The VIP Seat: Private Aviation News
Join Jessie Naor and Preston Holland on The VIP Seat for the latest insights in private aviation, covering business aviation trends, private jet reviews, and more. We break down the biggest stories of the week in corporate aviation, from jet charter trends and Part 135 shenanigans to aviation safety news that the big players hope you'll miss. Expect hot takes, sharp analysis, and real talk with industry insiders, operators, and disruptors. Whether you’re flying private or an industry insider, buckle up and let's take off.
Solairus Aviation Gets Bigger, Wheels Up Still in a Turnaround?
Is Wheels Up finally building momentum—or simply burning more runway? We break down their latest financial release (not financial advice!).
This week, we battle it out over the Wheels Up Q2 results. The fleet transition is done early, the premium operation is more reliable, and management has put a 70-plus-hour utility target on the board. But cash burn, debt, deferred revenue and Delta support remain the real pressure points.
We also break down Solairus and Clay Lacy's deal, NetJets’ jet-card pause, Chris Rocheleau’s return to NBAA, Real Jet's Crytpo.com ne...
Inside the Mind of a Jet Owner: XplusLuxe on What Operators Get Wrong With Private Fliers
An anonymous, but infamous, aircraft owner known as XPlusLuxe joins The VIP Seat Podcast for one of our most fascinating conversations yet.
Known online for his legendary aircraft collection and viral aviation content, “Mr. T” shares what he’s learned after building a fleet of private jets—and why he believes most owners, operators, and even manufacturers misunderstand the economics of business aviation.
In this exclusive interview we discuss:
✈️ How a hedge fund manager became obsessed with private aviation
📊 Why data—not emotion—should drive aircraft purc...
$3B Bombardier Order, NYC Helicopter Bird Strike?
Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company, backed by the PIF, signs a Farnborough LOI with Bombardier for a firm order of 12 Challenger and Global jets plus options that could take the deal to around $2.8–3B and up to 60 aircraft. We break down FlyExclusive’s latest Jet Club press release, with record flight hours, an average $190K deposit per new member, and a 32% year‑over‑year jump in May deposits—and ask whether those prepaid hours will translate into profitable margins when earnings drop. Jessie and Preston unpack new NTSB documents on the Hudson River sightseeing helicopter crash, where Smithsonian feather lab...
Seized Cessna in the Supreme Court, World Cup Business Aviation Miles
This week, Preston joins live from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with news on Emily Deaton's move to NBAA and show updates. Then: a 14-year-old bush pilot case out of Alaska heads to the U.S. Supreme Court over a six-pack of beer and a seized Cessna, a viral air traffic control exchange reignites the cockpit-professionalism debate, and two market reports land the same week — one on the private aircraft MRO boom, one on the ultra-wealthy buyers reshaping the business jet market. Plus: Textron's new Pipistrel Voyager trainer arrives right as the FAA's MOSAIC rule takes effect, Gianni Infantino's Gulfstream G650 ra...
Elonomics at FL450: Starlink’s Sticker Shock and Embraer’s New Phenom
This week’s episode of The VIP Seat hits all the major pressure points in business aviation: connectivity, new aircraft, regulation, legal risk, and AI‑driven fraud. Jessie and Preston start with Starlink’s latest aviation pricing changes, breaking down “Elonomics” at altitude—regional Aviation Unlimited rising to $12,500 per month with a 500 Mbps cap, the 25 GB plan doubling from $2,000 to $4,000, and a worldwide 1 Gbps unlimited tier now at $20,000 per month. They walk through what this means for new Gulfstreams, charter fleets, and other private jets that already require $300,000–$500,000 of Starlink hardware, and why some operators’ annual Wi‑Fi bills could approach 10...
Supersonic Flight Returns, Airport Expansion Blocked by Nudists
This week on The VIP Seat, we’re covering one of the strangest weeks in aviation news yet.
