This airplane concept will be different from what is applied in today’s aircraft. Most of them are designed in a way that makes it impossible to install emission-control technology since it would affect the engine’s performance. Therefore, the airplanes produce nitrogen oxides when flying at cruising altitudes. More often than not, these chemicals lead to the formation of ozone and other fine particles. They are the main reason for air pollution, causing respiratory disease, asthma, and heart diseases.

In the recent “turbo-electric” design, an emissions control system will take in all the emissions generated by the plane’s gas turbine. It will guarantee that the exhaust is cleaned before the chemicals are released into the air, reducing air pollution. More details about this concept and its health and environmental benefits were first published in the Energy and Environmental Science journal on December 7, 2020.

Steven Barrett, an aeronautics and astronautics professor at MIT, collaborated with his team to birth the idea of this hybrid-electric design for airplanes. This was a few years ago when they were looking into a diesel emissions case involving a Volkswagen. Even though this design might be new in airplanes, it is popular in-ground cars used for everyday transportation. Lots of heavy-duty diesel trucks also come with effective emissions control systems. The only difference is that this aircraft design requires plane electrification.

Barrett has already overcome an array of challenges to get to this stage. If this concept works as planned, it could bring positive change to the aviation industry.

About Flex Air Charters

At Flex Air Charters, we offer state-of-the-art aviation services. From us, expect nothing but comfort, convenience, and affordability. If you are looking for charter aircraft, we’ve got you! We can provide one that fits your needs whenever and wherever you need it. Other services that our highly-educated, focused air service professionals offer include air charter services, roadshow charters, freight forwarding, evacuation flights, humanitarian relief, and jet card options.

Photo Credit: MIT News Office

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Fly to a variety of hotels for lunches and gateways, to top sporting events, festivals, historic sites, golf courses, spas, wedding venues, wineries, theme parks, etc, by helicopter. Whether for business or pleasure, our experienced team of agents will ensure your trip is both safe and comfortable.

Flex Air Charters provides access to a wide range of helicopters for different group sizes and expectations. When we can’t land directly at the venue, we’ll land close by and provide premium ground transport enabling a seamless travel experience.

If you know where you would like to fly or if need a suggestion on venues to visit, simply call us and we’ll make your luxury helicopter experience an unforgettable one. Also, if you need a pick-up and drop off but are short on time to drive, travel quickly in luxury and comfort and beat the traffic in our premium fleet of helicopters.

Flex Air Charters takes care of all the logistics while you concentrate on enjoying your trip. Sit back, snap some pics for social media and make it a day to remember. With Flex Air Charters, you can find any flight combination that best suits your needs and expectation. Surprise family and friends with the ultimate in luxury travel by booking a helicopter charter today.

Call Flex Air Charters Today at 1-888-722-0776 to Schedule a Luxury Helicopter to Any Destination Around the World.

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The date of the first flight for the de Havilland Comet was May 2, 1952.

Aviation’s Early Days

Before the comet, regular flights were only happening across Tampa bay in 1914. Each flight only had one passenger on board. By 1930, Transcontinental and Western Air (now known as TWA) stepped it up with regular flights across the United States from New York to Los Angeles.

Even with the flight across the United States, the plane stopped in Kansas City, Missouri because of the fear of flying at night.

Aviation was not on the same page as it is today because the planes often flew at lower altitudes, which resulted in encountering rougher weather head-on. The highest speed used was by the DC-3 in the 1940s, going at a mere 250 miles per hour. (While this may sound fast, think about it like this: The average speed planes fly at is roughly 600 miles per hour today.)

The de Havilland Comet

England’s government decided to recruit Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, an aviation engineer, in 1945. He successfully made an aircraft that could reach 400 miles per hour, fly over the Atlantic Ocean, and was equipped with a pressurized cabin.

• Ten planes were set to be made.
• The de Havilland Comet had four engines, could fly up to 42,000 feet, and topped out at around 460 miles per hour. The pressurized cabin allowed for quieter air travel and its windows let passengers observe the world below them.
• The plane held 36 passengers.
• The Comet’s first flight was from London, England to Johannesburg, South Africa. The flight took 23 hours with five stops along the way – including Rome, Beirut, Khartoum, Entebbe, and Livingstone.
• By 1953 British Overseas Airway Company operated a wide range of flights from London to Johannesburg, Singapore, and Tokyo.

The Fallen Comet: Tragedy Struck

While the Comet’s first flights were initially successful, it ran into problems along the way. Some initial problems included the use of hydraulic fluid; extra fluid had to be taken along the way. The cockpit also tended to fog up, obstructing the pilot’s view. As if this was not enough, the navigation system frequently overheated.

Exactly one year after the Comet’s first successful flight on May 2, 1953, a deadly crash occurred. Turbulence resulted in one plane breaking apart. A total of 43 people died in the crash by Delhi, India six minutes after taking off.

Soon after, on January 10, 1954, another Comet crashed soon after takeoff in Rome. The plane crashed 20 minutes after takeoff and crashed into the Mediterranean; all 35 people on board died.

This lead to massive overhauls in the design and build of the Comet temporarily it was withdrawn from service and it returned in 1958. The aircraft permanently retired on March 14, 1997.

Today’s Impact

The de Havilland Comet impacted commercial air travel for years to come. The Boeing 707 followed suit in 1958. All of the aircraft learned from the mistakes of the Comet.

Customize Your Flight with Flex Air Charters! 1-888-722-0776

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What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter

What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter: Preflight

A private air charter begins with the preflight boarding and security checks

Unlike commercial flights, private jet charter clients have very little wait times and can expect TSA and safety checks to be painless and take merely a few moments. With private terminals for you to access for your charter, you can sit comfortably prior to flight without the crowds of an overpopulated airport. When you have the ability to pass over the long check in lines through commercial TSA you will have more time to yourself for the few moments it takes to ready the plane on your arrival. Most private airports offer parking services that give you the opportunity to drive right up to the tarmac, have your car valet parked in a secure lot and board the plane within a few moments.

