Background on aircraft charter companies
There are hundreds of aircraft charter companies in existence, and they typically perform one, several or all of four main services: renting (sometimes selling) aircraft for private use, performing aircraft maintenance, providing aviation fuel service, and aircraft management.
Leasing an aircraft
If you are looking to lease an aircraft for a trip, there are several way of going about finding an aircraft charter company. First, you can contact the aircraft charter companies directly (you can find them easily online). You'll have to find out from each company their rates, available flight times, etc., and then compare among them.
Second, you can contact an aircraft charter broker. These are similar to a travel agent that will take your requirements and match you with an aircraft charter in their network of companies. These aircraft charter brokers will handle all of the flight arrangements, including price shopping, determining the correct aircraft for your trip, locating the correct charter company, confirming insurance papers, and obtaining copies of FAA flight certificates, detailed information about the aircraft to be used, and what backup aircraft are available.
Third, you can use an online auction/bid service. These online services work by having you go through a step-by-step process of identifying the dates and locations of your flight, the type of aircraft you're looking for, and the price you're looking to pay. These online services will submit your requirements to some or all of the aircraft charter companies who participate, and you will be able to choose from those aircraft charter companies who submitted a bid for your flight.
Regardless of which option you use to find your aircraft charter companies, you should perform due diligence in finding out about the safety, performance and quality of the aircraft charter company, it's maintenance and flight crews, and the aircraft itself. In addition, find out whether the aircraft charter company you're considering makes arrangements for fuel, customs, immigration, landing and over-flight permission, flight following and airport reservations, ground transportation, and catering. Also make sure to understand the anticipated departure and arrival times, potential delays and plans for overnight arrangements for aircraft and crew assistance.
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