The FAA moves one step closer to allowing civilian supersonic flight over the United States, and what that could mean for Boom Supersonic and the future of business aviation.
Plus:
Canada’s bizarre battle between Billy Bishop Airport expansion and a historic nudist beach.China grounds virtually all general aviation around Beijing after a small aircraft crashes into a skyscraper.Inside the Sun Valley billionaires conf...Flexjet's Exclusive Gulfstreams, AirSprint Sells to PE & Jet Engine Lawsuits Heat Up
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down the biggest stories in business aviation — from Wheels Up becoming the launch customer for Surf Air’s AI-powered SurfOS platform to the growing race for the private aviation software layer.
They also ring the Canadian M&A Gong for AirSprint’s private equity deal, unpack ATI Jet/JetVia’s lawsuit against Pratt & Whitney over engine program delays, and discuss new safety concerns from slacklines and drones creating risks for pilots.
Plus, Kennedy Ricci of 4AIR joins the show to explain CORSIA...
Air Force One Retires, NetJets Faces Tragedy & AirShare Goes Viral
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down a packed week in business aviation.
We start with Global Jet Capital’s $659 million aircraft-backed securitization and why Fortune 500 companies use operating leases for corporate jets. Then AirShare CEO John Owen joins us for a special Mile High Madness segment after the company went viral offering to fly Freddy to a World Cup match on a private jet.
We also discuss the retirement of one of the classic Air Force One 747-200s, the controversy surrounding the Qatari 747-8...
Steve Varsano Joins Flexjet, FlyHouse Reshuffles & AeroVanti Founder Convicted
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland unpack a packed week of private aviation headlines. FlyHouse announces a leadership change, raising new questions about its ambitious “Uber for private jets” strategy. NetJets files for an exemption to extend certain crew duty limits, sparking a bigger conversation about fatigue, rest rules, and whether safety practices should be shared across the industry.
Plus, Cirrus faces federal restrictions tied to Chinese ownership, AeroVanti’s founder is convicted in a major wire fraud case, Steve Varsano sells The Jet Business to Flexjet/Directional Capital, and Mile High Madnes...
Kenny Dichter on Billion Dollar Revenues, Leaving Wheels Up, and Keeping it REAL
This interview with Kenny Dichter and Robert Withers of REAL Jet covers the founding of Marquis Jet, the success of Avion Tequila, the experience with capital markets, the growth of Wheels Up, and the impact of going public on the industry. It also highlights the importance of authentic conversations and the journey to becoming a billion-dollar company.
The conversation delves into the challenges faced during COVID, lessons learned, and the evolving landscape of the aviation industry. It also explores the transition from Wheels Up to RealJet, the vision for RealJet and Real SLX, and the...
Biffle Crash Litigation: Pilot Liability, LLCs & Aviation Insurance Gaps
Aviation attorney Joe LoRusso joins Jessie Naor and Preston Holland to explain the lawsuits following the Greg Biffle aircraft crash, including aircraft LLC liability, pilot qualification issues, insurance coverage questions, operational control, and why litigation often begins long before an NTSB final report is released.
The episode also covers responsible crash commentary, underinsurance in private aviation, Flexjet’s win against the IRS over federal excise tax, the GAO’s eVTOL infrastructure report, V2 Jets’ acquisition of Corporate Aviation, and the possible sale of ICE’s Gulfstream G700s.
Thank you to AB Jets...
Berkshire’s Delta Stake, Wheels Up’s Future
Berkshire Hathaway has disclosed a major stake in Delta Air Lines — but with Delta now deeply tied to Wheels Up, what does that mean for private aviation, premium travel, and NetJets?
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down Berkshire’s Delta investment, Delta’s continued commitment to Wheels Up, and the growing connection between airline premium cabins and private jet customers. They also discuss the NTSB’s decision to shut down safety dockets after AI tools were used to reconstruct cockpit voice recorder audio from spectrograms, raising major qu...