Baggage checks are quick, if you will even need to check a bag

Other than having a speedier security check, you will also have a one on one baggage check that can take a moment if that. Most private jet charters allow for you to bring your baggage on board and some aircraft have accessible areas to stow your belongings. Passports can be pre-cleared by your operator and discreet security checking may include yourself and one to two other passengers.

Speaking of baggage, the limits are much more flexible aboard a private jet

The only thing to worry about is whether your baggage will fit aboard the aircraft you have scheduled for your flight, in most cases you can bring what you like. No additional charges will generally be added for checked luggage or carry-ons or your family pet. They can make their way aboard as well. Commercial baggage restrictions like those for liquids and irregular items such as guitar cases often mean placing your personal belongings in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Not with private charters. You can practically bring what you want aboard most private aircraft, however, keep in mind, customs clearances will still apply.

Fly when you want, we work on your schedule

Never miss a flight and last minute changes. Those are a piece of cake to handle as well. With private jet charters you can schedule your own departure times and if you are a busy executive traveler, you can make changes to your itinerary at any time. The flexibility offered with a jet charter is easily more convenient than it is with commercial travel, no rush, just relax. Your itinerary, is our itinerary.

What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter

What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter: Inflight

Private flights are catered to any and all of your preferred tastes

When it comes to making your private jet charter fully tailored to your needs the possibilities are nearly endless. This is true even for the menu. While commercial airliners charge shocking fees for better food, and even then, is it really better? Private jet charters can have five-star catering aboard during your flight that can accommodate any craving you may have or be customized to be allergy friendly. Open bars are also an option for when you simply want to relax with a merlot.

Tailored entertainment while you are jetsetting is a HUGE bonus

We’ve all been there aboard a typical flight, cramped and trying to find solace in a tiny movie selection if any. Private charters offer clients the best in entertainment as the list can be personally selected by you, for movies, newspapers, magazines and more! Need to keep a child busy onboard? Operators can also ensure you are stocked on the latest video games or board games for the flight.

Need more Wi-Fi access? Get connected easily with a charter

While some commercial flights may offer their version of limited free Wi-Fi, you won’t have to worry about your browser limits with a private jet charter. Whether you need to get some work done, catch up on the juicy social media gossip or simply want to answer a few emails, Wi-Fi aboard these luxury private aircraft is free and non-limited. Many private charters also come with satellite telephones as well, so you can make calls or even conduct full meetings onboard.

The comfort of a private aircraft is on another level

Flex Air wants you to relax on board your charter. When it comes to what to expect on a private jet charter as far as comfort goes, you are literally in the lap of luxury aboard these planes. Some aircraft offer separate rooms with full beds to sleep in, others provide reclining leather seats meant for shorter trips. Whatever your need, operators are there to make you are the most comfortable you can be. Onboard showers, bathrooms and even seating configuration for you to speak face to face with clients can also be arranged.

What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter

What to Expect on a Private Jet Charter: Postflight

Depart the aircraft and go, no line-filing

One of the biggest frustrations for commercial air travelers is the long wait to leave the aircraft. Filing in line, waiting for the people in front of you to get their bags, hoping that no one hits you with their carry-on, so many struggles are faced by commercial flyers. With a charter, you simply have to get your bags and go, no waiting unless you want to spend more time in the luxurious aircraft you find yourself in. You won’t have to stand at a baggage carousel or walk through a huge airport to reach your car service, everything is close by at the private airports Flex Air Charters can send you to. Need a passport checked? Oh yeah, your pilot does that too.

Ready to book your private jet?

If you have more questions on what to expect on a private jet charter, we have the answers and can make all of your travel dreams come true. Simply call Flex Air Charters to get started on building your perfect air travel package with the right aircraft, crew and amenities to make it the best you’ve ever had.

Are you ready to schedule or have questions about what to expect on a private jet charter? Call 1-888-722-0776 Today!

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Although it sounds like a simple undertaking, there is a number of elements to consider when attempting to uncover suitable and satisfactory charter solutions. Clients generally prefer that this process be time conservative which can prove to be difficult when brokers must scour through an extensive network of charter operators and their fleet of aircraft to uncover the most effective resolution for the client. Then, there is the consideration of cost and functionality. Not only must the aircraft be within their budget but additionally it has to be able to accommodate their needs. For example, a business charter may require the use of an executive airliner to comfortably seat a number of travelers and may need to travel transcontinentally.

Then there is the consideration of where the aircraft the client is in need of is based. Air charter brokers will try and uncover the closest solution to where the client is wishing to depart from, should there not be aircraft available, the broker must source one and determine if there will be fees for moving it to the departure location. Additionally, per the client’s request, the aircraft may need to be stocked with additional amenities or customized to feature the client’s company branding. This may be an additional cost for the client and they may only have so much wiggle room with regard to their budget’s parameters, which makes the broker’s job even more complex.

It’s important throughout this process that the air charter broker imparts upon their client that they take their fiduciary responsibility to the client seriously and that they will make every attempt to provide a service that includes a transparency in all things including and especially regarding the accounting of cost. Most air charter services brokers and the operators with whom they work have no issue with providing their clients with an itemized estimate of what they can expect to pay prior to reserving their charter.

To make the process even more beneficial to clients, the National Business Aviation Administration NBAA established a list of guidelines for air charter service brokers to adhere to in an effort to ensure they operate in the best interest of their clients. The guidelines further serve to protect the interest of the air charter broker in the furtherance of their business pursuits as well.

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