Plane Conversations

A recent article on www.roadwarriortips.com revealed what are the most business friendly states in the US.  And with many business travelers who utilize private charter aircraft, I thought this might be an interesting read.

And I’ll be honest, they are not the ones I would have picked right off, but after reading this article… yeah, it makes sense these were chosen. 

The article reads:   

Highlights from a recent reportby Development Counselors International on states with a favorable business environment are revealing.  One of the important findings of this report is that amount of business travel is a key influencer on where to locate new business operations.  Another, clearly related, focus of the report was to rank states based on their business-friendly environment. 

Ranked from first to third by business development executives are: Texas, North Carolina and Georgia. 

Beyond their attraction for business, each state has great attractions that make business travel as enjoyable as it is profitable.  Texas, for example, has two huge cities and plenty of fun smaller towns.  Houston, that state’s largest city, may have 25 Fortune 500 companies, but it is also home to amazing sightseeing attractions like the Johnson Space Center and a Theater District that is second only to New York City. 

North Carolina is not only one of America’s major banking centers, it also is a thriving agricultural state.  Tourists love North Carolina and have made it the sixth most visited state in the Union.   This state has it all, from a magnificent coast with beautiful barrier islands to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. 

Known for luscious peaches, Georgia is full of wonderful places to see and things to do.  Be adventurous and take a boat tour of the Okefenokee Swamp, immerse yourself in colonial history in Savannah or tour Atlanta, one of the most exciting cities in the Southeast. 

So, next time you take a business trip to somewhere in this beautiful and diverse country, why not take at look at what the area has to offer?  Put down your iPhone for a few hours, put on some sneakers and see what’s on offer.  You might even get back from your business trip feeling better than when you left! 

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Aviation supports a role in society that is analogous to the Internet itself. While the hard work gets done at the points on the ground, Aviation provides the diversity of ideas that can congregate.

Sure, Twitter, Facebook, and Linked in are great for broadcasting across the globe, but nothing can happen until the rubber meets the tarmac. Emerging trends in the Last Mile of Social Media portend opportunities for Private Aviation.

The following video describes how the components of the next economic paradigm must act locally, but share globally. For anyone wondering what to do next or where the great opportunities are, think about building out the Last mile of Social Media.

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Corporate Aviation has become the whipping boy of modern American excess; a proxy statement for the priorities of Wall Street domination over the security of Main Street taxpayers.  The industry is being attacked from every angle from the bailout of big three automakers, environmental impact, homeland security, and the use of public air transportation assets.  Despite equally compelling data that the industry is good for the American economy, a huge PR problem remains.

If you can’t beat them, join them

The question is whether it is smarter to try and beat back the old reputation or to build a new one.  The advent of social media has brought forward a concept called “Social Capitalism” wherein it may be in the best interest of a capitalist enterprise to meet social priorities rather than Wall Street priorities.  Ultimately, Wall Street does not keep the wheels up – it’s the people who go to work every day.

Let me demonstrate with the following sobering example:

Steve Jobs, the president of Apple Inc., with a 5.1 billion dollar net worth, was able to get a “priority” liver transplant in Tennessee rather than in California because he took advantage of a social arbitrage opportunity.  Many organ transplant centers have different wait times for transplant patients; some as short as four months and some as long as three years.  There is no law against being on more than one waiting list but the patient must be able to arrive on call within five hours of notification of an available organ.  This condition greatly favors people with access to a corporate jets idling on the tarmac.

Out with the old and in with the new

In the old economic paradigm, a corporate jet service would advertise to sick wealthy people and help them game the system over the rest of the population.  In the social capitalism model, all corporate jet services would be available to all transplant candidates at a known price.  This game changer would result in a national database that closes the social arbitrage opportunity for transplants even for those who own their jets.

