When people think about business aviation and executive travel, most will tend to focus on what happens in the sky. But what about after your aircraft lands? Although the wheels have touched down, your business trip is only just beginning.

Without some advance planning, you could find yourself arriving at the FBO unsure of how to reach your onward destination. This is why it is very important to arrange not just your flight and accommodation, but also a reliable means of transport for getting you between the two.

Here we will look at the four main reasons to consider a chauffeur service the next time you travel.

1. Convenience

When you land, the last thing you want to do is wait in line for a taxi. This is especially true when you are visiting a destination for the first time. You may be unsure about the best route to your accommodation, or how much local currency is required to get you there. Another factor to consider is that FBOs are often separate from the main international airports, and can be based in remote locations. As there are no scheduled flights arriving, taxis are not always readily available.

After a long flight, it’s far more pleasant to have a chauffeur service waiting for you, ready to whisk you to your hotel in comfort and privacy. This allows you to relax, catch up on work, make phone calls and check emails, whilst not having to worry about any distractions. Often, business travelers need to make important calls as soon as they land. The spacious, tranquil atmosphere of a hired car or limousine is the perfect environment to catch up with urgent matters on the go.

After your flight, enjoy the convenience of a warm welcome and a safe, comfortable trip to your accommodation.

2. Speed

Arranging a chauffeur service in advance also means a far quicker trip to your hotel. Because your itinerary is confirmed ahead of time, the driver is able to plan the the fastest and most convenient route. A good chauffeur checks traffic reports regularly, and does everything possible to ensure passengers arrive at their destination safely and in a timely manner. Payment will be taken care of in advance too, meaning you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying the ride.

3. Appearances

In the world of business, first impressions count. If you are traveling to an important meeting, it looks far more professional to arrive from the airport in a chauffeured car than in a taxi. Another factor to consider is that chauffeur services offer vehicles which are in pristine condition. When it comes to meeting clients, it is vital to present yourself in the best possible light. You don’t want to risk getting your favorite suit dirty en route to a crucial appointment. For these reasons, it pays to spend a little extra on a premium transfer service and arrive in style.

4. Safety

Traveling for business will occasionally involve visiting areas of the world that are not considered 100% safe. You may face transport challenges at your destination due to labor strikes or traffic jams. Other countries can present more serious threats such as kidnapping, street crime or civil unrest. In these circumstances, engaging a chauffeur service is essential for your security. You need a reliable driver waiting for you at the airport to take you directly to your accommodation. This adds a level of safety and reassurance which is simply not worth compromising.

For your security and peace of mind, Jetex can provide armored vehicles fitted with the latest safety equipment. We can also arrange for trained security personnel to accompany you throughout your journey. For further information on security considerations, please see our recent article on safety for business travelers.

Arrange your Chauffeur Service with Jetex

As part of our comprehensive trip planning services, Jetex offers an extensive range of best-in-class limousines, luxury sedans and SUVs. All our vehicles are maintained to the very highest standards, and kept in immaculate condition. An impeccable level of service will be delivered throughout your journey. From our charming customer service agents who will greet you on arrival, to our highly-trained and courteous chauffeurs, who know the city like the back of their hands.

Our team has a wealth of experience in handling the needs of elite clientele, and will go the extra mile to ensure you always reach your destination relaxed and on time. Jetex delivers the same impeccable standard of service worldwide, guaranteeing you will arrive in safety and comfort – wherever your destination.

For further information on how you can benefit from our trip planning services, please contact our team today on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.

Next month, the French Open returns to Paris. This prestigious annual tennis tournament is held over two weeks, from late May till early June. Officially known in French as “Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros”, the event was named after the famous French aviator Roland Garros.

The French Open is the second of four annual Grand Slam tournaments, the other three being the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The only major currently played on clay, the tournament marks the climax of the spring clay court season.

Established in 1891, the French Open is one of the oldest tournaments in the world. The men’s singles competition follows a five-set match format, with no tiebreak in the final set. This, coupled with the slower playing surface, make it arguably the most physically demanding tennis tournament on the international circuit.

