Download full Newsletter - NetJets

SUMMER I 2012 

UPDATE 

The newsletter for NetJets ® Owners and Marquis Jet Card ® Owners

4 I 

10 I 

16 I 

IN THIS ISSUE 

Phenom 300 demos available this summer 

Exclusive offer from the Wakaya Club & Spa in Fiji 

NetJets pilot David Gale in Siberia in 1990, joined by the 

rest of his Royal Air Force flight crew and Princess Anne 

2 | NETJETS UPDATE 

Summer 2012 

FEATURES 

6. Interview with Owner Kathryn W. Davis 

16. Profile on NetJets pilot David Gale 

OPS + ADVISORIES 

14. NetJets earns FAA Safety Management System 

recognition 

18. Traveling to London for the Olympics 

OWNER EXCLUSIVES 

3. Invitation to Aspen ArtCRUSH 

8. Highlights from recent NetJets events 

10. Complimentary room night at private island 

resort in Fiji 

12. Exclusive offer to enjoy rustic luxury at Primland 

NEW + NOTEWORTHY 

4. Phenom 300 demo flights 

20. Flying with NetJets Europe 

21. Facilitation payments 

22. NetJets China 

24. Referral Appreciation Program 

26. NetJets opens new headquarters 

28. NetJets Prepay Option 

THE LAST WORD 

27. A message from Chuck Suma 

You’re Invited 

Meet Tom Sachs at Aspen ArtCRUSH 

On Thursday, August 2 – during the 8 th annual ArtCRUSH summer 

gala festivities – you are invited to join NetJets and Aspen Art 

Museum as we celebrate with Aspen Award for Art honoree Tom 

Sachs at a private, invitation-only brunch. At the brunch, Heidi 

Zuckerman Jacobson, CEO and Director, Chief Curator of the 

Aspen Art Museum, will lead an exclusive, in-depth conversation 

with Sachs. 

Tom Sachs is a sculptor, installation artist, and painter known for his 

innovative examination and questioning of icons of capitalist culture 

and systems of daily life. Through such works as HG (Hermes Hand 

Grenade), 1995; and Chanel Guillotine (Breakfast Nook), 1998; 

and his re-imagined living systems, Sachs provokes reflection on 

utopian follies and dystopian realities. 

Since 2005, the Aspen Art Museum has honored seven ground- 

breaking contemporary artists with the annual Aspen Award for Art: 

Richard Tuttle, Tony Feher, Jim Hodges, Ed Ruscha, Fred Tomaselli, 

Marilyn Minter, and Roni Horn. 

Apollo LEM, 2007; steel, plywood, electronics, tools 

DATE 

Thursday, August 2, 2012 

LOCATION 

Aspen, Colorado 

RSVP 

NetJets Events 

212-692-2694 

events@netjets.com 

This invitation is for principal NetJets Owners and 

Marquis Jet Card Owners and is not transferrable. 

NEW FOR + POSITION NOTEWORTHY ONLY 

SUMMER 2012 | 3

NEW + NOTEWORTHY NEW + NOTEWORTHY 

‘Phenom’enal 

Chance to 

Experience a New 

NetJets Aircraft 


Take a demonstration flight 

A demonstrator Phenom 300 will be 

available beginning this summer for 

Owners who wish to experience this 

new aircraft. 

In early April, NetJets pilot Rob Switz (who 

will serve as Chief Pilot for the NetJets 

Phenom 300 Platinum Edition fleet) joined 

Embraer Captain Sydney Rodriguez to fly 

our first Phenom 300 – N300QS – from 

Brazil to Lincoln, Nebraska, where it is 

currently undergoing interior and exterior 

completions. 

Beginning in summer of 2012, this 

aircraft will be used for aircraft displays, 

road shows, and demonstration flights 

for potential buyers. The Phenom 300 

officially becomes part of the NetJets fleet 

in April 2013. 

The demo aircraft will be outfitted with 

the same interior layout as our aircraft to 

provide a similar experience for Owners 

and prospects until the Phenom 300 

is available. 

Pre-sales and promotions 

Pre-sales of the Phenom 300 have been 

brisk, with over 4,000 hours (more than 

five full aircraft) of shares sold to 59 

Owners many months in advance of our 

first delivery – and even before we had a 

demonstrator aircraft. 

With the “Upgrade Your Share” promotion, 

existing Hawker 400XP and Citation 

Encore+/Encore Owners can sign up now 

to upgrade to the Phenom 300 when it 

joins the fleet. After paying a nonrefundable 

deposit, you fly on the Citation Excel or 

larger aircraft until the Phenom 300 joins 

the NetJets fleet in 2013 while paying your 

current Monthly Management Fees and 

Occupied Hourly Fees until that time. In 

essence, you receive unlimited guaranteed 

upgrades to the Excel while continuing 

to pay the lower Monthly Management 

Fees and Occupied Hourly Fees of your 

current share, which equates to average 

operational savings of over $35,000 per 

year based on a 50-hour share. 

If you are interested in seeing or arranging a demo flight on the Phenom 300, please contact 

your Sales Executive or Account Executive. 

About The Phenom 300 

The exceptional design, premium comfort, impressive performance, and high reliability 

of the Phenom 300 make it unquestionably one of the most outstanding light cabin jets 

in the industry. NetJets has worked closely with Embraer, a global and innovative aerospace 

company, to build the Phenom 300 to our exacting specifications based on Owner feedback 

– from the customized cabin interior and amenities to the specific technical performance 

characteristics. The Phenom 300 seats up to seven passengers and, with a maximum 

range of 2,038 statute miles, is perfect for such routes as New York to West Palm Beach, 

Boston to New Orleans, and Dallas to San Francisco. 

Left: NetJets Phenom 300 demonstrator aircraft 

SUMMER 2012 | 5

FEATURES I OWNER PROFILE FEATURES I OWNER PROFILE 

Kathryn W. Davis: Still on the move 

At 105, philanthropist Kathryn 

W. Davis is not only NetJets’ 

most golden Owner, she has 

also led a truly remarkable life 

in and out of the public eye. As 

an international voice for the 

cause of world peace, aviation 

has played a pivotal role in her 

life from the very beginning. 