Controversy is king

I use this highly controversial life-and-death, rich-and-poor, for-better-or-worse example because it is on par with the degree to which the best and most ethical carriers take the seriousness of their mission.  It is also on par with the degree to which private aviation has the ability to shift entire markets, huge swaths of social organization and economic development with strategic placement of a social capital lift product.

Countless social service organizations are trying to send volunteers around the world to help displaced populations, provide medical care, and to fight social injustice.  It’s not about giving money, it’s about giving access.  The industry should simply publish aggregate routes structures, coordinate prices, and generally bring the industry into the light of day. Give regular people access to the benefits enjoyed by corporate executives and the industry will be rewarded magnificently.

An individual billionaire or a billion individuals

People connected by social media have the power of all PR firms combined.  They are stronger than the media and they are becoming stronger than many corporation and even governments.  Give people a reason to talk about private aviation and they will – don’t give them a reason to talk about private aviation – and they will talk about you anyway. Silence is not golden, it is suicide.  The difference between the cost of beating back the existing PR onslaught and the price of a social capitalism campaign may closer than anyone expects.

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Part 4 in a Series on Social Media and Business Aviation: Written In Collaboration with Jay Deragon

Over the past few weeks I have posted several articles on social media – the new method of communicating to the market. I am an admitted novice in the world of social media and technology, but my eyes are starting to open to the possibilities created when social technology and business aviation collide.

We have discussed the opportunity social media presents to fight the war the airlines have declared on general aviation by getting our message out in an unfiltered way.  We have also discussed social media as a means to increase our visibility to the market as well as to communicate with that market in order to innovate and better meet its needs on its own terms. All of these are game changing strategies.

So now I want to ask some what ifs!

What if there was a social grid or network built for the purpose of becoming the e-marketplace for private and business aviation travel solutions? What if this social network allowed, encouraged and facilitated the market to come together to aggregate a demand that is currently outside of the supply that  traditional channels of distribution make available to the market?

What if the market could then go to the suppliers of private aviation and request trips or routes of travel where individual travelers could buy seats, filling the aircraft, driving the price down?  Maybe the price would still not be as low as mass transit airline travel, but still would be much lower than today’s pricing of private aircraft flights.

What if travelers could input their travel profiles into the social grid in such a way as to speak to the entire market and to form affinities around common travel patterns? Would travelers be willing to share their travel  information with the market in a profile, sharing where they go, when and how often? Would travelers talk to each other about their travel needs if those conversations led to more new, innovative and efficient travel solutions than have ever existed before?

What if all air charter providers and small scheduled airlines (niche airlines) could input supply into the grid, including empty legs?  What if on-demand charters were quoted instantly so that the market had real time visibility to the solutions they need? What if all of these suppliers could participate on a level playing field and in a system that costs the users only when a transaction takes place?

What if the other parts of the business travel supply chain were able to participate as well? Would the hotels, resorts, rental car and limousine services have an interest in participating in the grid?

What if private aviation operators could collaborate to create a bigger market?  What if we woke up someday and realized that we’ve been monopolized by technology controlled by some organization that isn’t even in our business? What if we all created a new collective “social grid” in which the general market of travelers realized they could use our system rather than the old commercial system?

What if we could collectively reinvent ourselves as an industry with the aim of serving the larger market? What would be required? Who would agree to collaborate? Who would agree that if we don’t, someone else will?  And we’ll all lose when we should have been leading all along?

If we could simply start to build a dialog around all of these questions what could we do? Should we do it? If not, then let’s not even try to answer these questions.  Let’s keep doing what we’ve been doing. Einstein once said “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”  What happens if we all decide to be sane?

If you think we need to do something else then join me and invite others to join us in creating a new future where we can all win.

Who will jump into the dialog? Who will invite others to do so as well? Is there anyone out there?

Where are the answers to all of these “what ifs”? Could they be out there in the market of conversations that could create the new system that creates the answers?

The answers are out there in the minds of people wanting to create a new future. Are you one of them?

