The ultra-wealthy in New York are treating private jets as if they were taxis, according to an aviation expert, with flights from Manhattan to nearby holiday destinations such as Nantucket seeing significant increases.
Ricky Sitomer, the founder of Star Jets International, informed ChinPao that they have observed a surge in requests for trips shorter than 300 miles, which has climbed approximately 35 percent within the last three years.
‘The private jet company’s chief executive stated they could offer any aircraft at any moment across any location.’
We operate approximately 1,500 aircraft globally that can utilize over 5,000 airfields. Clients have the ability to secure an aircraft with just two hours’ notice.
Sitomer’s regular short-distance travelers include ‘celebrities, athletes, real estate professionals, and high-ranking business leaders,’ such as hedge fund managers and prominent figures in the cryptocurrency world.
Sitomer mentioned that popular journeys consist of ‘helicopter rides and C-liners to the
The Hamptons, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Toronto.
He estimates that these kinds of trips have rocketed in demand by 35 percent over the past three years.
Travelers shell out thousands of pounds per trip, with an eight-person jet from New York to Nantucket priced at approximately $5,000 one-way.
‘Short journeys abound during summertime,’ Sitomer mentioned, whereas longer excursions to the Caribbean see an uptick in wintertime.’
‘At present, Europe is experiencing an increase in long-distance travel,’ he mentioned regarding these journeys.
‘Formula 1 is just a week away in Monaco, so we’ve got plenty of trips planned there.’
‘Demand exists for destinations like the Greek islands, southern France, Portugal, and Spain. London remains consistently popular.’
Sitomer, who previously worked as a stockbroker, began offering private jet services in 2001, identifying a significant gap in the market due to the scarcity of individual flight options at that time.
‘A long time ago, when I first entered the business, I worked as a private jet attendant and wasn’t sure how to find a private plane,’ he shared with ChinPao.
‘The sector has expanded and developed significantly since those times. I believe there are numerous enterprises operating today.’
Regarding onboard requests, Sitomer mentioned he has received everything from orders for White Castle and KFC to items like lobster tails and caviar.
‘I’ve heard everything,’ he stated, but chose not to share any details out of respect for the confidentiality of his well-known clientele.
Certainly, private jet travel also imposes a burden on both the environment and the traveler through the generation of substantial carbon emissions.
Celebrities like
Taylor Swift
who are famous for their opulent travel preferences when flying
often criticized for opting for fuel-thirsty planes
over commercial travel.
A recently released study in the scholarly publication Communications Earth & Environment reveals detailed statistics about the frequent use of private jets by wealthy celebrities for brief trips, highlighting their environmental impact.
The analysis of flight patterns indicates significant travel activity related to recreation, as well as participation in cultural and political gatherings, according to researchers Stefan Gössling, Andreas Humpe, and Jorge Cardoso Leitão in their report released in November 2024.
Emissions rose by 46 percent from 2019 to 2023, and the industrial sector anticipates steady expansion continuing into the future.
This amounts to 15.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is approximately 2 percent of total worldwide aviation emissions.
Labeled ‘Private Aviation Is Making an Increasing Contribution To’
climate change
The research indicates that approximately half of these private flights cover distances less than 310 miles, which is comparable to the journey from Manhattan to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Five percent of these trips cover distances less than 30 miles, which is comparable to the span from Brooklyn, New York, to New Haven in nearby Connecticut.
‘The study indicates that private aviation often serves as an alternative to cars for saving time or enhancing convenience,’ it states.
The report’s writers urge for regulations on this industry to curb its rapidly increasing emissions.
Among all celebrities, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt stands out.
accumulated the highest number of air miles
In 2024, based on data from an online tracker, they accumulated an impressive 612,868 air miles over 495 trips.
Following him was Elon Musk, aka the “Tesla Tsar,” who logged 320 flights aboard his luxurious Gulfstream G650 last year, trailed by Kim Kardashian, who owns an identical aircraft and flew 236 times.
And in January, Kim’s sibling Kylie Jenner faced backlash afterwards.
apparently undertaking a 15-minute journey by air
From Los Angeles to California’s heartland
Camarillo Airport
.
When questioned regarding the environmental impact of his sector, Sitomer said to ChinPao: “We are aware of our surroundings.”
‘Many aspects are detrimental to the environment, and private aviation plays a crucial role in saving time, thereby allowing you to dedicate more moments to your loved ones and coworkers.’
Read more
