Chartering an aircraft is a great way to deal with all types of unique transportation needs such as remote locations, poor or non-existent commercial scheduled service, time sensitive itineraries, safety or security concerns, and many other reasons. However, there are many important variables associated with chartering an aircraft that are taken into account when finding the right airplane to fulfill your trip request. This document is not comprehensive of all factors that are considered for each trip, but is a highlight of some of the important issues that are involved with identifying the right aircraft for your trip request.

Chartering an aircraft can be a very different experience for travelers who are used to buying a ticket on an airline. Aircraft charter is actually more like limousine service than an airline ticket in the sense that the cost is based largely on the amount of time that the aircraft will be dedicated to your itinerary, in addition to other expenses that typically result from third party charges that are incurred during your trip. Flight hours multiplied by the hourly rate for a particular aircraft type. Fuel surcharge, often times based on a national average price of jet fuel multiplied by the actual flight hours flown on a particular trip. A tax consistent with the percentage rate charged in a particular country. Not all charges associated with a charter flight are always subject to tax, and this can be a significant amount, so request an explanation of any tax related charges. Airport landing fees or airway fees, especially at large, international airports or on itineraries overflying numerous countries. In the event that your trip is over multiple days, there could be charges related to overnight expenses for the flight crew.

The most important issue for all involved with any aviation related product or service. Your personal safety cannot and should not be taken for granted. Although every country around the world has regulations governing various aviation charter operations, those regulations are not consistent from one country to another and should be viewed generally as a minimum requirement for providing these services to the general public. Issues to consider related to your safety include, but are not limited to: Verification that a charter operator, aircraft, and flight crew are appropriately certified by the aviation authority responsible for each charter operation. The safety history of the charter operator, their aircraft and flight crew should be determined in advance so that you can include their factual safety history into your decision making. This should include recorded incidents as well as accidents, as well as maintenance and operational issues. Avionics systems and other safety equipment on-board the aircraft. Technology advancements over the years have allowed the development of new equipment and devices that greatly assist in the prevention of accidents. Proper Liability Insurance coverage should be verified prior to committing to any charter flight.

There are a few companies that constantly monitor, analyze, and audit charter operators around the world, but flyRuby has chosen ARGUS International, Inc. to certify every trip request booked through flyRuby.com. ARGUS maintains a proprietary system of evaluating charter operators called CHEQ (Charter Evaluation and Qualification) that combines the factual safety history of a charter operator, aircraft and/or pilot, and compares that operator's safety record against relative industry benchmarks. Charter operators that have a safety history equal to or greater than their peers are provided with an ARGUS Gold Rating, and through the addition of an on-site operational audit, can achieve the highest accreditation available through an independent, unbiased third party, an ARGUS Platinum Rating. More information on the CHEQ system can be found at www.argus.aero. For your peace of mind, every operator and airplane you will fly through flyRuby.com is ARGUS rated and you will receive an ARGUS Trip CHEQ before every trip!

There are literally hundreds of different aircraft makes and models that can be chartered around the world. Every aircraft was designed and built around a specific range of purposes that include speed, range, runway requirements, size of passenger and cargo/baggage compartments, and other performance factors. Some important considerations for your charter flight might be:
Can the aircraft depart and land at the airports most convenient for your trip?
Will the passenger cabin comfortably handle all the passengers in your party?
Does the aircraft have the necessary range to make the trip non-stop based on the particular variables associated with your flight? If not, what options has the charter operator or broker provided to you?
Is the charter operator or broker offering you an aircraft that is significantly beyond the requirements of your trip based on the availability of their fleet?
Will the aircraft be able to accommodate your in-flight needs related to catering, internet access, entertainment, relaxing, etc.?
Will the aircraft offered be able to avoid any airborne weather that might disrupt your flight or make for an uncomfortable experience for the passengers?