There are a lot of good reasons to use private jets and private aircraft for business. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently published some comments from senior business leaders about the value of private aviation to their companies.
Our earlier article shared some of the varied reasons why it makes sense to use private jet travel. These reasons are in line with what the CEO's are now saying. It’s sometimes thought of as an image-enhancer, but private air travel carries a host of other benefits, including convenience, flexibility, and most of all time saving. Here are some of the quotes from these senior executives, saying how private jet travel has helped to improve and grow their businesses.
Time saving
“For Sanderson Farms, business aviation provides quick and efficient access to our locations so we can provide the hands-on management our industry demands.” Joe F. Sanderson, Chairman and CEO, Sanderson Farms
“By allowing me to be in more places in less time, business aviation keeps Life Time Fitness a strong and healthy company.” Bahram Akradi, Chairman and CEO, Life Time Fitness
“Business aviation is a valuable tool FirstEnergy uses to better manage our travel time and improve employee productivity.” Anthony J. Alexander, President and CEO, FirstEnergy
“Business aviation is an important transportation tool for small, medium and large organizations all across the United States. It helps companies and communities everywhere connect and compete at the speed of business.” Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Convenience
“Today’s demanding business environment requires the same level of connectivity that executives have in the office while in the air traveling to business meetings. At Honeywell, we understand that business aviation is at the forefront of delivering a connected aircraft that enables us to be as productive in the air as we are on the ground.” David M. Cote, Chairman and CEO, Honeywell
“Using business aircraft allows us to visit three or four cities in a single day, and that’s just not possible with any other mode of transportation.” Andrew C. Taylor, Executive Chairman, Enterprise Holdings
“Ours is not just an airplane. It is a lifeline to medically under-served communities that span four time zones.” Dr. Michael Gregory, Chairman, Apogee Physicians
Flexibility
“Business aviation takes Salamander Hotels & Resorts to new heights by putting us on the ground where we’re needed most.” Sheila C. Johnson, CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts
“Business aviation has given our employees the flexibility they need to reach new markets, explore new opportunities, and establish the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company as the most-recognized brand in the lawn and garden industry.” Jim Hagedorn, CEO, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Family Time
“Our people in the home office seldom spend more than one day round trip, which enables them to get their rest and have balanced lives while avoiding the congestion of airports.” Herb Kohler, Chairman and CEO, Kohler Companies
Reduced Stress
“Business aviation is magic when people and time count most.” Dick Devos, President, Windquest Group
From reading these, it is clear that the increased availability of private air travel options can help businesses in a myriad of ways: quick access to clients and new markets, the flexibility to be where they need to be when they need to be there, and reduced stress, which in turn makes for happier and more productive employees. These are all factors that can benefit any company, from the early stage start-up to the largest multi-national corporation.
The full set of comments from 25 CEOs is available on the NBAA's website.