PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - New PC-24 Jets Expand Service to Western Hubs Including Portland and Boise
PlaneSense is making a notable push into the Western US private aviation market, establishing Portland and Boise as key hubs for its PC-24 light jet program. Driven by what they claim is unexpectedly high demand for fractional jet ownership, the company is not just dipping a toe in the water. They are talking about doubling their PC-24 fleet by next year. Currently operating thirteen of these jets, with five more expected this year, this represents a significant capital investment and commitment to expansion. This move west signals a strategic pivot for PlaneSense, a company that has, until now, largely concentrated its operations east of the Rocky Mountains. The appeal of the PC-24 is understandable. Beyond the usual luxury trimmings like touchscreens and mood lighting, its capabilities are pitched at practicality. The claim of being able to access thousands of additional airports thanks to its short field landing performance is certainly a major selling point, especially in regions where smaller airports are common. Adding to the value proposition, PlaneSense intends to scrap those pesky ‘out of area’ fees for Western US clients by mid-2024, suggesting a more streamlined and potentially more competitive pricing structure in the region. Whether this aggressive expansion translates into a genuinely better private aviation experience for consumers remains to be seen. It's a bold play in a market that is already crowded, but PlaneSense seems confident that the PC-24, with its enhanced payload and range, has the legs to compete. They have been busy training pilots and technicians, suggesting they are serious about building a solid operational base out West.
PlaneSense is now making moves to broaden its reach in the western parts of the US with its PC-24 jet program, with Portland and Boise identified as key focus cities. This appears to be a strategic adjustment to better serve clients in that region who are increasingly interested in alternatives to standard commercial flight options.
The company’s plan to increase their PC-24 fleet to twice its current size by 2025 is quite ambitious. Currently operating with 13 of these light jets and with an additional five deliveries anticipated within the next year, this expansion suggests a significant investment in this particular aircraft model. The PC-24 is noteworthy because it can utilize airfields with shorter runways – a characteristic that sets it apart. It's been reported that this capability dramatically expands accessible airports across the US to over 5,000, far surpassing what's typical for conventional jets.
This operational flexibility could be a game-changer for regional travel. With a cruising speed of approximately
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- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - New PC-24 Jets Expand Service to Western Hubs Including Portland and Boise
- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Modern Fleet Updates Replace 2020 PC-24 Models with Latest Avionics
- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Direct Flights Now Available from Seattle to Jackson Hole in Under 2 Hours
- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Private Terminal Access Added at Palm Springs and Aspen Airports
- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Charter Options Launch for Smaller Mountain Airports like Telluride
- PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Program Members Gain Priority Access to Yellowstone Regional Airport
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Modern Fleet Updates Replace 2020 PC-24 Models with Latest Avionics
It appears PlaneSense is investing in its existing fleet of PC-24 jets. They are retrofitting the 2020 models with newer avionics systems. This technical refresh of their current aircraft is presented as a way to improve operations and, they suggest, the passenger experience. This move comes as the company pushes further into the Western US market and aims for a substantial growth of its PC-24 fleet by next year. While expanding service to new regions like the Western US, it seems they are also keen to highlight upgrades to their current equipment. The aim to operate twice as many PC-24s by 2025 is quite a jump, and keeping the existing planes up-to-date technically is probably part of ensuring smooth operations as they grow. Whether these upgrades will translate to noticeable benefits for users remains to be seen, but it does suggest an ongoing investment in this specific type of aircraft.
It's not just about fleet size for PlaneSense; they are also engaged in a significant technology refresh. The operator is replacing
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Direct Flights Now Available from Seattle to Jackson Hole in Under 2 Hours
Seattle Tacoma International Airport now offers direct flights to Jackson Hole Airport, bringing the journey time down to a little over two hours. Alaska Airlines operates this route daily, covering approximately 622 miles, with one-way fares starting from a reported $103. This new connection aims to improve access to Jackson Hole, a destination often touted for its outdoor pursuits and picturesque landscapes. Whether this will significantly boost tourism remains to be seen, but it certainly offers a more convenient option for travelers from the Pacific Northwest. Separately, PlaneSense is also expanding its presence in the Western US with its PC-24 light jet network, planning to double its fleet size by next year. This fleet growth hints at an increasing appetite for both standard and private air travel options to popular destinations in the region, potentially including Jackson Hole.
Seattle and Jackson Hole are now directly linked by air, with flight durations dropping to less than two hours. This new route substantially cuts travel time to a region famed for its natural landscapes and outdoor activities. Jackson Hole, located at a considerable altitude of 6,451 feet, houses the only commercial airport inside a US national park, a rather interesting geographical detail. These new flights are likely to be popular, given Jackson Hole's seasonal appeal. The economics are also noteworthy - reports suggest one-way fares can start at just over $100. It will be interesting to observe if this new commercial service puts pressure on private aviation operators, like PlaneSense, who are expanding their own networks to cater to similar destinations. The speed and relative affordability of these new direct flights could recalibrate traveler choices in this market.
