A key focus for NZ Jet is flying to multiple destinations in ways big carriers cannot.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a queue-busting benefit, with customers able to access a private terminal and avoid long wait times.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe jet is just ready when they need it,\u201d Sofia Ambler told the Herald. <\/p>\n
This Gulfstream G100 should be available for charters in December. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve already had quite a few clients that are domestic clients,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could be a board of directors who, say, have to visit three stops which might not be serviced by commercial airlines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tourists from overseas might want to tailor an itinerary not otherwise available.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe might do Kerikeri, Napier and Queenstown.\u201d <\/p>\n
She said NZ Jet was launched in 2022<\/a> and the first year went well but the 2023\/24 financial year was harder.<\/p>\n Still, business was holding up.<\/p>\n She said the couple also built up Heletranz<\/a>, growing its fleet from two helicopters to 13 and merging it with Inflite Group.<\/p>\n The helicopter company met demand for VIP private services. <\/p>\n She said that business had grown to a point where the couple did not have to be hands-on with it.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still have a shareholding in the group but we\u2019re not operationally involved in it.\u201d<\/p>\n John Ambler said with the G100, possible destinations were \u201cwherever the client needs to be\u201d and the main season for business travel was November to May, he added.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re here for the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n He said business travel had taken a hit from the domestic economic downturn.<\/p>\n That was in contrast to the United States, especially Texas and California, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump has given them 100% taxable deductions in second-hand aircraft now,\u201d he said, referring to the Big Beautiful Bill Act<\/a> restoring a tax incentive for qualifying aircraft.<\/p>\n He said the G100 was a fairly straightforward choice. <\/p>\n \u201cIn its price point in the market for range and speed it doesn\u2019t really have a lot of competition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur clients want faster, more efficient options that accommodate their whole family or associates, at a price-sensitive rate, while still providing the exceptional service and comfort they expect.\u201d<\/p>\n The couple said buying the Gulfstream during a challenging economic environment was a big decision, but they were happy they\u2019d done it.<\/p>\n NZ Jet expected the aircraft to be available for charter from December.<\/p>\nSofia and John Ambler at their Albany helicopter hangar in 2021. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n