Inside Look Van Rooyen Group’s Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes

Post Published January 5, 2025

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Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Van Rooyen Group Adds New Africa Routes from San Francisco with Latest Aircraft





The Van Rooyen Group is expanding its private jet service with new routes from San Francisco to Africa, using their recently purchased Falcon 7X. This plane, recognized for its dependability and high-tech features, is intended for extended journeys and delivers a high-end cabin for affluent passengers looking for direct access to different spots in Africa. This move highlights the group’s intent to stay in the game when it comes to providing upscale travel experiences.

Van Rooyen Group's expansion includes new African charter routes originating from San Francisco, made possible by the introduction of their Falcon 7X. This particular aircraft, a tri-jet, is engineered to handle shorter runways, enabling access to more diverse locations within Africa – locations a typical twin-engine jet might bypass. Its extended range, exceeding 5,950 nautical miles, supports non-stop flights from the US West Coast to various African hubs, offering considerably shorter travel times. The Falcon 7X can travel at around 560 mph, making it time competitive with commercial options, though in an enhanced environment of comfort and privacy.

These new routes have the potential to open up less frequented destinations in Africa, giving these communities an economic boost through tourism and business. Cabin comfort has also been engineered with the reduction of travel fatigue in mind. It maintains a cabin altitude of only 6,000 feet, leading to less tiredness on those very long haul transcontinental routes. Surprisingly, given the expense, post-pandemic the demand for private aviation in Africa has jumped. I find it intriguing how that sector might continue to grow. Furthermore, advances in satellite connectivity allows high speed internet on this aircraft, which seems important given that modern business often demands continuous communication regardless of time zones or location.

Finally, there is potential for the integration of reward schemes into this segment. Some operators are increasingly accepting travel miles and points for private charter options and the potential exists for passengers to both business and luxury travellers to take advantage of this. The new routes may also spur more culinary experiences, giving access to regional chefs and local traditions – it's always intriguing to explore what the world's culinary diversity has to offer. It's noteworthy to consider how these new travel options will help facilitate global business opportunities and cultural events.

What else is in this post?

  1. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Van Rooyen Group Adds New Africa Routes from San Francisco with Latest Aircraft
  2. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Inside the $45 Million Deal that Brought N7MR msn 26 to US Skies
  3. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - What the Falcon 7X Range Means for New York to Dubai Direct Flights
  4. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Private Jet Terminal Access Expands at 15 European Airports
  5. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Why US Charter Companies Switch from Gulfstream to Falcon Aircraft
  6. Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Four New Private Aviation Routes Opening Between US and Asia in 2025

Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Inside the $45 Million Deal that Brought N7MR msn 26 to US Skies





Inside Look Van Rooyen Group’s Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes

The Van Rooyen Group's $45 million purchase of the Falcon 7X, aircraft N7MR msn 26, is a major investment that aims to improve their private aviation services in the United States. This nearly 16-year-old plane, previously part of Trident Aviation’s fleet, boasts considerable range and seating for 12. The acquisition potentially signals a change in charter routes, as its increased capacity could open up new destinations and services, responding to the rising demand for private flights. Furthermore, the addition of the Falcon 7X might also raise service standards, mirroring larger trends in private aviation that focus on both effectiveness and luxury. Given the changing market, it will be interesting to see how this acquisition might reshape the private flight sector moving forward.

The Van Rooyen Group's recent $45 million acquisition of a Falcon 7X, designated N7MR msn 26, has caught my attention. The jet, almost 16 years old, previously belonged to Trident Aviation and, based on FAA records, was the sole Falcon 7X in their charter fleet. Its purchase, finalized through TVPX Aircraft Solutions, signals a calculated move within the private aviation landscape. Interestingly, this wasn't a brand new aircraft. The sales info, from earlier in the year, highlighted a 12-passenger capacity, and by late January 2024, this jet had accumulated 1,529 landings, showing that it has already been well utilized. This is a market where it seems that older models are in demand. It might suggest the economics of owning a slightly older but still high performance aircraft still provide a strong return on investment.

The Falcon 7X, known for its long-range capabilities, seems ideal for Van Rooyen's growing operations. This purchase suggests a strategic shift towards increasing charter offerings within their routes – not just for transcontinental trips. Its operational capabilities seem to align well with what the firm appears to be aiming for. It prompts a closer look at what happens when older models are still desirable because of a market demand for certain capabilities, raising some interesting questions about technological advancements in newer planes and the role of those advancements.



Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - What the Falcon 7X Range Means for New York to Dubai Direct Flights





The Falcon 7X's impressive range makes non-stop flights between New York and Dubai a viable option, attracting business travelers and leisure passengers. The aircraft's 5,950 nautical mile capacity allows for direct, longer journeys, without refueling stops. This capability is essential for private aviation charters. Van Rooyen Group's latest acquisition highlights a growing emphasis on time-saving and comfort. Direct routes, luxurious cabins, and state of the art capabilities provide passengers a very high-end experience that aims to redefine the standards of luxury air travel. The move signals an evolution in global travel options specifically for the private jet charter sector.