Clay Tennis’s Most Iconic Venue

The event moved to its current venue at Stade Roland Garros in 1928. This iconic 21-acre complex contains twenty courts, including three large stadiums, an extensive restaurant and bar complex, and a press/VIP area known as Le Village. It is also home to France’s National Training Centre (CNE) and the Tenniseum, a multimedia museum showcasing the sport’s rich history. The iconic center court seats 15,000 spectators, and has hosted some of the most legendary matches in tennis.

To learn more about the history of the Stade Roland Garros, please visit the venue’s official website.

The Stade Roland Garros was opened in 1928, and is one of tennis’s most iconic venues.

Who Will Win?

Previous winners of the French Open title include Björn Borg (six titles), Rafael Nadal (a record nine titles), and Steffi Graf (six titles). Last year’s tournament saw Novak Djokovic defeat world number one Andy Murray in the men’s singles final. Spain’s Garbiñe Muguruza triumphed over veteran Serena Williams in the ladies singles.

Tennis fans will be watching with bated breath to see who will come out on top this year, with Djokovic and Williams currently hot favorites to lift the trophy. However, anything can happen in this action-packed sport, and attendees are sure to be treated to a thrilling two weeks of tennis. Don’t miss it!

Airport Options for Attending the French Open

When flying to Paris, operators have a choice of airports. Paris Le Bourget (IATA: LBG, ICAO: LFPB) is Europe’s busiest airport for private jets. LFPB caters specifically to General Aviation (GA) traffic, and offers multiple services aimed at business aviation customers. Stade Roland Garros can be accessed by car in around 25 minutes.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (IATA: CDG, ICAO: LFPG) and Paris Orly Airport (IATA: ORY, ICAO: LFPO) also cater to GA, although both are subject to certain limitations. At Charles De Gaulle Airport, only business aviation passengers who are connecting to commercial flights may use the airport. Additionally, the plane can only stay on the ground for a limited amount of time. At Paris Orly, GA traffic is only permitted for diplomatic flights and for dropping off travelers who have an onward connection with a commercial airline.

Landing Permits, Slots and Parking

All non-EU registered charter flights require a landing permit. In general, these take around five working days to process. One of the main advantages of Paris Le Bourget is that it does not have allocated slots, and there are no limits on GA traffic. The only real restriction in place is that aircraft with wingspans over 53 meters must use a special parking area. These parking slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Charles De Gaulle and Paris Orly are both used mainly for commercial traffic, and slots are always required. Business aviation aircraft requesting to land at either will be denied permission, unless the passengers on board have connections to commercial flights. Hangarage is available at Paris Le Bourget, including for larger aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet series and Airbus Corporate Jets. The hangars can accommodate planes with a maximum tail height of 12 meters, and wingspans of up to 40 meters.

Departure Times

Paris Le Bourget is open 24 hours a day, however restrictions are in place for jet engine take-offs. Planes with jet engines are not allowed to leave between 22:15 and 06:00 local time. At Charles De Gaulle, stage three aircraft are limited to taking off between 05:00 and 11:59, and stage two aircraft are restricted to departures between 06:01 and 11:14. Paris Orly operates only between 06:00 and 10:30.

Ground Transportation

A variety of VIP ground transport options are available at Paris Le Bourget. A car or limousine can be easily hired, however a reservation is generally needed prior to arrival. To find out more about the available options and book your transport, be sure to speak with our Paris Le Bourget team in advance. No ground transportation is available at Paris Orly or Charles De Gaulle for GA travelers, as all passengers must be boarding commercial airlines.

For the reasons outlined above, Paris Le Bourget remains the best available option for GA flights operating into Paris. It also offers the fastest direct journey to Stade Roland Garros.

Jetex in Paris

Travelling to Paris for the French Open? Jetex operates a state-of-the-art FBO at Paris Le Bourget Airport, which provides all the facilities you need to arrive in style. Relax in our comfortable executive lounge, while our expert team attends to all of your airside needs. We deliver a full range of aviation support services, including jet refueling, aircraft parking and ground handling. For further details on our Paris FBO, please click here.

The Jetex Paris FBO Terminal at Paris Le Bourget Airport offers outstanding facilities for travelers.

Beyond the airport, you can trust our friendly and knowledgeable concierge staff to look after every aspect of your stay. From arranging chauffeur-driven limos, to securing the best available accommodation or reserving tables at the finest restaurants, our team can cater to all of your desires. We will tailor a package to your exact requirements, allowing you to experience all the magnificent city of Paris has to offer.

