organize specific flower arrangements, we bring in fresh entrees from your favorite restaurant, and we can even set the client up with a masseuse or Yoga instructor.

Todd: We're also the first company in the world to offer a comprehensive luxury rewards service.
Any client can accumulate points for future luxury vacations or personal gifts. The points are redeemable on the website.

Given the demands of a young business, do you still find time to enjoy the Hamptons?

Todd: Of course. I mean we're busy, and it’s a balancing act. This September, we'll be off exploring Europe, Latin America and the Far East, some of the newest growth areas for private aviation. But we're still very involved in the community. On August 19th, I'm hosting a Red Cross Ball in Southampton. It's going to be a sit down dinner with AAA talent to be announced.

Ricky: I love it out here, it's my second home. I like Robert's for dinner. In the summer, I make time for tennis. Or I'll drive one of the Ferraris out to Cooper beach. I also enjoy barbequing. Plus, the Hamptons are great all year round. I'm out there a fair amount of time in the winter. It's great to get a fire going, open a bottle of red, and relax on the couch with my wife.

Todd, what does your typical Hamptons day entail?

Todd: When I can, I get out to polo events. I also enjoy anything water related. I like to fish, sail, and water ski. I have a 1931 Pontiac SH that I enjoy driving. For dinner, Madame Tung is one of my favorites. But what I truly love is going to the vineyards. Duck Walk is my favorite vineyard and I love their blueberry port. Staying at my Hamptons house with my wife and enjoying a glass of blueberry port is as good as it gets.