Private Jet Usage Continues to Rise among New York’s Wealthy
Private jet travel has become increasingly common among the super-rich in New York, with trips from Manhattan to nearby vacation islands like Nantucket surging. According to Ricky Sitomer, founder of Star Jets International, there has been a 35 percent increase in demand for flights less than 300 miles over the past three years.
Sitomer’s private jet service offers clients access to 1,500 aircraft worldwide, with the ability to utilize over 5,000 airports. This allows for quick and convenient travel, with some clients being able to secure a private jet with just two hours’ notice. The majority of short-haul flyers are celebrities, athletes, real estate professionals, and C-level executives, including hedge fund managers and cryptocurrency leaders.
Popular destinations for these private flights include the Hamptons, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Toronto. The demand for these trips has increased significantly in recent years, with Sitomer estimating a 35 percent rise over the past three years. Customers can expect to pay thousands of dollars for a jet that can accommodate up to eight people for a round-trip from New York to Nantucket.
While short trips are more common during the summer months, there is a higher demand for long-haul flights to the Caribbean in the winter. Currently, Europe is also heating up as a popular destination, with events like Formula 1 in Monaco drawing in many travelers. Popular destinations in Europe include the Greek Islands, the South of France, Portugal, Spain, and London.
Former stockbroker Sitomer has been in the private jet industry since 2001 and has seen significant growth and development over the years. When he first started, there were not many options for private jet travel, but now there are numerous operations available.
In terms of on-board requests, Sitomer has heard it all, from White Castle and KFC to lobster tails and caviar. However, he chooses not to disclose specific requests to protect the privacy of his high-profile clients.
While private jet travel offers convenience and luxury, it also comes with a hefty environmental cost. A recent study published in the academic journal Communications Earth & Environment revealed that private aviation is responsible for a significant contribution to climate change. The study found that emissions have increased by 46 percent between 2019 and 2023, with expectations of continued growth in the industry.
The study also revealed that half of private flights are less than 310 miles, and five percent are under 30 miles. These short trips often replace car travel for convenience and time-saving purposes. The authors of the study call for regulation of the private jet sector to cap the soaring carbon emissions.
According to an online tracker, retired Google CEO Eric Schmidt racked up the most air miles in 2024, with 612,868 miles across 495 flights.