Choosing Jetex guarantees an exceptional VIP experience for you and your group. Contact our team today to arrange your trip, on +33 17 437 2522 or fbo-lbg@jetex.com.

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, with an area of 42,803 square miles. Air travel to many of the region’s most popular destinations will involve flying over the country, particularly for flights originating in North or Central America. When planning a flight, it is important to be fully aware of the permits you need for your route. In this article we will examine the requirements for Cuban overflight permits.

Permit Requirements

When transiting Cuban airspace, overflight permits are mandatory for both private flights (non-revenue) and charter flights (non-scheduled commercial). Once issued, permits will be valid for the duration of the day requested (based on Universal Coordinated Time), and operators may overfly the country using any valid flightpath.

General Aviation (GA) operators have access to east-west and west-east overflights on approved airways.  Note that the use of J-routes is not usually be permitted by Cuban Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Information Required for Permit Application

The following are required when applying for a Cuban overflight permit:

• Name and address of operator
• Aircraft type
• Registration no.
• Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)
• Flight schedule

No aircraft documentation is necessary. Once approved, the overflight permit is issued as a four digit number. This should be placed in Field 18 of your flight plan in the format RMK/PERMIT CUBA XXXX.

Note that when overflying Cuba, it is important to maintain consistency in permit filings. Crews will need to use the aircraft’s call sign if the permit was obtained using a call sign, or the tail number if the permit was obtained using the tail number. If any permit revisions are necessary, always be sure to provide the same aircraft reference (either the call sign or tail number) that was submitted on the original permit request, as well as the complete flight schedule from the original request.

Jetex can arrange and process all of the permits and permissions required for overflying Cuban airspace.

Lead Times for Cuban Overflight Permits

The official notice period required by the Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC) to process a permit request is three working days. Routine permits are generally obtained within two working days. For urgent cases, Jetex can obtain special approval in a matter of hours, even on weekends and holidays (at the discretion of the Cuba aviation authorities).

Cuban overflight permits should not be requested more than two weeks in advance. If your journey will involve multiple overflights of the country, it is recommended that you request all permits at the same time. Note that Cuba overflight permits can also be set up on a monthly basis.

Fees for Cuban Overflight Permits

Cuba assesses fixed overflight fees based on two main factors. These are the weight of the aircraft, and the route taken (either over Cuban territory, or via Oceanic routes). Operators are advised to check ICAO’s Tariffs for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 7300) for full details of the most recent charges which apply.

For information on overflight fees for neighboring countries in the region, please review our article Overflight Fees in Latin America.

Arrange Your Next Trip with Jetex

Planning a trip to the Caribbean? We can assist you with all short notice permit applications, payment of navigational fees, international flight planning, and much more. You can count on us for:

• Coordination for overflight and landing permits
• Fuel supply across every destination in the region
• Ground handling services at all airports
• Accommodation arrangements with globally recognized hotel chains
• Ground transportation services for passengers and crew
• Bespoke concierge services

We are on standby 24/7 to process any request. Our dedicated operations teams will take care of all the necessary arrangements for your journey, allowing you to relax and focus on the purpose of your trip.

To learn more about how we can support you, please contact our 24/7 operations team in Miami on +1(305) 306 4000 or itp@jetex.com.

Held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Cannes Film Festival is the world’s best-known and most prestigious film festival. The event was conceived in 1946 to celebrate the art of cinema, and quickly established itself as an important showcase for European films. Today, the 12-day festival welcomes entries from all countries and genres.

The festival is organized into various sections. The most famous of these is the “Official Selection”, where films compete in a series of award categories. The coveted prize for the best film of the festival is named the Palme d’Or, or “Golden Palm”. The winner is selected by a jury from a shortlist of 20 entries, all of which are projected in the famous Théâtre Lumière. Previous Palme d’Or winners include iconic movies such as Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction and The Pianist.

The Théâtre Lumière screens each of the movies nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or award.