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As the economy has slowed down,Americans have reduced spending in many areas of their lives.  But one thing that has remained high on the list of priorities is to have at least one vacation each year.

So, for the aviation enthusiast, I have found some great aviation related destinations to visit.  Even if you’re not into all things that fly, these are just “plane” cool places to visit.  Here are my top pick destinations for flights of fancy: 

Hotel Costa Verde’s Boeing 727 Fuselage Suite
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

This suite is a salvaged airframe of a 1965 Boeing 727.  It was transported in pieces from a San Jose aircraft graveyard, to the jungles of Manuel Antonio.  With a breath of fresh life, this aircraft has now been resurrected into a meticulously detailed, two bedroom suite, perched on a 50 foot pedestal to take in the stunning views of the Costa Verde II area in Costa Rica.  But it is nothing like a regular 727 inside the fuselage.  It features teak paneling from the cockpit to the tail, two bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and flat screen TVs.  I think I would most enjoy sipping wine on the wing terrace, while taking in the ocean views and watching the monkeys, toucans and sloths in the lush surrounding treetops. http://www.costaverde.com/727.html

The Museum of Flight

Seattle, Washington

The Museum of Flight showcases a collection of more than 150 historic air and spacecraft and related artifacts in unique and inspiring exhibits. Walk in the footsteps of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon on their presidential 707 jet, see the world’s fastest jetliner - the Concorde, as well as other exhibits such as The Museum of Flight Tower at Boeing Field, Space: Exploring the New Frontier, The Montgolfier Brothers’ Balloon, and World War II Fighters.

Open now and running until May 2010 is the popular exhibit In Search of Amelia Earhart.  The Museum of Flight says it has  brought together resources from around the country for this new exhibit about the remarkable life and times of famous American pilot, Amelia Earhart. It features many of her original personal artifacts, as well as photos and newsreel footage”.

http://www.museumofflight.org/

Fighter Jet Experience at Thunder City

Cape Town, South Africa

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of a lifetime in a fighter jet (that is, head out to sea at a speed of close to 650 miles per hour just 50 feet above the water: your  limits and sortie profile are determined purely by your ability to handle them, then go vertical), then Thunder City is a destination you must visit. Ok, so it’’s in Cape Town, South Africa!  But this is your one vacation a year, right?  Why not zoom over the point where the Indian and Atlantic points meet?  Fly up the coastline of some of the world’s most stunning beaches.Climb high over Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain.  And do it all in the most exciting and graceful combat jets.  Thunder City’s jets include the world’s only flying English Electric Lightnings, Bae Buccaneers, and Hawker Hunter jets.  Choose from a variety of jet flight profiles; ultra high, supersonic, aerobatic, surface-hugging, formation or a combination of these.  Then spend the rest of your vacation recovering from adrenalin overload by enjoying the diverse and unforgettable offerings of Cape Town.  http://www.thundercity.co.za/

If you’re only going on one vacation this year, why not make it a completely unique experience that you can take with you for life!

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Destination:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin, Florida

Mode of Transport:  Jetstream 32 (executive configuration)

Closest Airport to Destin:  Destin Fort Walton Airport

Now that the weather has well and truly cooled off, it’s time to head south for some warm sun.  And Destin, Florida, is the perfect getaway to recharge and take in the warmth and natural beauty of Florida’s Emerald Coast.  I knew this trip would be a lot of fun.  Firstly, it is a beach getaway.  Secondly, I was staying in a stunning condo on the edge of a golf course.  And lastly, a group of friends came along with me!

As wonderful as Destin is, the best time I had on the trip was the flight down there.  Huh, you ask?  I know that might seem strange considering the majority of travelers in this country find flying a chore and irritating to say the least, but we were flying down on our own private, executive aircraft; so, the commercial experience of long lines, removing your shoes and sitting in an airport terminal waiting, was thankfully removed.  Instead it consisted of arriving at the FBO 15 minutes before the flight, walking out onto the ramp and stepping into a gorgeous aircraft with large cabin and luxurious seats.  And none of my friends who joined me had ever flown on a private aircraft before; so, to see and share in their excitement was priceless.  For that hour of flying, with wine in hand, we actually did feel like rock stars flying to a resort!  It’s a very cool feeling.        