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Private Terminal Access Added at Palm Springs and Aspen Airports
PlaneSense is broadening its service offerings in the Western US, specifically adding dedicated private terminal access at Palm Springs and Aspen airports. This move seems focused on improving the travel experience for users of their PC-24 jet network, particularly in these popular leisure destinations. The appeal of private terminals is evident; they typically streamline the often cumbersome airport procedures. One imagines this translates into less time spent in queues and a more discreet passage for travelers.
Concurrent with this terminal expansion, the company is reiterating its plan to significantly increase its fleet size, aiming to double the number of aircraft by next year. This fleet growth is presented as a necessary step to support their expanding operations in the Western US and handle what they anticipate will be greater demand as they build out their PC-24 services. The stated goal is enhanced access for travelers in this region. It appears to be a calculated effort to provide a more comprehensive and potentially more attractive service package in these key Western markets.
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Charter Options Launch for Smaller Mountain Airports like Telluride
Beyond the initial expansion into Western hubs like Portland and Boise, PlaneSense is now pointing towards a more niche approach, focusing on smaller mountain airports, name-checking Telluride. This makes some sense given the touted short-runway capability of the PC-24 aircraft – a feature that theoretically unlocks access to airfields often skipped by commercial airlines. The pitch seems to be about connecting travelers to those harder-to-reach, scenic destinations in the West. Whether this actually democratizes access to these locales or simply offers a slightly more convenient option for a specific demographic remains to be seen. The emphasis on airports like Telluride suggests a bet on demand from those looking beyond the typical city-to-city routes.
Continuing its Western expansion, PlaneSense is now turning its attention to locations like Telluride, suggesting a focused strategy on smaller, geographically challenging airports. Telluride's airport, notably perched at over 9,000 feet, presents a unique operating environment. It's not your typical major hub, and its high altitude and short runway conditions limit the types of aircraft that can operate there effectively. This is where the PC-24 comes into play; its design characteristics make it particularly well-suited for these kinds of demanding locations.
The appeal here seems to be about unlocking access to destinations that are less straightforward to reach via conventional means. While commercial airlines can get you to regional airports, the final leg to a place like Telluride often involves further transfers or longer surface transport. The proposition of charter options utilizing aircraft like the PC-24 directly to these smaller airfields is interesting from a logistical perspective. It suggests a move towards point-to-point travel, bypassing larger airport networks, for those willing to pay the premium.
It's worth noting that the ability of the PC-24 to operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet dramatically expands the airport choices compared to standard business jets, which typically require significantly longer runways. The claim that this opens up access to over 5,000 US airports compared to just a few hundred for larger jets is a compelling statistic. Whether this translates to real cost-effectiveness, even considering the time saved and the direct access, is a question worth investigating. The economics of private aviation are complex, but the operational flexibility offered by aircraft like the PC-24 certainly alters the equation, particularly for destinations that are, by their nature, a bit off the beaten path.
PlaneSense Expands PC-24 Light Jet Network to Western US, Plans to Double Fleet by 2025 - Program Members Gain Priority Access to Yellowstone Regional Airport
PlaneSense is emphasizing perks for its program members, now highlighting priority access to Yellowstone Regional Airport. This appears to be a calculated move to sweeten the deal for those using their fractional ownership program, especially as they push further into the Western US. Yellowstone, as a destination, certainly has appeal, and smoothing out airport hassles could be seen as a genuine benefit for their clientele. This initiative is presented as being part of their broader strategy to grow in the west, a region where they seem to believe private aviation is gaining traction. By making it easier for their customers to get to Yellowstone, they are not just selling flight hours, but also access to desirable locations. This development is happening as PlaneSense prepares to significantly enlarge its fleet over the next year. While easier airport access is undoubtedly a plus, it remains to be seen if these types of perks will truly differentiate them in an increasingly competitive private aviation market.
Adding to their expansion across the Western US, PlaneSense is now focusing on specific destinations, with Yellowstone Regional Airport being a notable example. The program members are slated to receive priority access to this airport, a move that raises questions about the tangible benefits for travelers. While "priority access" sounds appealing, the actual impact on transit times and airport procedures warrants closer examination. Located conveniently for Yellowstone National Park, this airport is certainly a key entry point for those heading to the natural wonders of the region.
The strategic decision to prioritize Yellowstone Regional Airport access highlights the ongoing trend toward leveraging smaller, regional airports. For PlaneSense clients, this potentially means avoiding the congestion often found at larger hubs, and perhaps a more streamlined experience overall. Given the PC-24's operational advantages, particularly its capacity to handle shorter runways and higher altitudes - critical factors for an airport at approximately 5,500 feet elevation - Yellowstone Regional seems a logical fit for their network expansion.
The allure of direct access to a major tourism destination like Yellowstone National Park is clear, and this move might cater to travelers seeking efficient routes to natural attractions. Whether this priority access truly transforms the travel experience or is more of a marginal convenience remains to be fully assessed. It is likely a calculated step to capture a specific segment of travelers who value time and direct access to unique destinations, and are less inclined towards conventional commercial aviation routes.