A wide variety of films will also be shown as part of the festival’s various non-competitive programs, each of which are dedicated to highlighting different aspects of cinema. Tous les Cinémas du Monde showcases the vitality and diversity of world cinema, whilst Director’s Fortnight focuses on the latest avant-garde and experimental films. Cannes Classics presents popular works from the past using brand new or restored prints. Guests can even enjoy watching movies on the scenic Macé beach, at the Cinéma de la Plage.

Running in tandem to the screenings and awards is the Marché du Film, one of the most important events on the global film industry’s calendar. This business counterpart of the festival serves as a meeting point for over 12,000 professionals, including around 3,200 producers, 1,200 sales agents, 1,750 buyers and 800 festival organizers.

Attendance at Cannes is strictly by invitation only. The festival is frequented by many famous movie stars and celebrities, and is a popular platform for producers to launch new films. Here they will attempt to sell their works to distributors, who travel from all over the world for this key industry gathering.

This year, the festival is celebrating its 70^th anniversary. Spanish film director and screenwriter Pedro Almodóvar has been selected as the president of the jury, while the opening and closing ceremonies will be hosted by Italian actress Monica Bellucci.

The Cannes Film Festival takes place from May 17 – 28, 2017. For all the latest news on this fascinating event, please visit the official website.

Flying to the Cannes Film Festival

The preferred airports for traveling to the Cannes Film Festival are Cannes–Mandelieu Airport (IATA: CEQ, ICAO: LFMD) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (IATA: NCE, ICAO: LFMN). Both function as Airports of Entry (AOE), and offer a full range of General Aviation (GA) support services. LFMD is the closest option to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, at just 6km along the coast. LFMN is located around 26km northeast of the venue.

Cannes–Mandelieu Airport

LFMD is a regional airport dedicated to private aviation. The airport operates from 08:00 local time up until 30 minutes past sunset, seven days a week. It is not possible to arrange any overtime outside of these hours. The runway is 5,282 feet long, and can accommodate aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 35 tons (around the size of a Gulfstream G450). Customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) takes only 5-10 minutes to clear. It is important to consider that pilots must receive a mandatory briefing regarding the airport approach before operating to LFMD, otherwise the operator could face hefty fines. For further information on this requirement, please click here.

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport

LFMN is a 24-hour Airport of Entry (AoE), and features a dedicated general aviation terminal. The runway is 9,711 feet long. CIQ clearance takes place within the GA Terminal up until 20:00 local time. After 20:00, passengers and crew are normally cleared within the main terminal. Note that during the summer months, the GA terminal usually closes at 21:00 local time.

Slots and PPR

Airport slots are mandatory at both LFMN and LFMD. During the Film Festival Period, it is vital to request slots as early as possible. Once slots have been approved, Prior Permission Required (PPR) for parking is approved simultaneously. The same confirmation number applies for both, and this should be included in the remarks section of your flight plan. Slot deviations of +/- 10 minutes (LFMN) and +10/-5 minutes (LFMD) apply. Any deviations may result in departure without PPR. For such cases, operators will be asked to justify why they missed their allocated slot, and can receive a fine of up to 20,000 Euros. For this reason, it is important to keep within the approved schedule.

Aircraft Parking

There are no maximum lengths of stay applied at either airport, as these are based on the PPR approval for the specific flight. However please note that without a parking approval, the maximum time on the ground is limited to three hours at both airports. At LFMN, the same fuel trucks service both GA and scheduled commercial flight operations. This can result in delays of up to 60 minutes, particularly during busy periods.

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation is always in high demand during the Cannes Film Festival. The most popular five-star properties such as the InterContinental, the JW Marriott, and the iconic Hôtel Martinez usually sell out months in advance. It is therefore essential to arrange accommodation as early as possible. Be aware also that room rates will be considerably more expensive during the festival period, with four-star properties charging between 300 – 500 Euros per night. Jetex has the connections necessary to secure the best available accommodation at highly competitive rates. Contact our travel team today to discuss your requirements.

Arrange your Trip with Jetex

Traveling to Cannes? Arrange your trip with Jetex! May is an exceptionally busy month at this destination, due to the high volume of GA traffic heading to the Film Festival, and also the Monaco Grand Prix (which takes place from 25 – 28 May). There will be a lot of competition for the best available slot times, aircraft parking, accommodation, and ground transfers. In order to arrange a smooth and stress-free trip, you need the support of a dependable partner.