NetJets: When you were growing up, civilian aviation was 

still something of a novelty. Do you have any memories of 

flying from when you were a little girl? 

Kathryn W. Davis: I’ve actually been flying all my life, 

practically. I remember traveling with my father when I was 

a very young girl, accompanying him on business trips to 

Europe. We first traveled by steamship but soon began flying. 

This was the way to go! Imagine traveling the same distance 

in just one day that used to take a week. And so much comfort 

and elegance; in those days, flying was a fairly grand event. I like 

to say I was a jet-setter before there were jets! 

NJ: Do you still travel on commercial airplanes sometimes? 

KWD: I recently went to China on a commercial flight, but I 

used private jets to travel regionally when I got there. I am a 

huge fan of NetJets. 

NJ: Your husband, Shelby Cullom Davis, was an 

investment banker who eventually became the U.S. 

ambassador to Switzerland. How did you two meet? 

KWD: We met on an express train to Geneva in 1930, as we 

were both going to a conference on disarmament. I asked him 

if Geneva was the next stop. We later earned our Doctorates 

at the University of Geneva. We met on the go, and pretty 

much never stopped moving. 

NJ: Where did you travel with your husband? 

KWD: We traveled everywhere, but to Switzerland often. Also, 

the Far East, Moscow … I celebrated my 80th birthday in India. 

We’ve been to Japan many times. Some of the travel was 

for business, but we also traveled to see the world; there is 

always something you can learn when you travel. 

NJ: Did the pace change after your husband was appointed 

as Ambassador to Switzerland by Richard Nixon? 

KWD: Yes, life got even busier – more social and more formal. 

And we traveled even more as a diplomatic family. We were 

in Switzerland for six years during the Cold War and Vietnam. 

Switzerland is the European home for the U.N., and I think all 

of those elements had a profound effect on me. 

NJ: You’ve committed millions of dollars in philanthropy 

to the cause of world peace. Why are you so passionate 

about it? 

KWD: My charity work is a big part of my life now. If we don’t 

have peace, what do we have? I’ve been around a long, long 

time, and I still see that the world is in danger. War can still 

destroy everything we have, everything we are. 

NJ: How has NetJets helped your efforts? 

KWD: We began using NetJets 14 years ago, and my reaction 

was the same as the first time I flew with my father as a little 

girl: this is the way to go! I travel around the United States 

often to check in on projects we fund and meet with groups 

that support the cause of world peace. Flying privately has 

enabled me to stay active, comfortable, and involved. 

NJ: Most of the Owners we talk to have special NetJets 

stories. Do you? 

KWD: Well, probably the most special thing I associate with 

NetJets was traveling with my dog, a five-pound Maltese named 

Teaser. Everyone treated my dog so nicely, it was such a delight. 

Teaser recently passed away at 17, but now I travel with Teaser Too, 

and we both look forward to many more trips with NetJets. 

NJ: Now, of course, I have to ask you this question: What 

is your secret to living such a long and happy life? 

KWD: I tell people the first thing they need to do is carefully 

select their parents! Genetics, of course, plays a big role. But 

my advice to a long and happy life is this: don’t be a spectator. 

Find something that drives you, something you love and follow 

it and use it. Use your life. 

THE DAVIS PROJECTS FOR PEACE 

Each year since 2007, Kathryn W. Davis has contributed $1 million 

to fund 100 projects by college students who design grassroots 

projects that promote conflict resolution, reconciliation, building 

understanding, and maintaining peace. The projects judged to be 

the most promising and doable are funded at $10,000 each. The 

objective is to encourage and support today’s motivated youth to 

create and try out their own ideas for building peace. Learn more 

at DavisProjectsforPeace.org. 

Top: At a park Mrs. Davis helped restore through Scenic Hudson, a group dedicated 

to protecting and restoring the Hudson River, its riverfront, and the majestic vistas and 

working landscapes beyond its shores. She was joined by a second grade class learning 

about the environment. 

Middle left: With Teaser Too in early 2012 at the Jupiter Island Mutt Masters dog show. 

Middle right & Bottom: Kayaking with Scenic Hudson in June 2011 during a site review. 

Names and photos printed with permission. 

6 | NETJETS UPDATE SUMMER 2012 | 7

OWNER EXCLUSIVES OWNER EXCLUSIVES 

A recap of NetJets Exclusive Events 

From singing on stage with Katy Perry to a Masters clambake with Jim 

Nantz, NetJets delivered insider access and unforgettable memories 

Private concert with Katy Perry 

What could be more special for a parent or grandparent than 

seeing your children or grandchildren singing and dancing on 

stage with their favorite artist? At a private concert in Los Angeles 

held exclusively for NetJets Owners and Marquis Jet Card 

Owners and their guests, Katy Perry dazzled the crowd of about 

1,500. The highlight of the evening was when Katy invited kids 

up on stage to sing along to a couple of her biggest hits. Many 

Owners said after the show that the March 11 event was the best 

NetJets event they’d ever attended. 

Hospitality at the Masters 

Marquis Jet Card Owner Bubba Watson took home the coveted 

green jacket, but he wasn’t the only Owner to enjoy the Masters, 

one of the most prestigious events on the PGA tour. NetJets 

Owners and Marquis Jet Card Owners who attended were 

treated to excellent hospitality, courtesy of NetJets. On April 6, 

NetJets hosted a lobster/clambake dinner for Owners at a private 

residence in Augusta, where Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell 

along with NetJets North America COO Bill Noe and members 

of the NetJets Sales team met many Owners. The event was 

headlined by sportscaster Jim Nantz, who hosted a panel that 

included professional golfers Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, 

Rory McIlroy, and Ross Fisher. 

Dinner and conversation with Tom Brokaw 

Tom Brokaw joined Owners for dinner and engaging private 

conversation at Ocean Reef Club in Florida on March 2. 