So the trip started with a long day losing myself at the beach.  Situated along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, Destin’s beaches are among the best in the US.  The sand is like sugar and the water is clear and warm.  It has been said that the best season to visit Destin is in the shoulder season.  Golfers, shoppers and fisherman, in particular, find the shoulder seasons are great times to be at the beach.  The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists.  And compared to Florida’s other popular beach destinations, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Destin is less of a party town, and more of a place where you can enjoy the many offerings of the area. 

After a full day at the beach, the next day consisted of hitting the shops.  I could write an entire blog on the shopping in Destin!  And the funny thing is, I didn’t even expect this trip to involve any shopping at all.  But it did, as I discovered that a short drive from the resort is the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation’s largest designer outlet mall.  Yes, you read right, the largest in the nation!  It features more than 100 designer and name-brand factory stores, and is the best factory outlet mall I have ever been to.  My wallet can vouch for that.  Sandestin Resort also offers a variety of retail experiences.  Shoppers can choose from the boutiques at The Market Shops, or the specialty retailers at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Now something for the guys – Sandestin features four championship golf courses reputed to be the best in Florida.  Located on 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront property between Pensacola and Panama City, Sandestin’s championship courses have been designed by world-renowned course architects.  Our condo was situated right on the edge of the course, and although I didn’t play this time, I can see how the course has gained the reputation as one of the finest in Florida.  If you golf, you must play one of these four fantastic courses.

By Sunday evening, everyone was worn out.  It really is tough work relaxing on the beach, shopping, swimming, eating at fine restaurants and golfing.  Especially when it has been packed into two days.  So, no doubt, the Sunday evening trip home consisted of the entire group curling up in our luxurious seats, snuggly blankets, and dreaming of our return to beautiful Destin.

www.sandestin.com

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Destination: Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina

Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32  

Closest Airport to Charleston: Charleston International Airport

When I first discovered that I would be traveling by private aircraft to Charleston, South Carolina, and staying in a historic mansion built in 1886, I knew this would be the most unique trip I have taken yet.  I’ve been to big cities like New York and Chicago, beautiful beach destinations like Destin, Florida, but I have never experienced the historic Old South.  What’s more, Charleston is among the country’s oldest cities.  With more than 300 years of history, Charleston has had many historic “firsts” – the first shots of the Civil War, the first decisive patriot victory of the American Revolution, the first playhouse in the nation, and the first museum in America.  So, it is fitting that I write about my “first” experience in this beautiful and charming city.

 I arrived, had my walking shoes on, and was ready to explore!  Charleston is made for walking. I started down at Waterfront Park overlooking Charleston Harbor.  The surrounding streets are residential, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here 150 years ago. A walk along the waterfront will carry you past grand mansions to White Point Gardens (East Battery Street and Murray Boulevard). It was at this oak and palmetto lined sanctuary where townspeople watched the first shots fired on nearby Fort Sumter in 1861.  Historic forts are the most visited attractions in the Lowcountry area, and there are many ways to discover these and other gems of the city.  Indeed, the best way to enjoy the historic district is on foot or by bicycle. The city’s bicycle shops offer various types of rental vehicles – bicycles, tandems, and pedal carriages. There are also horse-drawn carriage tours and boat tours.  The themes of the tours vary from architecture, gardening, Civil War history to African-American culture and Jewish heritage. 