Jetex is on standby 24/7 to process any request. Our dedicated operations staff will take care of all necessary permits and permissions, fuel uplifts and ground handling arrangements.

Beyond the airport, our concierge team can offer you the best available rates at top five-star hotels, arrange transportation and organize exclusive fine dining experiences.

For further details, please contact us today on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.

Generally speaking, business aviation flights into first world countries are very safe. Governments have effective security measures in place to ensure business aviation travelers will arrive at their destinations safely, and with minimal security threats. Once the aircraft touches down, the passengers will be able to freely move around the country, with no need to rely on a security team.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, particularly in countries which may be experiencing civil unrest or war. For these destinations, calculating the level of risk and obtaining the necessary insurance can prove challenging. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important considerations for a safe and secure trip.

Assess the Threat Level at Your Destination

The way in which potential threats are classified varies from country to country. Most nations publish official travel advice for their citizens, with Governments commonly employing a five-point scale:

• Insignificant
• Low
• Moderate
• High
• Extreme

“Insignificant” suggests little to no potential for security problems during a trip. ”Moderate” includes countries that are generally free of terrorist activity or violence. At the other end of the spectrum, areas of the world that are experiencing civil unrest or war fall under the “High” and “Extreme” categories.

In addition to checking government advice, it is always best to obtain the latest first-hand information from professionals on the ground. Jetex’s experienced team will provide you with a full assessment of any potential security risks at your destination.

Be Conscious of Security Conditions at the Airport

When it comes to airport security, not all facilities are created equal. Depending on the situation at your destination, we can deploy a variety of resources to ensure the safety of your aircraft, passengers and crew. Once you are on the ground, it may be necessary to enlist armed security officers to transport you and your party from the airport to your onward destination. This will usually be determined in advance. A Jetex representative will travel to the airport to carry out a thorough risk assessment prior to arrival. Our local partners also advise us in case of any emerging risks, helping us ensure you will always receive the protection you need.

Arrange Appropriate Accommodation in Advance

When traveling to potentially risky areas, the security of your accommodation is of paramount importance. Many hot spots around the world offer secure hotels aimed towards sheltering foreign travelers. If no such facility is available, research needs to be conducted to locate a properly secured hotel or other place to stay. Measures such as CCTV cameras, metal detectors and other security equipment should be in place, so that any potential threats can be monitored and assessed. In crime-prone areas and especially warzones, armed guards will usually be required.

The Jetex travel team possesses detailed knowledge on the safest available accommodation at your destination. Schedules may be subject to last-minute changes, particularly in strife-torn regions. We are fully flexible with revisions or cancellations, and ready to respond quickly to any challenges which may occur during your trip. Simply call us and we will ensure that all of your hotel and transport arrangements are updated to match your revised itinerary.

Make Sure You Receive a Security Briefing Before You Leave

Anyone traveling to a potentially dangerous part of the world should be given a full security briefing prior to departure. This must be provided by a security professional; someone who understands the country you are traveling to, the potential dangers that exist and the best ways to reduce the chance of any unwanted incidents. The briefing needs to be based on current information, in order to represent an accurate picture of conditions on the ground at the time of departure. Our extensive global reach enables us to provide real-time updates on developing situations, ensuring you are made aware of any security concerns at the earliest opportunity.

Select a Reliable Security Provider

Many companies claim to be experts on overseas security assessment. It is important to check your provider’s credentials thoroughly before engaging any services. Jetex partners with only the most reputable security agencies across the globe. Our team will arrange protection from the top-rated providers at your destination, taking the stress out of the selection process and offering you peace of mind.

Ensure You Have Adequate Insurance Coverage

The global geopolitical climate is fluid and unpredictable. Premiums can be higher for journeys to troubled regions. A good broker can help you obtain the cover you need, at the best available rates. We have a wealth of experience in arranging travel insurance, and have forged close working relationships with the industry’s leading providers. Policies can be arranged annually or on a short-term basis, offering the flexibility you need in an ever-changing world.

Consult the Experts at Jetex

Concerned about security issues at your next destination? Contact our team today to discuss your requirements. Our extensive global network enables us to deliver a full range of security services, wherever you may be traveling.

To learn more, please call our experts on +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com.