Mamdani coming for private jets? FAA Cuts Controller Positions
Private jets under attack in New York?! Not so fast.
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down a viral headline claiming NYC’s new mayor is coming after private aviation and why the reality is a lot more complicated (and a lot more political). From Port Authority power plays to sponsored “journalism,” they separate fact from fear.
Plus:
The truth behind shocking headlines about pilots and drugs (it’s not what you think)Trump’s White House helipad plans and what it says about aviation in politicsSpirit Airlines chaos: rep...ATG Not Dead Yet, FlyExclusive’s “Positive” EBITDA & Apocalypse Private Jet Tracker
From Gogo’s latest ATG whiplash to the world’s first piloted hydrogen‑electric helicopter circuit, this week’s VIP Seat is packed with the stories insiders are actually talking about. In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down the most important—and the strangest—moves in business aviation right now, with their usual mix of data, operator reality, and memes.
We start with Gogo’s 5G saga and the surprise six‑month reprieve for legacy ATG users. After years of delays, chip and software issues, and shifting launch timelines, Gogo’s next‑gen network is suppo...
Aviation News Mega Show: Spirit Collapse, Piaggio Return, Wifi Wars
Spirit Airlines’ big yellow buses have officially been parked for good, and this week we unpack what its bankruptcy and shutdown really mean for fares, competition, and consumers in key markets like Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and beyond. Jessie and Preston wrestle with the bailout question, government intervention in failed mergers, and whether killing the Frontier and JetBlue deals helped set Spirit up for failure. They also share their own very mixed experiences on Spirit’s “big front seat” and what the loss of an ultra-low-cost carrier does to ticket prices on the majors.
From there, the conv...
Hop-A-Jet on Loss, Leadership & the Challenger 604 Accident
In this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland sit down with Barry Ellis, CEO of Hop-A-Jet, for an important and deeply candid conversation following the release of the NTSB final report on the February 2024 Challenger 604 accident in Naples, Florida.
Barry reflects on the loss of pilots Ed Murphy and Ian Hoffman, the extraordinary actions of the flight attendant and passengers who survived, and the difficult realities of leading an aviation company through an accident response.
The conversation also examines the NTSB’s findings, including corrosion in both en...
Bond Goes Big, Wheels Up Slides, and EBACE Gets Canceled
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down Bond’s growing Bombardier order book, fresh Vista IPO chatter, Wheels Up’s latest reverse stock split, and what EBACE’s cancellation says about the state of business aviation events. They also dig into JetNet IQ’s shake-up, the FAA’s smart air traffic control modernization push, and a Mile High Madness segment on cheap old jets and social-media storytelling in private aviation.
Jet Fuel, War Risk, and a Family Business
In this episode of The VIP Seat, Avfuel president C.R. Sincock pulls back the curtain on how jet fuel really moves from wellhead to wing, why pipeline access and storage are the true competitive moats, and how a family-owned company scaled into a multi‑billion‑dollar “downstream aviation energy” powerhouse without selling out to private equity. We dig into the Strait of Hormuz crisis, war premiums, airline hedging, and what sustained volatility means for FBO margins, charter rates, and operators trying to budget fuel in 2026 and beyond. C.R. also shares the Avfuel origin story, the generational handoff from his...
Jet Fuel, War Risk, and a Family Legacy
In this episode of The VIP Seat, AvFuel president C.R. Sincock pulls back the curtain on how jet fuel really moves from wellhead to wing, why pipeline access and storage are the true competitive moats, and how a family-owned company scaled into a multi‑billion‑dollar “downstream aviation energy” powerhouse without selling out to private equity. We dig into the Strait of Hormuz crisis, war premiums, airline hedging, and what sustained volatility means for FBO margins, charter rates, and operators trying to budget fuel in 2026 and beyond. C.R. also shares the AvFuel origin story, the generational handoff from his...