One of the most trusted and respected figures in American 

journalism, Brokaw mingled with 80 Owners and guests at a 

cocktail reception. At the dinner that followed, Brokaw spoke 

and answered questions focused on the challenges our country 

and the world face. His dialogue was both fascinating and 

inspirational, as he called on all to foster a rebirth of family, 

community, and civic engagement as profound as the one that 

won World War II, built our postwar prosperity, and ushered in the 

Civil Rights era. All guests received Brokaw’s newest book, Time 

of Our Lives: A Conversation about America. 

Grotjahn opening at the Aspen Art Museum 

During Presidents Day weekend, NetJets Owners and Marquis 

Jet Card Owners enjoyed a chance to meet Mark Grotjahn at 

the Aspen Art Museum while viewing his first U.S. museum 

exhibition. Grotjahn and Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, CEO and 

Director, Chief Curator of the Aspen Art Museum, gave Owners 

a one-hour private tour of the exhibit before opening it to the 

public. During the tour, Owners engaged Grotjahn in conversation 

about his work, his career, and his approach to art making. 

Afterward, NetJets hosted a dinner at Aspen hot spot Syzygy, at 

which Owners were able to chat with Grotjahn as well as other 

artists, art collectors, and friends of the museum. 

Clockwise from top left: Katy Perry sings with Owners’ children and grandchildren on stage; Tom Brokaw speaks about current events at Ocean Reef Club; 

Artist Mark Grotjahn and Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, CEO and Director, Chief Curator of the Aspen Art Museum, respond to questions during the private tour of 

his exhibit ; Jim Nantz leads a light-hearted panel discussion with Ross Fisher and other pro golfers at the Masters. 

Names and photos printed with permission. 



The Wakaya Club & Spa 


If you’ve ever wanted to 

really get away from it all 

(literally and figuratively), 

there are few places 

in the world that can 

compare with The 

Wakaya Club & Spa. 

Located on a private 

island in Fiji, Wakaya 

offers unsurpassed 

luxury in a truly stunning, 

completely private 

setting. 

The Wakaya Club & Spa is an intimate 

luxury resort set on a 2,200 acre pictureperfect 

private island owned by the founder 

of FIJI Water, David H. Gilmour. NetJets 

can fly you to one of two airports in Fiji 

where you will board Wakaya’s private 

aircraft that will deliver you to the peace and 

tranquility of your new island sanctuary. The 

Wakaya experience is totally inclusive and 

comprehensive with all food, beverage, and 

activities included in the daily rate. Privacy is 

ensured with a maximum of just 28 guests 

and a ratio of 12:1 staff per couple, allowing 

for a truly seamless experience. Each 

1,650-square-foot Ocean View Bure is a 

luxurious hideaway located just steps from 

the Pacific Ocean. To truly indulge, choose 

the larger Governor’s Bure, Two Bedroom 

Ambassador’s Bure, or Royal Three 

Bedroom Villa of Vale ‘O on its own 16-acre 

estate and equipped with a personal chef, 

chauffeur, full service staff, and more. 

For those in search of relaxation, rest 

in hammocks strung between coconut 

palms, enjoy a private beach picnic with 

a three-mile privacy radius guaranteed, or 

splurge at the Breeze Spa, a couples-only 

oasis built just for two, set in a tranquil 

environment overlooking the serenity pool 

and turquoise sea. 

For those in search of recreation, play 

Wakaya’s seaside 9-hole golf course, enjoy 

world-class scuba and snorkeling in the 

brilliant reefs of the marine preserve just 

steps from the shore, take a tennis lesson 

with a pro, try the fully-outfitted gym, enjoy 

an organic farm tour, or hike to Chieftain’s 

Leap, the highest vista of Wakaya. 

With an emphasis on organic farming 

directly from the virgin volcanic soils 

of the island’s unspoiled, super-rich 

volcanic earth, dining in itself is a healthy 

activity. Breakfast selections include 

tropical island fruits and fresh eggs from 

Wakaya-raised organic chickens; lunch 

and dinner offerings include truly fresh 


Secluded Luxury in the South Pacific 

catches and garden lettuces for lunch and 

creative selections of Wakaya-raised organic 

game for dinner. Enjoy beverages that include 

regional wines, freshly-squeezed juices and 

tonics, coconut water, cocktails, and soothing 

tea made from organic ginger grown in our 

own jungle paddocks. Also be sure to try The 

Wakaya Perfection Organic Ginger Margarita 

for a unique treat. 

Exclusively for principal NetJets 

Owners and Marquis Jet Card 

Owners: 

• One complimentary room night in 

an Ocean View Bure with any stay* 

• A daily credit at Breeze Spa for two 

50-minute treatments per bure 

To take advantage of this offer: 

Contact Jennifer Halliday at 

Jennifer@wakayaperfection.com or 

visit www.wakaya.com. 

* Valid for stays through December 14, 2013. 

Travel dates exclude December 15, 2012 

through January 15, 2013. 

SUMMER 2012 | 11


Primland 

There are places that 

touch you in ways both 

simple and profound. 

Primland is one of these 

places. Whether you 

are looking to unwind 

at the spa, play on one 

of the most celebrated 

golf courses in the 

country, or take part in 

any number of outdoor 

activities, the ultimate 

mountain getaway is 

closer than you think. 

An extraordinary getaway set in the 

Blue Ridge Mountains near Meadows 

of Dan, Virginia, Primland goes above 

and beyond in offering activity and 

accommodation options. Visitors can 

stay in one of 26 rooms or suites in The 

Lodge; one of the six fairway cottages, 

which view the 10th green and 18th fairway; or in one of the 12 mountain 

homes, which range in size from three 

to seven bedrooms. Or you can opt for 

The Golden Eagle Tree House, a unique 

structure located 2,000 feet above the 

Dan River Gorge with a wraparound deck 

for panoramic views. 

