The VIP Seat: Weekly Private Aviation News

SummaryIn 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:07 Boom Supersonic's $300 Million Fundraising06:17 Mile High Madness: Social Media Reactions11:58 CSX Flight Department Shutdown19:36 Starlink Connectivity in Business Aviation28:04 M&A Updates: Bond's Fundraising and Strategy

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/

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.comYou’ll hear:How FAA operations data undercuts the claim that “private jets are clogging U.S. air traffic,” and why business aviation is more than just big Gulfstreams for billionaires.​Why Snopes stepping in on a viral anti-private-jet claim matters for the industry’s reputation and public policy debates.​What the FAA’s new “ADSB for ground vehicles” surface safety tech is doing at major airports, and how it could reduce runway incursion risk.​What is actually known so far about the JetBlue A320 uncommanded pitch event, the software and hardware fixes Airbus is rolling out, and why “solar flare” headlines may be getting ahead of the data.​How Amazon’s MK30 delivery drones have recently tangled with wires and cranes, and what those incidents say about the current limits of see-and-avoid technology.​A spicy Mile High Madness segment on jet art at Art Basel, “bad guy” aircraft brokers, and why LinkedIn is getting bolder about calling out bad actors.​If you care about business aviation, safety tech, and cutting through mainstream media noise, this episode is for you. Hit subscribe for more weekly private aviation news, analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories from The VIP Seat.

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.

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 range, noise reduction, and future operating costs.The duo also unpacks the Dulles “mobile lounge” crash (one of sixteen accidents in the past decade) and wonders aloud why this relic still exists. And in M&A land, Freeman Holdings continues its buying spree, snapping up the sole FBO in Waco while quietly expanding both its Million Air franchises and its own Freeman Jet Center brand.The episode wraps with a charge to listeners: keep spreading the love, bring a friend into the VIP Seat universe

On this Veterans Day edition of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor is joined by guest co-host Tyler Flagg, Air Force veteran and founder of Flying Company, for a high-altitude look at the week’s biggest aviation stories.From Archer Aviation’s bold $126M airport grab in Los Angeles to the FAA’s unprecedented private-jet restrictions during the government shutdown, Jessie and Tyler unpack what it all means for charter operators, pilots, and the future of eVTOL.They dive into a troubling ASAP retaliation case (Link), fuel-supply risks that have California importing jet fuel from Russia via India, and the NTSB’s urgent alert over Learjet landing-gear failures.Plus, a dose of Mile High Madness featuring an overworked (and very fictional) Newark air traffic controller who’s had enough: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4lNk3AmuK/?hl=enWhether you’re a pilot, operator, or aviation geek, this episode covers the turbulence behind the headlines—and why safety culture, transparency, and innovation still matter most.🎖️ Special thanks to our veterans for their service.💼 Guest: Tyler Flagg, CEO of the Flying Company#BusinessAviation #PrivateJets #AviationSafety #VeteransDay #eVTOL #Learjet #TheVIPSeat #Archer #FAA #Shutdown

In one of the most candid conversations ever recorded on The VIP Seat, Flexjet’s Kenn Ricci joins Jessie Naor and Preston Holland to unpack the billion-dollar legal showdown with Honeywell — and what it means for every operator, owner, and investor in business aviation. From the origins of “power by the hour” engine programs to the hidden monopolies and financial risks they create, Ricci breaks down why he believes the system is broken and how Flexjet’s fight could rewrite the rules for the entire industry.

In this week’s episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie checks in from Haifa while Preston battles a rainy Tennessee morning as they unpack a major shake-up in Textron’s electric aviation division, the surprising grounding risks facing Hawker operators, and Sikorsky’s unveiling of an autonomous Black Hawk. From “ICE Barbie’s” $200 million Gulfstream controversy to Embraer’s record-breaking backlog, this episode dives deep into the stories shaping private and business aviation. Tune in for insights, headlines, and a few laughs from your favorite cockpit-side commentators.