Helicopter Scams on Everest, Atlantic Aviation’s $10 Billion Valuation
On this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the alleged Nepal medevac insurance fraud scheme involving Everest trekkers, guides, doctors, and helicopter operators, and why the story matters beyond just the trekking world.
They also break down Atlantic Aviation’s reported $10 billion transaction, the FAA-industry focus on circling approach safety at airports like Teterboro and Van Nuys, the repeal of Washington state’s proposed aircraft luxury tax, and NOAA’s upgraded domestic aviation weather forecasting system.
This episode is sponsored by AB Jets.
Private Jet Summer: G650 Values Rise, World Cup Chaos Ahead
Private jet summer is almost here, and the market is already getting interesting.
This week, we bring on Greg Sydor from Guardian Jet after his viral post on the G650 market to explain why these aircraft are holding value far better than expected — and in some cases appreciating. Then we dig into a fake Delta Private Jets website, FlyExclusive’s free FMS rollout, TSA funding issues, Sam Graves’ retirement, and what operators should be watching as the Masters and World Cup put major pressure on the system.
Thanks to AB Jets<...
Falcon 10X Rolls Out While AOPA Faces a Full-Blown Governance Crisis
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down the long-awaited Falcon 10X as Dassault’s new flagship finally moves toward test flight. They dig into what makes the aircraft stand out, where it falls short against competitors, and what Dassault’s delivery struggles may signal about priorities inside a company balancing business jets and defense.
Then they turn to the continuing AOPA leadership drama, unpacking the timeline behind the CEO exit, the board fallout, proxy backlash, and what the controversy says about trust, governance, and the future of advo...
How Wall Street Sees Business Aviation with Nick Fazioli, Jefferies
Business aviation has quietly become one of the most investable sectors in aerospace—but how does Wall Street actually see it?
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston sit down with Nick Fazioli, Managing Director and Global Head of Aerospace & Aviation Investment Banking at Jefferies to break down the capital markets behind business aviation.
From the evolution of BizAv from a “cottage industry” to an institutional investment category, to the surge in private equity, charter consolidation, and infrastructure plays, this episode dives into the forces shaping the industry’s next dec...
Jet Fuel Price Shock, Priester’s Buying Spree, AirX Earnings and Supernal Cuts
Recorded at Verticon 2026, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down rising aviation fuel costs linked to Iran tensions, what jet fuel surcharges mean for charter operators and consumers, Priester Aviation’s latest acquisitions, FlyHouse’s expansion strategy, AirX’s year-end results, American Airlines serving boxed wine in first class, and Supernal’s major layoffs in the eVTOL sector.
From 43,000 FT: Starlink Cracks Down, FlyHouse’s $500M Valuation
In this week’s episode of The VIP Seat, we take “live” to a whole new altitude — literally. Jessie and Preston record their first-ever in-person episode at 43,000 feet over Memphis aboard AB Jets’ brand-new Challenger 3500, while the flight crew spells “VIP SEAT” in the sky (yes, you can track it).
We kick things off with a breakdown of the Praetor 500/600 “E” announcement — what actually changed, what didn’t, and why the hype may have outpaced the substance. Then we get into the big story that broke mid-flight: FlyHouse heading to market at a reported $500M valuation while target...
What Wheels Up’s Adjusted EBITDA Actually Means and Why the FAA’s 135 List Problems Matter
The conversation delves into the financial reporting of Wheels Up, the challenges of analyzing aviation news, and the errors in the FAA's list of part 135 operators. It also touches on the impact of social media on industry decisions and the upcoming event by Embraer Executive Jets.