Guests can golf on The Highland Course, 

selected by Golf Digest as one of the 

finest public courses in America, or take a 


Tour of the Universe, viewing galaxies 

27 million light years away through the 

Celestron CGE Pro 1400 telescope in 

the Observatory. Enjoy The Spa which, 

among many other treatments, features 

remedies from the Native Americans 

who once lived on the land. Or swim in 

the chlorine-free pool or work out in the 

fitness center. 

Then there is GEO-caching, a form of 

treasure hunting with a GPS on two 

specially-designed nature trails, which 

show off the stunning scenery that 

abounds on and around the mountaintop. 

Add to that the options of mountain 

biking, ATV or horseback riding, tree 

climbing, hunting or fishing, and you really 

get the flavor of the great outdoors. 

To please the palate, there is Frenchinspired 

New American cuisine in Elements 

Restaurant; casual dining at The 19th Pub; 

and the creative choices in the rustic 

Stables Restaurant. Meals are made with 

natural and organic produce. 

All this while living among an abundance of 

wildlife who frolic about their natural habitat 

on a property the size of Bermuda. 

Exclusively for principal NetJets 

Owners and principal Marquis Jet 

Card Owners: 

• One complimentary two-night 

stay (blackout dates apply) in the 

Lodge or a Fairway Cottage 

For returning Owners who 

have already redeemed the two 

complimentary nights: 

• Room upgrade upon check-in, 

based on availability 

• $100 hotel credit to be used 

for spa treatments, food and 

beverage, amenities, etc., based 

on a two-night stay and double 

occupancy in the Lodge or a 

Fairway Cottage 

For business retreats: 

• Choose from a selection of 

benefits, including a complimentary 

boardroom or meeting room, 15% 

off golf fees, and a 45-minute 

wine and beer reception with passed 

canapés for up to 32 guests. Contact 

Primland for eligibility and details. 

To take advantage of these offers: 

Contact Primland at 276-222-3800. 

OWNER FOR POSITION EXCLUSIVES ONLY 

Luxury Meets the Great Outdoors 

SUMMER 2012 | 13


Another Notch 

in the NetJets 

Safety Belt 

NetJets has long set the bar for safety standards in 

private aviation. Now we’ve raised it even higher. 

On March 7, 2012, the FAA recognized NetJets as a Level III 

Safety Management System (SMS) participant. This 

accomplishment made NetJets the first and only fractional 

operator, the first fixed-wing Part 135 operator, and the first 

combined Part 135/91(k) operator to achieve Level III. 

The FAA’s voluntary SMS program, which has a four-level system 

of acknowledgement, is intended to help operators develop and 

implement a comprehensive SMS for their entire organization 

through safety-centric policies and risk mitigation. A team of 

dedicated NetJets employees worked diligently to reach Level III, 

and we are now working toward Level IV status. 

About the NetJets Safety Management System 

The NetJets Safety Management System covers all areas of 

safety risk management at NetJets Aviation and represents 

the next step in further developing our safety culture by 

supplementing policies and procedures we already have 

in place. Moving forward, our goal for the NetJets SMS 

program is to provide even more comprehensive Safety Risk 

Management and Safety Assurance programs. 

Value for Owners 

Since SMS is integrated into the way the company is 

operated, adhering to the strictest safety measures does not 

represent an additional cost to you. This is possible because 

NetJets has invested heavily in safety throughout the history 

of the company. Our commitment to proactively managing 

safety is reflected in our involvement in this program. No 

other operator in our segment of aviation can show the same 

commitment or match our ongoing investment. 


FOR OPS POSITION + ADVISORIES ONLY 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NETJETS SMS PROGRAM 

• Engage in proactive safety risk management to identify 

problems before they occur through robust safety and 

audit programs 

• Provide enhanced safety training for all employees to 

assist in the recognition, management, and reporting of 

hazards 

• Continuously improve the level of safety through 

safety management groups which identify and manage 

problems before they occur 

• Structured change management for implementation of 

large-scale or elevated-risk issues 

• Foster a “safety plus” culture in which employees: 

– Recognize the importance of safety to Owners and 

employees alike 

– Are encouraged and willing to report hazards 

– Can report safety issues, even those including errors, 

without fear of reprisal 

For NetJets, safety is paramount and 

the foundation for everything we do. The 

SMS program is just one example of our 

dedication to safety. 

SUMMER 2012 | 15

FEATURES I PILOT PROFILE FEATURES I PILOT PROFILE 

At Her 

Majesty’s 

Service: 

NetJets Pilot 

David Gale 

The Royal Touch 

U.K. native, Royal Air Force veteran, and 11-year NetJets pilot 

David Gale started life as a rock-and-roll dreamer and ended up 

flying the British Royal Family for a living. His transatlantic story 

spans both an illustrious military career as well as serving what 

can only be called “the ultimate VIPs.” 

British Beat 

When you speak to most pilots, they weave a tale of a lifelong 

passion for flying – hanging out at airstrips as little boys, wearing 

flight goggles to bed, and such. Not David Gale. “I came of age 

in England just as the Beatles were hitting it big, and my primary 

ambition in life was to be a drummer in a rock-and-roll band. I left 

school without any real direction at all,” he tells us. At the urging 

of his mother, he joined the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) in 1966, and 

that decision became a life changer. 

“The military program in the U.K. is different from the United 

States,” Gale says. “There’s a selection process that gets you 

into the R.A.F. and then further selection and testing happens. 

After I entered the service, I was offered an option based on my 

aptitudes: pilot or navigator.” Even though he’d barely flown 

before, he picked pilot, and hasn’t looked back since. After 

initial flight training, another choice loomed: fighter training or 

transport? Gale chose the latter, flying C130s for the R.A.F. 

Fly Boy 

Based in Southern England, Gale’s flying duties ranged from 

the routine to the intense over his decades-long military career. 

In conjunction with NATO, he flew supplies and materials to 

Hong Kong and famine relief to Africa. But his most memorable 

moments were a little more hectic: evacuations. He flew “evac” 

missions during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. In 

Pakistan, during its invasion of Kashmir in 1971, his was the first 

flight onto the Karachi airfield. “The runway was cratered, the 

whole facility was overrun with people trying to get out. It was 

extremely difficult, but we had to clear the way for all the flights 

coming in behind us,” he remembers. 

