Why Business Leaders Fly on Private Jets: Insights from Entrepreneurs

Why Business Leaders Fly on Private Jets

Fiona Young-Brown, February 1, 2016

There are many compelling reasons to use private jets for business. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently published comments from leading business figures on the significance of private jets for their companies.

In one of our previous articles, we revealed various reasons for using private jets for travel. These reasons align with what CEOs are now saying. Sometimes it is seen as a brand enhancement, but private air travel offers a number of other advantages, including convenience, flexibility, and most importantly, time savings. Below are quotes from these top executives discussing how flying on private jets has helped them improve and grow their businesses.

Time Savings

"Business aviation helps Sanderson Farms gain quick and efficient access to our divisions, which in turn allows us to manage operations effectively, a necessity in our industry." Joe F. Sanderson, Chairman and CEO of Sanderson Farms

"Business aviation allows me to visit more locations in less time. As a result, Life Time Fitness remains a resilient and healthy company." Bahram Akradi, Chairman and CEO of Life Time Fitness

"Business aviation is a valuable tool that FirstEnergy uses to manage our travel time more effectively and increase productivity." Anthony J. Alexander, President and CEO of FirstEnergy

"Business aviation is an important transportation tool for small, medium, and large organizations across the United States. It helps companies and communities around the world stay connected and compete at the speed of business." Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Convenience

"Today's demanding business environment requires executives to engage at the same level both in the office and in the air during business trips. Honeywell understands that business aviation is the first to offer aircraft that allow us to be just as effective in the air as on the ground." David M. Cote, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell

"Using business aviation allows us to visit three or four cities in one day, which is simply not possible with any other mode of transportation." Andrew S. Taylor, CEO of Enterprise Holdings

"Our plane is not just an aircraft. It’s a lifeline for underserved medical communities located in four time zones." Dr. Michael Gregory, Chairman of Apogee Physicians

Flexibility

"Business aviation elevates Salamander Hotels & Resorts to new heights, taking us where we are needed most." Sheila S. Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts

"Business aviation provides our employees the flexibility needed to enter new markets and explore new opportunities, making The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company the most recognizable brand in the lawn and garden industry." Jim Hagedorn, CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Time with Family

"Our people at the home office rarely spend more than one day on a round trip, allowing them to rest adequately and maintain a balanced life without the hassle of airports." Herb Kohler, Chairman and CEO of Kohler Companies

Reduced Stress Levels

"Business aviation is pure magic when people and time are valued above all." Dick DeVos, President of Windquest Group

After reading these testimonials, it becomes clear that the growing accessibility of private air travel options can help businesses in numerous ways: quick access to clients and new markets, flexibility to be in the right place at the right time, and reduced stress levels, which in turn makes employees happier and more effective. All of these factors can benefit any company, from a startup to the largest multinational corporation.

All comments from the 25 executives are available on the NBAA website.