A booming economy, troubled commercial air service and a lust for convenience are driving up the number of private jet users at the Jackson Hole Airport. Once the privilage only of corporate CEOs and only the most wealthy, jets are turning up on the runway at the Jackson Hole Airport in record numbers. For the year, jet use is up 79 percent. At Jackson Hole Aviation, the company that provides airport services, partner Jeff Brown said the increase comes at a time when upper middle class families have expendable income and want to bypass the long lines, uncomfortable seats and uncertain schedules of commercial airline traffic. Businesses are also securing private jet transportation for employees.
Flights are full, luggage gets lost and the coach and first class seats are very expensive.
Private jets can carry between eight and 12 people. They can come with comfortable interiors complete with leather-covered seats, storage compartments and plenty of leg room. Most jet users purchase the share in the use of a plane from a management company. A quarter time-share is most popular, Brown said. Shares allow for a specific amount of flight time.