His experience and skill led to his association with British 

Special Forces. While he can’t really discuss the specifics 

of that part of his career, there was also a “fun” component 

to those duties. “I flew at venues like the Paris Air Show with 

the Army’s parachute display team who jumped demos for the 

crowds. It was a welcome break and a chance to interact with 

the public a little,” he tells us. 

In 1980, another honor was bestowed on Gale, who was by now 

a Flight Lieutenant (the equivalent of a Captain in the U.S. Air 

Force). He was selected to be an R.A.F. Exchange Officer with the 

U.S.A.F., flying C141B Starlifters out of Charleston, S.C. “It was my 

first long-term visit to the States, but something must have hooked 

me because I ended up moving here,” he says. 

Command Performance 

But not before returning to the U.K. in 1983 to head the 

evaluation team of the brand new BAe 146, a jet aircraft that was 

being considered as a replacement for the fleet of turboprops 

used by the British Royal Family. “We really torture-tested 

that aircraft,” he says. “Since it had to perform in virtually any 

environment, we did a lot of hot-and-high testing in Bolivia, 

extreme cold weather performance in Canada. It was a global 

effort.” The aircraft was adopted, and Gale served as the senior 

training captain for what was known as the Queen’s Flight. His 

duties usually involved short-range transport for diplomatic visits 

and functions for any member of the Royal Family. However, he 

served a particularly special function for a few of them. “Given 

the tradition of aviation in the Royal Family, I was involved with 

the training of both Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh, 

both keen licensed pilots, on the aircraft during my years in the 

fleet. They would board the jet and come up into the cockpit 

to fly the departures and arrivals. It’s a family passion that has 

obviously been passed down to the next generation.” 

While he flew many of the Royals, his most far-flung missions 

were with Princess Anne. “She’s really one of the busiest 

members of the family,” he tells us. “As President of the Save 

the Children Fund, she flew to China, Russia, Africa, the United 

States … she’s a very devoted patron and leader.” Gale met his 

wife while serving on the Queen’s Flight and, even though he 

couldn’t have known it, his duties probably served as the ultimate 

training for the next chapter of his life. 

Hands Across the Water 

After 24 years of service, Gale retired from the R.A.F. as a 

Squadron Leader in 1991 and relocated his family to Orlando, 

Florida, where he planned to start a new life as a commercial 

pilot. “I worked for a regional airline for a time, but that was 

just a terrible period for regional airlines,” he says. “I attended 

a job fair in 2001, where I saw a little table with a sign on it 

that said ‘Executive Jet.’” Gale was offered the job and joined 

what became NetJets, originally flying Falcons, and piloting the 

Citation Excel since 2005. 

So how does flying NetJets’ VIP passengers compare with 

flying the British monarchy? “There really isn’t much difference, 

actually,” he admits. “When I flew for a regional airline, I was able 

to interact with my passengers a bit. I was always interested in 

making a connection and serving the public, but at NetJets, we 

just take that interaction to another level. It’s true, we do treat all 

our Owners like royalty and that’s the way it should be.” 

Left: NetJets Captain David Gale stands in front of a Citation Excel in Scottsdale, Arizona. Top: Then a pilot for the Royal Air Force, Gale greets Princess Anne in 1984. 

Near right: Gale stands atop the Great Wall of China, 1987. Far right: Gale rides a camel at the pyramids of Giza, 1988. 


OPS FOR POSITION + ADVISORIES ONLY 


Traveling 

to London 

for the 

Olympics 

It’s not too late to schedule a flight to London 

for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. If you 

are planning to attend the Olympics, which 

will be held July 27 through August 12, please 

notify your Owner Services Team of your travel 

plans as soon as possible. 

As you can imagine, there will be many flights to London during 

this period. In fact, the Department for Transportation in England 

is expecting an additional 3,000 general aviation movements 

during the Olympic Games. To manage the expected increase in 

traffic, slot programs, airport closures, and airspace restrictions 

will be in place from July 14 through August 15. 

Arrival and Departure Slots 

Slot programs have been implemented at 40 airports in and 

around London from July 14 through August 15. For NetJets 

Owners and Marquis Jet Card Owners who frequent the London 

area, you will encounter slot programs at airports that typically 

do not have them, such as London Luton (EGGW), Biggin Hill 

(EGKB), and Farnborough (EGLF). London City Airport (EGLC) 

will also have a slot program. 

We recommend that, if you plan to fly to London during the 

restriction period, you reserve your flight as soon as possible, 

since slots are going quickly at these popular London-area 

airports. Note that the airports are requiring prepayments, and 

the non-refundable charges for the slots are being billed once the 

slot is secured. 

Airspace restrictions 

Airspace restrictions will be in effect around London to allow 

the Department for Transportation and the military to maintain 

positive control over all aircraft in the area before, during, and 

after the Olympics. As part of these restrictions, some additional 

flight time might be experienced while arriving and departing the 

London area. At this time, we anticipate additional flight times of 

approximately ten minutes, but traffic congestion and other delays 

during the Olympics may increase your flight time. This will be 

especially true during the peak travel days around the Opening 

Ceremony (July 27) and the Closing Ceremony (August 12). 

Operations at Heathrow and Gatwick 

London Heathrow (EGLL) and London Gatwick (EGKK) airports 

are expected to be closed to general aviation July 14 through 

August 15. Arrivals and departures may be possible at these 

airports, but that determination will not be made until closer to 

the beginning of the Olympics. 

RAF Northolt to be closed for military operations 

RAF Northolt (EGWU) – where some general aviation flights are 

usually permitted – will be closed from July 25 through August 14, 

as this will be a base of operations for the Royal Air Force during the 

Olympic Games. Additionally, EGWU may be closed with little or no 

notice outside of that timeframe for military operations. 