The Falcon 7X's advertised range of roughly 5,950 nautical miles makes non-stop flights between New York and Dubai a feasible undertaking, even though the actual distance between the cities is about 6,800 nautical miles. This is not always a given; factors such as headwinds and flight paths can impact practical range. However, the aircraft's capability means that direct flights are possible for private charter customers, which could be attractive for business executives needing to minimise travel times. This could be particularly advantageous for travel between the US and Middle East, offering a smoother journey without intermediate stops.

The acquisition of the Falcon 7X by Van Rooyen Group seems aligned with their broader strategy to grow their services within the luxury travel sector. The aircraft's design seems intended for long-haul flights, which would provide non-stop options for high-end clients seeking convenience. While new aircraft often have better fuel consumption, the Falcon 7X's capabilities are still well suited to meet the requirements for international travel.

The Falcon 7X's speed, reaching up to 560 mph, would allow a New York to Dubai direct flight in roughly 12 hours, which is significantly faster than the typical commercial flight and its inevitable stopovers. This jet's capabilities don’t stop at major cities; they also open up less-visited locations since this aircraft can land on shorter runways. I find this particularly important; while there are approximately 5,000 airports in the US, only about 500 can accommodate large commercial jets, illustrating a need for aircraft that can take off and land on shorter airstrips for maximum convenience.

The Falcon 7X is designed with the intention of improving passenger comfort, maintaining a lower cabin altitude of just 6,000 feet to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness. This feature may enhance passenger wellness during long-distance trips. Furthermore, it is equipped with sophisticated avionics, including fly-by-wire technology, which should mean more controlled maneuverability and a safer flight environment when compared with conventional mechanical systems.

It is also noteworthy to mention the broader changes in travel; data suggests that private aviation has seen a substantial increase in recent years, a trend that seems likely to continue with many wanting more tailored travel options. It is possible that frequent flyer programs will become commonplace in the private jet sector, just as they are in commercial aviation.

Finally, it will be intriguing to witness what new onboard culinary experiences might be launched. Given that many routes are increasingly long-haul, there is scope for onboard gastronomic offerings, possibly including bespoke menus created by regional chefs in both departure and arrival destinations, giving a heightened sense of luxury at 30,000 feet.



Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Private Jet Terminal Access Expands at 15 European Airports





Private jet terminal access is noticeably growing at 15 European airports, offering improved facilities and quicker security clearance for private aviation customers. This development shows a clear focus on upgrading infrastructure to accommodate private air travel, indicating a rise in demand among those seeking seamless travel. The updated terminal facilities will likely enable increased traffic flow for private jets, promoting a more streamlined charter flight network.

The Van Rooyen Group’s recent addition of a Falcon 7X aircraft is a strategic move in the private aviation sector. It indicates their intent to improve client service offerings and diversify their charter route map. The Falcon 7X, with its long-distance capability, should allow more flexible travel options throughout Europe and beyond. This acquisition is poised to further elevate the group's market position, targeting a high-end market segment. It's worth noting how this market will continue to evolve.

Private jet terminal access has expanded to 15 more airports across Europe, demonstrating a significant increase in infrastructure designed for private air travel. This trend implies a greater emphasis on facilitating faster and smoother transitions for private aviation clients, which might indirectly affect established commercial flight paths at key airports.

It seems that the pre-pandemic demand for private aviation is not only back, but appears to have gained momentum. Some industry reports claim a year-on-year growth of around 30%. This shift reflects a change in how people are prioritizing their travel, with privacy and exclusivity becoming key drivers of demand.

Most of the European private jet terminals are often conveniently situated within existing commercial airports. A surprising statistic shows around 60% of private jet users are actually business travelers. The advantage seems to be that they can leverage the existing airport network while avoiding the typical commercial passenger congestion and time delays.

A recent study I came across suggests that, when factoring in time saved and increased convenience, private flights could be approximately 30% more cost effective than first-class commercial tickets. This seems to be driven by the longer-lasting value that can be leveraged in terms of business opportunities. This challenges common perceptions about the cost of such travel options.

It is interesting to note that about half of today's private jet users are choosing one-way flights, diverging from the conventional expectation of round trips. This shift suggests that affluent clients are prioritizing flexible and bespoke travel arrangements.

Furthermore, accessing private jets appears to be becoming less prohibitive, as programs like fractional ownership and jet cards proliferate. These shared-economy options allow a broader demographic to benefit from reduced expenses typically associated with private travel.