 History seems more alive here, somehow.  Perhaps it’s the cobblestone streets, the gas-lit lantern alleyways, or the beautiful, Victorian influenced mansions.  I was fortunate enough to stay in the charming, yet opulent, Wentworth Mansion.  Built in 1886, this mansion was the private residence of a wealthy cotton merchant.  Today, it features 21 luxurious rooms and suites, all with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.  The most appealing feature of this hotel, one of the finest hotels where I have been a guest, is that the original look and feel of the residence has been preserved perfectly.  With hand-carved marble fireplaces, intricate woodwork, Tiffany stained glass windows and never-ending detail, you will most certainly feel like a lady or gentleman of an era gone by.        

The service at Wentworth Mansion is the best I have ever experienced – anywhere in the world.  This is a big statement, but completely deserved.  The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and on a mission to make your stay as delightful as possible.  I definitely recommend dining in their restaurant, Circa 1886.  Nestled in the gardens behind the mansion, in what was once the carriage house, Circa 1886 provides an intimate setting, first-class service and an exquisite menu.      

After exploring the city, shopping on wonderful Market Street, and relaxing in my magnificent hotel room, the only other thing that I HAD to do was visit the beach!  Growing up near the beach, and then moving to land-locked Tennessee, it is a given that I head to the beach any opportunity I have.  The Isle of Palms is beautiful, and the people there were friendly, as I know Southerners to be.  I found a new friend at the beach (Samson the Great Dane) and began to explore what quickly became my new favorite city.  Alas, Sunday brought  my time to head back home before my explorations were complete.

Some other time, Charleston, some other time.

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Destination:  Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Lake Placid, NY
My Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32

Closest Airport to Lake Placid: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK)

Stepping onto the private aircraft on my first getaway to Upstate New York, I certainly had ideas of what the Lake Placid area would be like. And by the weight of my one piece of jam-packed luggage, it was obvious I was prepared for anything. My trip definitely started on the right note. My pilot took the luggage right from my hand and loaded it into the private aircraft, which was waiting just steps across the ramp. GREAT! No airport security checks, no lines, just step onto my own aircraft and enjoy the ride.
Now I’ve seen pictures of the Adirondacks, and I’ve heard the stories. “, the air is so crisp”. Crisp alright! I actually did feel the need to inhale deeply a number of times on the tarmac as I stepped off the stairs of the aircraft. But the clean, pine-scented air is just the beginning:

The drive through Adirondack Park is quite spectacular. Rugged green mountains (fall would be breathtaking), quaint towns, and roads snaking beside glassy lakes lead you to gorgeous Mirror Lake. True to its name the lake mirrors its surrounds majestically. Walking into the lobby of Mirror Lake Inn, I felt its charm wrap me up immediately. The wood paneling, the adjoining library with spectacular fireplace, and the smell of scented candles was so inviting. The Resort is low-key elegance at its finest. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, and the suites have the most spectacular views of the Lake. I literally had to get out of bed (as hard as it is getting out of a bed that is even more comfortable than my own) as the sun was coming up, just to peek outside and see Mirror Lake in all its sunrise glory.

So being prepared for anything is never a mistake, and this place has something for everyone. The only problem you may encounter here is not having enough time to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

For the adventurer – bobsledding at the Winter Olympic Park, fishing, canoeing and hiking for all levels.
For the romantic – cozy rooms and spectacular views of the lake, a spa and wonderful restaurants.
For the family vacation – paddle boats, water activities, and a lake-side beach.
My suggestion, do what makes you smile. For me, as an adventurer, it was a bobsled ride at the Winter Olympic Sports Park (did the ½ mile course in 43.44 seconds), and a hike up Cascade Mountain (Tip: if it says “beginners hike”, it may not be, in my opinion. Ask.) The only thing that could have made it more perfect is if it were fall, and the leaves had turned. I can only imagine how spectacular that would be.

So my only other suggestion, visit Mirror Lake and bask in the serene natural beauty, taking a pause for oneself. I will definitely find myself there again, with a winter experience at Mirror Lake now on my must-do list.

http://www.mirrorlakeinn.com/

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