Ground transportation 

The City of London is promoting the Olympics as a “Public 

Transportation Event” and is encouraging people to take trains 

and buses for travels in and out of London. You may encounter 

situations in which you will be prohibited from entering certain 

sections of London that you would normally have access 

to via private transportation. Please check with your ground 

transportation provider or with your Owner Services Team to 

determine how best to arrive at your final destination. 

If you are planning to travel to London this summer, 

particularly for the Olympics, please contact your 

Owner Services Team as soon as possible. 


Changes at 

London Heathrow Airport 

Additional landing charge 

Effective May 1, 2012, the cost to land at London Heathrow 

(EGLL) increased by £1,500 (approximately $2,400). The 

increase is due to an additional fee levied by the British Airports 

Authority (BAA). 

New handling procedure and charge 

In addition, all private flights at Heathrow are now required 

by the BAA to use a facility known as the Royal Suite, which 

provides better service but also includes a mandatory charge 

of £1,500 (approximately $2,400). 

The Royal Suite is a five-minute drive from the previouslyused 

private terminal, Aviation House. Within the Royal Suite, 

you’ll find a more streamlined infrastructure, including private 

x-ray screening for departing flights, two large VIP lounges, 

and a large aircraft parking area directly outside the suite. 

Perhaps most importantly, the Royal Suite also features onsite 

immigration checks for arriving flights, which will save you the 

inconvenience of passing through immigration at Terminal 4. 

Your Owner Services Team can advise you on other Londonarea 

airports to avoid the fees and can answer any questions 

you may have. 

SUMMER 2012 | 19

FOR NEW POSITION + NOTEWORTHY ONLY 


Flying with NetJets Europe 

Planning a trip to Europe? As a NetJets Owner or Marquis Jet Card Owner, you 

have the unique ability to take advantage of our inter-program exchange 

and fly with NetJets Europe. This may be of particular value to you in 

the summer months if you are considering flying across the pond for the 

Olympics (see pages 18-19) or for your next vacation. 

ENHANCEMENTS 

Midsize cabin aircraft guarantee 

Through December 31, 2012, NetJets Europe will guarantee 

requests for midsize cabin aircraft (Citation XLS/Excel and 

Hawker 750/800XP) at the time of booking rather than 24 

hours prior to the flight. 1 For NetJets Owners, the specific 

midsize cabin aircraft type is guaranteed; advance notice of 

24 hours is required. For Marquis Jet Card Owners, a missioncapable 

midsize cabin aircraft is guaranteed; 48 hours’ 

advance notice is required. More notice is required for certain 

countries. 

Note: The Citation XLS/Excel is considered a midsize cabin 

aircraft in NetJets Europe. Requests for flights on NetJets 

Europe large cabin aircraft (Falcon 2000EX/2000, Falcon 

7X, Gulfstream G550/GV) are subject to availability and are 

not confirmed until 24 hours prior to the flight. Owners who 

request flights on NetJets Europe light cabin aircraft (Citation 

Bravo, Hawker 400XP) are guaranteed a light cabin aircraft 

type or larger. 

Savings for NetJets Owners 

As announced in the Summer 2010 issue of NetJets Update, 

when you exchange to NetJets Europe, the occupied hours 

invoiced continue to be calculated by multiplying the length of 

the trip2 by the NetJets U.S. to NetJets Europe Inter-Program 

Exchange Rates, but the contract hours deducted are now 

based on the lower Aircraft Exchange Rates, which have a 1:1 

ratio for like aircraft types. 

Saving multiple contract hours translates into thousands 

of dollars in value. Depending upon the aircraft type flown 

and aircraft type owned, there is an average 28% savings in 

contract hours with this program enhancement. 3 

Note: Aircraft Exchange Rates apply for up to 30 flight hours 

per year or 25% of annual contract hours, whichever is less. 

Owners may fly for more than 30 hours or 25% of annual 

hours per year as well as on NetJets Europe Peak Period 

Days, but contract hours for flights taken on those days are 

calculated using the NetJets U.S. to NetJets Europe Inter- 

Program Exchange Rates rather than the Aircraft Exchange 

Rates. This program is subject to change. 

Savings for Marquis Jet Card Owners 

Through December 31, 2012, Marquis Jet Card Owners will 

see an average reduction of 17% in Inter-Program Exchange 

Rates when you request and fly on a NetJets Europe midsize 

cabin aircraft (Citation XLS/Excel, Hawker 750/800XP). 

For more information on these program 

enhancements, please contact your Sales 

Executive or Account Executive. 

NETJETS EUROPE PEAK PERIOD DAYS 

NetJets Europe Peak Period Days differ significantly from those in the 

NetJets U.S. program, and many of them fall during the busy summer 

travel months. All flights taken on NetJets Europe aircraft on Peak Period 

Days require 48 hours’ notice for NetJets Owners4 and 120 hours for 

Marquis Jet Card Owners. If a country has a permit restriction or other 

requirement, however, more notice may be needed to schedule your flight. 

Upcoming NetJets Europe Peak Period Days 

June 8, 2012 

Marquis 

June 10, 

Jet 

2012 

Card 

Owners 

1 Excludes flights on NetJets Europe Peak Period Days. 

2 Includes six minutes of taxi time at the beginning and end of each flight. 

3 Calculation based on Management Fee per hour calculation using current pricing. Your savings 

may vary. 

4 NetJets Owners of 25-hour shares may be subject to the same number of Peak Period Days 

and the same Peak Period Day restrictions as Marquis Jet Card Owners. Please refer to your 

contract for details. 

Payments allowed under the 

foreign corrupt practices act 

If you plan to fly to countries or regions outside 

of the United States, Canada, Western Europe, 

Australia, and New Zealand, please be aware of the 

possibility that situations might arise where you may 

be requested to make a payment in order to receive 

certain governmental services. 