Fresh from the NBAA-BACE show in Las Vegas, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland unpack one of the biggest weeks in private aviation — from Bill Papariella’s $1.7 billion Bombardier order and the rise of a new KKR-backed fractional program to Verijet’s Chapter 7 filing and Van Allen’s acquisition of Essex Aviation. They break down market trends, fuel prices, and the latest Argus audit changes, with a dose of Mile High Madness humor and insider insights. Whether you’re an operator, broker, or aviation geek, this episode will get you up to speed on everything shaping the biz-av industry right now. 

In this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland dissect the biggest stories impacting private aviation today. We cover Flexjet's bold 300-aircraft order of Otto Aviation's innovative Phantom 3500 and explore Mexico's new regulations affecting charter flights. Additionally, we’ll discuss the recent shake-ups at the FAA under the DOT headquarters and how these changes may affect business aviation operations. Tune in for exclusive insights on illegal charter enforcement, new brokerage developments, and enjoy our fun segment, Mile High Madness, where we chat about the lighter side of aviation. Don't miss this essential listening for anyone involved in or interested in private jets and executive travel!Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: ⁠jessienaor  ⁠Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:⁠https://prestigefinance.com/⁠Private Jet Insider (Newsletter):⁠ https://prestonholland.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠/prestonholland  ⁠X (Formerly Known as Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/prestonholland6⁠

Jessie returns from Vienna (yes, strudel and opera made the highlight reel) as she and Preston dive into Flyhouse’s takeover of ESPN’s College GameDay/Monday Night Countdown sponsorship from Wheels Up, questioning whether splashy sports tie-ins drive real customers or just help close big deals. They cover a major legal win for buy-the-seat operators like JSX at Westchester, unpack Freakonomics’ deep dive on ATC privatization and the industry’s shaky talking points, and spotlight Epic Aircraft hitting 100 deliveries of the E1000—now a serious contender in the single-engine turboprop market. The pair also discuss Vista’s sale of Red Wing to Bel Air (rebranded as Jet Excellence) and its bet on Citation X operations, plus lighter moments in their “Mile High Madness” segment—debunking bad Instagram “King Air math,” laughing at home cockpit sims, and celebrating Preston’s revived office plant.Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: ⁠jessienaor  ⁠Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:⁠https://prestigefinance.com/⁠Private Jet Insider (Newsletter):⁠ https://prestonholland.com⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠/prestonholland  ⁠X (Formerly Known as Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/prestonholland6⁠

In this episode, co-hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland, plus special guest Joseph LaRousso, discuss the recent developments in aviation connectivity, particularly the competition between Starlink and traditional providers like GoGo. They also delve into the critical issue of mental health in aviation, highlighting the passage of the Mental Health and Aviation Act and its implications for pilots seeking treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for legislative support and public education on mental health issues within the aviation industry.

SummaryIn this episode of the VIP Seat, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland welcome Kyle Patel, founder and CEO of Bitlux, to discuss the intersection of aviation and cryptocurrency. The conversation covers recent innovations in safety training for aviation, the implications of the Genius Act on stable coins, and the potential for crypto transactions in the aviation industry. The hosts also engage in a light-hearted segment called Mile High Madness, where they critique social media influencers in the aviation space. The episode emphasizes the importance of education in adopting new technologies and the need for operators to consider integrating stable coins into their payment systems.

SummaryIn this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various aspects of aviation, including the differences between private and commercial flying, the rise of eVTOL technology, the role of automation in aviation, and recent incidents involving pilot safety. They also touch on celebrity culture in private aviation and the challenges of solar-powered flight, concluding with a discussion on global aviation safety trends and the need for vigilance in the industry.Chapters00:00 Flying Private vs. Commercial Airlines05:19 FAA's Automation Framework Announcement10:14 Pilot Intoxication Incidents15:31 Solar-Powered Flight Records22:35 Understanding Aviation Incidents vs. Accidents

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various topics related to corporate aviation, including the investigation of the NYPD's aviation unit, celebrity experiences with TSA, and a critical analysis of a New York Times editorial on private jets and air traffic control funding. They also touch on the implications of tariffs on aviation in Switzerland, which has caused Pilatus deliveries to halt, and explore gender dynamics in pilot performance.Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance:www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaorPreston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter):https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonhollandX (Formerly Known as Twitter):https://x.com/prestonholland6?