Technological improvements in air traffic control systems are enabling private jets to take more direct flight paths than before. These optimized routings could shorten flight durations by as much as 15%, thus increasing overall efficiency, which must improve the perception of private air travel.

The demand for a more personalized service is steadily rising, with a good number of operators now presenting gourmet meals, some curated by Michelin-starred chefs. This trend blurs the lines between high-end air travel and elite culinary experiences, raising expectations.

It seems likely that loyalty programs similar to those in commercial airlines may become standard for private jet charter, possibly leading to more repeat business as private flyers earn points. I find the integration of such systems fascinating as it suggests a trend towards democratizing what has been seen as very exclusive sector.

Lastly, even though the thermal and pressure changes at high altitudes present unique challenges, modern aircraft such as the Falcon 7X are built to mitigate these, maintaining lower cabin altitudes and improving passenger comfort levels in a way that would not normally happen on commercial flights.



Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Why US Charter Companies Switch from Gulfstream to Falcon Aircraft





The trend of US charter companies moving away from Gulfstream and toward Falcon aircraft highlights a change in the private aviation sector, with the Falcon 7X leading the way. Its lower operating costs and enhanced fuel efficiency position the 7X as a more budget-friendly option for charter businesses. Also, the tri-jet design and the ability to land on shorter runways gives access to more exclusive destinations, something that more and more charter operators want. Given that more people want personalized, long-distance travel, the move to the Falcon 7X is a strategic move to modernise fleets and keep up with changing market trends and what clients expect. The effect of this change might transform luxury travel, as operators use the 7X's modern tech and roomy interiors to improve passenger experiences.

US charter companies appear to be increasingly choosing Falcon aircraft over Gulfstream models, largely driven by a combination of operational and economic considerations. The Falcon 7X, for instance, boasts an enhanced capability to operate from smaller airfields which means it has access to a far larger number of locations than a Gulfstream – this opens up otherwise inaccessible destinations, which appears to be a market preference. The design focus also includes passenger comfort, where the Falcon 7X maintains a lower cabin altitude, supposedly resulting in reduced fatigue compared to its competitor.

While the initial cost may appear higher, the long-term operating costs of the Falcon 7X, particularly in terms of fuel usage and maintenance, seem more advantageous. I also find that their investment in modern, fly-by-wire flight systems translates into improved operational efficiency and perhaps a more secure flight experience which charter companies can promote to potential passengers.

Although both models offer similar ranges, in practical terms the Falcon 7X's capability appears to give it an edge for those needing non-stop options under real-world payload and weather conditions. What also seems to be important is that the trend is now to select a well maintained "pre-owned" model of the Falcon, and this highlights that charter companies now seem to see the potential cost benefits when compared with the newer Gulfstream range which often come with higher acquisition prices.

Given this increase in private terminal access at major airports, the Falcon seems particularly well positioned to handle greater traffic, providing a more efficient transit time. With approximately 60% of private flights being booked for business purposes, the Falcon’s combination of transcontinental range and luxurious onboard amenities aligns nicely with the needs of time-conscious business clients. I can imagine that there will be a more focused need to cater to such travelers.

There also appears to be a possibility of loyalty programs that mirror the commercial airline model. This might suggest that more passengers could be drawn to the Falcon 7X, with a possible move away from traditional Gulfstream charter offerings.



Inside Look Van Rooyen Group's Latest Falcon 7X Acquisition and What It Means for Private Aviation Charter Routes - Four New Private Aviation Routes Opening Between US and Asia in 2025





Four new private aviation routes are set to launch in 2025, linking the US and Asia, creating more direct options for passengers. These routes seem geared towards bridging important business centers. As demand rises for easier connections, the private aviation sector is responding with expanded options for discerning clientele. Meanwhile, the Van Rooyen Group's purchase of a Falcon 7X is a noteworthy strategic move. This specific aircraft isn't just about luxury; its design lets it utilize shorter runways, increasing the number of potential destinations. It appears that a shift towards bespoke and exclusive travel is underway, and the aircraft, it seems, is well placed to meet the growing needs of private air travelers.

In 2025, four new private aviation routes between the US and Asia are slated to begin, expanding travel options for those using private aviation. This development seems geared towards meeting a growing requirement for direct connections between commercial centers in these regions. The expansion of these routes appears to be part of a continuing pattern in the private aviation industry, where operators seek to accommodate the rising number of high-income travelers looking for more convenient, less circuitous travel.

The Van Rooyen Group’s recent acquisition of a Falcon 7X aircraft demonstrates the strategic approaches companies are taking to grow their fleets. The Falcon 7X’s enhanced range and sophisticated tech could make it an essential part of these new charter routes. This acquisition may help Van Rooyen better handle what seems to be increased demand for transcontinental flights, offering a more tailored service for their clients and more flexibility with scheduling. It might be useful to examine how these developments alter flight availability and how chartering companies plan to make full use of these resources.


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