Takeaways
Adjusted EBITDA reporting can be misleadingChallenges in vetting operators due to FAA errorsThe influence of social media on industry decisionsChapters
00:00 Wheels Up Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA05:34 Errors in FAA's List of Part 135 Operators13:15 Impact of Social Media on Industry Decisions30:05 Upcoming Event...VistaJet Fleet Strategy, Guinea Pilot Arrests & Hop-A-Jet Lawsuit
VistaJet places a massive order for 40 Bombardier Challenger 3500s (with up to 120 options) following $1.3B in financing—what it means for fleet operators, delivery slots, and the super-mid market. We break down Bombardier’s global MRO expansion, bond financing strategy, and why the Challenger 300/3500 platform continues to dominate.
Plus: two American Gulfstream pilots jailed in Guinea under severe conditions, the El Paso airspace shutdown and counter-drone confusion, Hop-A-Jet’s lawsuit following the crash, and a data-driven discussion on pilot hiring, DEI policies, and aviation safety statistics.
We also cover Jeff Bezos’ Gulfstre...
AOPA CEO is Out, Skyryse’s $300M Raise, and Super Bowl Private Jet Surge
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down the AOPA leadership shakeup (and the remote-work subplot), dig into what Skyryse’s $300M raise and $1.15B valuation could mean for helicopter safety and “flying car” reality, and react to a surprise move in the latest funding bill that blocks FAA single-pilot research. Plus: Super Bowl jet traffic hits absurd levels, FBO event fees go vertical, and Mile High Madness delivers foam-system corrosion pain… and a Shark Tank “G6” moment that made aviation Twitter collectively spit out its coffee.
Corporate Aviation Turbulence: Tariffs, FAA Shutdown, Global M&A
Private aviation is navigating uncertainty—but capital is still moving. In this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland (reporting from Corporate Jet Investor London) on tariff volatility, FAA furloughs, shifting European sentiment, sustainability pressure, safety reforms, and why record global M&A activity may signal strong tailwinds for business aviation despite the noise.
Corporate Jets Brace For Bombardier Decertification Threat
In a special breaking-news edition of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland unpack President Trump’s overnight Truth Social post threatening Bombardier decertification and 50% tariffs on Canadian aircraft over stalled Gulfstream certifications. We break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, how aircraft certification reciprocity works between the FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada, and why this move—while dramatic—fits a familiar Trump negotiation playbook. From supply-chain exposure and fractional fleet risk to the broader geopolitical context involving Canada, China, and U.S. manufacturing, this episode separates real operational risk from headline panic and explains who should b...
Private Jet Deicing Challenges, Billion-Dollar Resolutions
A tragic Challenger accident in Maine puts winter flying under the microscope on this week’s VIP Seat. Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down what private aviation gets wrong about de-icing—and why Part 91 and 135 operations don’t have the same guardrails as the airlines.
From holdover times and fluid limitations to the uncomfortable reality of passenger pressure in the cockpit, this episode explains why snow isn’t the real danger—human factors are. Jessie shares hard-earned insights on operational control, assertiveness, and why trusting your pilot sometimes means accepting an overnight delay.
T...
600 Private Planes Deregistered, SACI Fallout and Telluride’s No-Margin Runway
This week on The VIP Seat, the internet declared aviation doom—and Jessie Naor and Preston Holland went digging for the receipts.
First up: the SACI/Southern Aircraft Consultancy frenzy. Over 600 aircraft registrations were revoked, emergency town halls popped up overnight, and owners started calling brokers asking if their trust was about to “blow up.” Jessie and Preston unpack what foreign ownership trusts actually are, why the FAA’s rules feel like they were written in 1950 (because… they kind of were), and why this story sounded bigger than it really was...
NASA Flying Perks, Business Jets have a Record Year
The conversation covers the expansion and major moves in the private aviation industry, including Bond's acquisition of a 135 charter certificate and its fractional ownership strategy. It also delves into controversial job posts, stock claims, and NASA's employee perks, shedding light on the challenges and developments in the industry. The conversation covers a range of topics including space travel, NTSB's address of stall testing issues, Monarch Air Group's lawsuit against Blade Urban Air Mobility, a record year for business jet departures, and challenges in the business aviation maintenance industry.