These payments, called “Facilitation Payments,” are 

made by a person in order to receive only what the 

law already permits him or her to receive. Examples 

may include a fueler at a government-owned FBO 

who refuses to fuel the aircraft before receiving a tip 

or a customs agent who requests an expediting fee 

to process the customs paperwork before going to 

lunch. Although facilitation payments are not illegal 

under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 

(FCPA), which prohibits the making of bribes and other 

illegal payments or gifts to foreign government officials, 

NetJets does not endorse facilitation payments and 

such payments cannot be made in countries where 

this practice would be illegal under the laws of those 

countries. Still, it is an unfortunate reality that this 

system is commonplace in numerous countries. 

NetJets crewmembers may have some money 

on hand, but they do not carry sufficient cash to 

meet all of these potential situations. In addition, in 

accordance with the U.K. Bribery Act, crewmembers 

aboard NetJets Europe flights are prohibited from 

making any facilitation payments, regardless of 

whether the flight originates or terminates in the U.K. 

Note that routine tips or gratuities paid to ensure that 

all services are provided effectively and efficiently 

(e.g. tipping for handling, lavatory cleaning, fueling, 

catering, etc.) are not normally considered to be 

facilitation payments. 

Your Owner Services Team will assist you in 

preparing for your travel out of the country. 

20 | NETJETS UPDATE SUMMER 2012 | 21 

June 8, 2012 

NetJets 

Owners4 N/A 

June 15, 2012 

June 22, 2012 

June 22, 2012 

N/A 

June 29, 2012 

July 1, 2012 

July 6, 2012 

N/A 

July 13, 2012 

July 20, 2012 

July 27, 2012 

June 14, 2012 

June 15, 2012 

June 22, 2012 

June 22, 2012 

June 24, 2012 

June 24, 2012 

June 28, 2012 

June 28, 2012 

June 29, 2012 

July 1, 2012 

July 6, 2012 

July 12, 2012 

July 13, 2012 

July 20, 2012 

July 27, 2012 

July 27, 2012 

Beginning of Euro 2012 

Summer 

Description 

half term & 

French Open Final 

Art Basel 

Art Basel 

Heavy demand & 

Euro Euro 2012 2012 (Quarter-final) Quarterfinal 


Euro Euro 2012 2012 (Quarter-final) 

Quarterfinal 


Euro Euro 2012 2012 (Quarter-final) 

Quarterfinal 

Heavy demand 

Euro 2012 Final 

Heavy demand 

Heavy demand 

Heavy demand 

Summer break 

Summer break & Olympic 

Games Opening Ceremony


NetJets 

looks East 

In March 2012, NetJets unveiled additional details for our 

new joint venture in the People’s Republic of China. Subject to 

obtaining relevant regulatory approvals, NetJets China Business 

Aviation Limited will be a joint venture among NetJets Inc., a 

consortium of Chinese investors led by Hony Jinsi Investment 

Management (Beijing) Ltd, and Fung Aviation. 

The joint venture and its operational base will be headquartered 

in Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city approximately one hour by fast 

ferry from Hong Kong. A Memorandum of Understanding with 

the Zhuhai Aviation Industry Park was signed in Hong Kong in 

August 2011 and was witnessed by the Central Government’s 

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang. NetJets China has filed for the 

necessary aviation licenses from the Government and will 

commence operations as soon as those approvals are obtained. 

NetJets China will begin with managing and chartering aircraft 

that are wholly-owned by customers, rather than fractional 

aircraft ownership. Naturally, NetJets China will be devoted to 

upholding the same standards of excellence in safety that are 

employed in the NetJets U.S. and NetJets Europe programs. 

A significant number of Owners already travel to, from, and within 

China. Your needs and requirements have been a driving factor in 

our decision to develop a long-term, localized presence there. 

“The Chinese aviation market has phenomenal growth potential 

and we believe that introducing the NetJets service in China will 

enhance our brand’s global offering for customers around the 

globe,” said NetJets Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell. 



SUMMER 2012 | 23


Referral Appreciation Program 


Refer. Register. Receive. 


Both NetJets Owners and Marquis Jet Card 

Owners now get rewarded for referrals 

When you tell a friend, colleague, or even a family member about NetJets, and 

he or she purchases a NetJets ShareTM , NetJets LeaseTM , or Marquis Jet Card, 

we will reward both you and the person you referred with promotional hours 

on the respective aircraft type you own. You can receive promotional hours for 

referrals more than once, as there is no limit. 

Promotional hours are based on the product owned by the referring Owner and 

the product purchased by the referred Owner. 

REFERRAL 

AWARD CHART 

Referring Owner 

receives 

Referred Owner 

receives 

Referral and purchase of 

50-hour or larger 

NetJets Share or NetJets Lease 

Referral and purchase of 

25-hour or larger 

Marquis Jet Card 

2 promo hours 1 promo hour 

To register a prospect 

• Contact your Sales Executive or Account Executive 

• Call the dedicated NetJets Referrals phone number at 877-535-4162 

• Send an email to referrals@netjets.com 

Terms and conditions 

• To qualify for the Referral Appreciation Program, the person you refer must 

be a new contact for NetJets (not in conversations with NetJets within the 

previous six months) and must close on a share, lease, or card within 12 

months of the referral date. Retroactive referrals do not apply. 

• Promotional hours are not credits to your existing contract; they are 

promotional hours on a new contract. 

• Promotional hours are available within 30 days of the referred Owner’s closing 

and must be used within 12 months. 

• Promotional-hour flights are flown under CFR Part 135. 

• Form 1099-MISC will be issued to the referring Owner for flight-hour benefits valued 

at $600 or more. The value of the flight-hour benefit will be calculated using the 

Standard Industry Fare Level (“SIFL”) method and rates published by the IRS. In most 

cases, the flight benefit for a two-hour flight with five or fewer passengers, calculated 

using SIFL, is not subject to Form 1099 reporting. Please note that flight-hour benefits 

in excess of two hours (resulting from multiple referrals) and/or flights with five or 

more passengers onboard may result in a taxable flight benefit, subject to Form 1099 

reporting. Form 1099 is not required for the referred Owner. Please contact your Sales 

Executive or Account Executive for more details. 