In this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest happenings in the aviation industry, including the extravagant new Gulfstream 450 of Paris Hilton, recent M&A activities such as Joby Aviation's acquisition of Blade Urban Air Mobility, and ongoing updates from the DCA hearings. The conversation highlights the implications of these events on the private jet industry and offers insights into corporate aviation market trends and challenges.Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaorPreston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonhollandX (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en

In the July 29th episode of The VIP Seat, co-hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland dive into a surprisingly eventful week in private aviation. They open the show with a breakdown of the FAA’s new MOSAIC rules announced at Oshkosh, modernizing certification standards for light sport aircraft and sport pilots. The changes promise to foster innovation in business aviation but raise concerns about the rollback of certain aviation safety standards, particularly for more capable aircraft like the Cessna 182. Jessie emphasizes the FAA’s “safety continuum” and the need to monitor potential unintended consequences, especially in the eVTOL space, which is now more accessible under these new regulations.Jessie’s Links: Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor Preston’s Links: Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/ Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en

In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest happenings in the aviation industry, including the buzz at Oshkosh, Joby's breakthrough with hydrogen aircraft, FlexJet's significant PE investment, and a unique challenge by Mr. Beast. They also remember Felix Baumgartner, address FAA staffing and safety concerns, and delve into a juicy lawsuit involving Bruce Willis and aircraft maintenance.Chapters00:00 Oshkosh Aviation Event Highlights02:35 FlexJet's Major Investment and Market Position05:09 Mile High Madness: Celebrating Aviation Achievements08:59 Introduction and Tribute to Felix09:08 Joby's Hydrogen Aircraft Breakthrough11:50 Mr. Beast's Airplane Challenge15:09 FAA Staffing and Pilot Fatigue18:58 Bruce Willis Lawsuit and Aviation Contracts Link to Lawsuit: https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/fourth-court-of-appeals/2025/04-23-00095-cv.html Jessie’s Links: Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor Preston’s Links: Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/ Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en

This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down the return of illegal jet seat-sharing groups and the regulatory gray areas surrounding them. They discuss the risks for both passengers and sellers, and why the FAA needs to act. The episode also covers the impact of new aircraft tariffs on Canadian and Brazilian imports, concerns about rising maintenance costs, and troubling trends in global business aviation safety. From private jet WhatsApp groups to medevac IPOs and market softening, this episode covers the critical headlines shaping the industry right now.Chapters00:00 Intro02:43 The Rise of WhatsApp Groups in Private Aviation05:19 Legal Implications of Cost Sharing in Private Flights08:17 The Need for Regulatory Frameworks in Private Aviation11:20 Challenges in the Private Aviation Market13:39 Mile High Madness: JetSmarter and Social Media Drama16:20 Tariffs and Their Impact on Business Aviation21:26 Emerging Markets: Brazil's Business Aviation Landscape23:50 Safety Trends in Business Aviation30:51 M&A Activity in the Medevac Sector36:06 Understanding Book-to-Bill Ratios in AviationJessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: ⁠www.FlyingPrivate.org⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor⁠Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance: ⁠https://prestigefinance.com/⁠Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): ⁠https://prestonholland.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland⁠X (Formerly Known as Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en

In this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various topics in business aviation, including a surprising $2 million sale of a charter certificate, the challenges faced by the FAA in certifying new aircraft, and the mystery surrounding a large order of Bombardier jets. They also touch on the recent upgrades to the air traffic control system, social media highlights from the aviation world, and the booming private jet activity in Florida and Texas. The conversation wraps up with insights into aircraft deliveries and ongoing supply chain issues in the industry.Chapters00:00 Intro01:50 Volato's Surprising Charter CertificatePrice05:32 The Impact of User Fees on FAA Certification08:17 Mystery Buyer of Bombardier Jets13:47 Funding for Air Traffic Control Upgrades18:54 Social Media Highlights and Trends20:53 Airline Experiences: Southwest vs. Spirit23:14 Private Jet Activity: American Exceptionalism26:28 Embraer's Recovery and Market DynamicsJessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaorPreston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonhollandX (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en