Takeaways
Private aviation industry expansionChallenges in...Autoland, Autocrats, and Aviation Chaos: Business Aviation Kicks Off 2026
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest happenings in the aviation industry, including the chaos caused by the capture of Maduro, the bankruptcy of Jet It, and the implications of the Garmin Autoland technology. They also touch on regulatory changes with the Rotor Act and the ongoing legal battle between Wheels Up and Fly Exclusive. The conversation highlights the challenges and innovations within the business aviation sector as they welcome the new year.
Season 2 Finale - This year's trends, biggest winners and losers in the private jet business
Join Jessie Naor and Preston Holland as they wrap up Season 2 with a special episode of "The VIP Seat." Dive into the top trends of 2025, biggest winners and losers, and bold predictions for 2026. Don't miss the engaging discussions and insights that have made this season unforgettable. Tune in for a finale packed with industry insights and a look ahead to the future!
$300M Data Center, Netjets and Starlink Unlikely Fellows, and CSX Flight Dept. Says Goodbye
Summary
In this episode, Preston Holland and Al White discuss various topics in the aviation industry, including Boom Supersonic's recent funding, the viability of corporate flight departments, and the ongoing connectivity wars between Starlink and its competitors. They also touch on social media reactions in the Mile High Madness segment and provide updates on recent mergers and acquisitions, particularly Bond's fundraising efforts. The conversation highlights the challenges and trends within the aviation sector, offering insights into the future of business aviation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:07 Boom Supersonic's $300 Million Fundraising
<...Chinese Private Jets, First Global 8000 Delivered, Netjets Customer Skips Bills
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest trends in business aviation, including the emergence of new competitors in the market, particularly from China. They explore consumer preferences, the dynamics of the Challenger 300 market, and the implications of a recent lawsuit involving NetJets. The conversation also touches on the use of government jets for personal travel and concludes with insights on the newly delivered Global 8000 aircraft.
Special thanks to Real Jet for sponsoring this episode! https://realjet.com/
Private Jets, Solar Flares, And Rogue Drones: Why Aviation Headlines Keep Getting It Wrong
On this week’s episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston take aim at some of the most viral – and most misleading – aviation headlines making the rounds right now. From a Disney heiress getting fact-checked on private jet traffic, to questions about solar flares and Airbus A320 flight control issues, to Amazon’s delivery drones tangling with power lines and cranes, this episode breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and what actually matters for safety and consumers. A special thanks to our sponsor - REAL Jet! Check them out at www.realjet.com
You’ll he...
Pilatus Tariffs Nixed, Airport Closure Battles, the end of the Bonanza, Joby/ARCHER espionage
Welcome back to The VIP Seat: your top destination for private aviation and business aviation news.
This week was HUGE for the industry: tariff relief for Pilatus aircraft, major airport shutdown fights in Boulder and Cleveland, Sky Harbour's expansion at PDK, Textron sunsetting the Baron & Bonanza in favor of the Denali, FAA'S ATC overhaul updates, and spicy corporate espionage accusations between Joby and Archer in the eVTOL world.
Whether you're flying corporate jets, managing a flight department, working in private aviation, or just a business-aviation fanatic - this is the show for you.
Hydrogen Helicopter Takes Off, Air Travel Back On Track and Freeman Goes FBO Shopping
The VIP Seat unpacks everything from hydrogen-powered helicopters to a Dulles people-mover slamming into a terminal. Jessie and Preston kick off the show addressing last week’s AI-generated newsletter chaos before diving into the newest NBAA Standard Operating Procedures and what standardized training could mean for Part 135 safety.
Then it’s into Mile High Madness, where Jessie finally solves a lifelong mystery: what the Airbus PTU (“the barking dog”) actually looks like. From there, the conversation shifts to hydrogen propulsion breakthroughs, including Unither’s fuel-cell Robinson R44 and why hydrogen may beat batteries for real-world...