SUMMER 2012 | 25


A New Day 

at Bridgeway 

NetJets Opens New Headquarters 

at Port Columbus International Airport 


Cutting the ribbon 

On April 4, 2012, NetJets 

held a ribbon-cutting 

ceremony to officially open 

our new Columbus 

headquarters on Bridgeway 

Avenue. NetJets Inc. 

Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell led the ceremony, which was 

attended by hundreds of NetJets team members and special guests 

from the community, including local dignitaries. Hansell thanked 

everyone involved for their hard work in completing and opening the 

facility earlier than originally scheduled. Following the ceremony, VIPs 

toured the new building and joined NetJets employees at a static 

display of a new Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft on the NetJets ramp. 

Good for employees, good for Owners 

Owners will be better served by having all Columbus-based 

employees in one place. Since so many NetJets 

departments work in close collaboration, it will be easier for 

team members to meet with one another to foster ideas and 

efficiently resolve issues. 

The new building is attached by a second-floor walkway to the 

original Bridgeway office, which continues to house approximately 

800 flight operations employees. The 140,000 square-foot 

LEED-certified facility is now home to about 500 employees who 

previously worked in leased office space four miles away. The move 

will save NetJets approximately $900,000 a year. 

“Our main goal was to (locate the headquarters) next to our other 

facility so that everyone could walk back and forth and exchange 

information and create even more of a team atmosphere,” Hansell 

said. And with abundant windows providing close-up views of 

the airport, Hansell said that “reminds people on a daily basis 

why we’re here.” 

The new building also allows employees to spend more time at 

the office and less time in transit. NetJets Senior Vice President, 

Aircraft Management Chuck Suma said he used to have to drive 

between the Easton and Bridgeway offices three times per day. 

“It’s a totally different atmosphere here and so good to have 

everyone in one place,” he said. 

Commitment to Columbus 

U.S. Representative Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio), whose district includes 

the location of the new building, and Columbus Mayor Michael 

Coleman both spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony about the 

importance of NetJets in the Columbus community. Rep. Tiberi 

said of the new building, “It’s great for Columbus, central Ohio, 

and the state.” 

“Columbus is alive and well. Columbus is a city that works. 

NetJets is an example of how it works,” said Mayor Coleman. 

“NetJets employees are proud of NetJets and are great 

ambassadors for NetJets and Columbus.” 

Of the complicated process involving the FAA, EPA, Columbus 

Regional Airport Authority, city of Columbus, and Franklin County, 

Coleman added, “To see a partnership in the city between the 

private sector and the public sector is great. I see nothing but 

bigger and better things for NetJets and the city; expectations 

are high for both.” 

Top left: The new NetJets headquarters in Columbus. 

Inset: NetJets Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell, joined by local leaders, 

cuts the ribbon as NetJets begins a new era. 

FOR THE POSITION LAST WORD ONLY 

NetJets Senior Vice President, Aircraft Management Chuck Suma stands in 

front of the four-story mural at the new corporate headquarters. 

At NetJets, we are planning for the future. As you have 

seen in this newsletter, we are taking delivery of a 

Phenom 300 demonstrator aircraft and are adding the 

Global 5000 and Global 6000 to the NetJets fleet later 

this year. We moved into our new headquarters, and we 

became the first fractional operator to attain Level III of 

the FAA’s Safety Management System. And we continue 

to create unforgettable events for you and your family. 

The common thread in all of these developments is 

that they are intended to better serve you and to enrich 

your ownership experience. To that end, you’ve also 

seen inside this newsletter that we continue to provide 

exclusive offers through partnerships with some of the 

world’s most desirable brands. We encourage you to take 

advantage of these opportunities. 

Providing Owners with the best possible service is always 

paramount, and it continues to guide us in all that we do. 

I wish you happy travels this summer. 

Chuck Suma 

Senior Vice President, Aircraft Management 

NetJets Inc 

SUMMER 2012 | 27

FOR POSITION ONLY 

Prepay and Save 

By electing to prepay your account for a minimum 

12-month period, NetJets Share and NetJets Lease 

Owners receive a net present value discount as well as the 

convenience of not receiving invoices on a monthly basis. 

With the NetJets Prepay Option, we provide you with 

an invoice that encompasses Monthly Management 

Fees, Lease Payments, and/or estimated Occupied 

Hourly Fees for the year. The invoice includes annual 

and any other scheduled escalations that occur during 

the actual prepayment period as well as estimated fuel 

usage and applicable Federal Excise Tax. 

Each month, your actual flight activity charges and 

associated Monthly Management Fees or Lease 

Payments are applied to the prepaid amount. At the 

end of the 12-month period, any prepaid balance 

remaining is applied to the following year’s prepayment. 

If your actual charges exceed your prepaid amount 

at any point during the 12-month period, you are 

invoiced the estimated amount to cover the remaining 

prepayment term. 

To start using the Prepay Option, for the current net 

present value discount, or for more information, 

contact your Sales Executive or Account Executive. 

NetJets Inc. is a Berkshire Hathaway company. 

All fractional aircraft offered by NetJets ® in the United States are managed and 

operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. Executive Jet ® Management, Inc. provides 

management services for customers with aircraft that are not fractionally owned, and 

provides charter air transportation services using select aircraft from its managed 

fleet. Both of these operating companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of NetJets 

Inc. All fractional aircraft offered by NetJets Europe are operated, maintained, and 

crewed by NetJets Transportes Aéreos, SA, a Portuguese/EU air carrier. Marquis Jet ® 

Partners, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. and sells the Marquis Jet 

Card ® . Marquis Jet Card flights are operated by NetJets Aviation under its 14 CFR Part 

135 Air Carrier Certificate. 

©2012 NetJets Inc. All rights reserved. NetJets, Executive Jet, Marquis Jet, and 

Marquis Jet Card are registered service marks. ONL11212 

2 | NETJETS UPDATE

Download full Newsletter - NetJets

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?