S.T Dupont Diamond Case

S.T. Dupont sure knows the pulse of the luxury traveler. The company renowned for its state-of-art luxury products has just come out with travel case that’ll leave the rich and famous drooling. Handcrafted in black crocodile leather, the case is what you call, the complete mobile office! The package is complete with a palladium lighter pen with an iconic Diamond Head pattern, 2GB USB Key set with a black diamond, a personal diary, a copy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince for some light bedtime reading, a mini-teddy bear to keep you company. Also featured are an unfolding workstation for your laptop and just enough space for your personal pictures and books. If timeless collections are your passion, forget the trends and follow your heart and believe me, you’ll be proud to be seen with this exquisite piece.

via AcquireMag

Tags: S.T Dupont, Black Diamond Case, Dupont, Luxury travel accessories

TaylorMade‘s Limited Edition Box Set of Clubs in gold

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of adidas AG, has introduced two very special and unique product offerings to commemorate the 2008 Games, with just 2,008 of these limited edition products available only in China and Hong Kong. They have shown a special full set of golf clubs from the r7 XR series of product, including an r7XR Driver, two Fairway Woods and an 8-piece set of irons.

TaylorMade has made this entire set of clubs ‘golden,’ including the soles of the metal woods, the cavity back of the irons, the rings on the ferrules and all of the club’s shafts. Plus, inscribed on the toe of the Driver is the wording 2008 Special Edition. Rounding out the set is an AGSI+ Inza Putter, which features the coloring of the Chinese National flag, red and yellow. Also included in the set are 8-sleeves of the new TaylorMade TP Balls, featuring proprietary new aerodynamics called Low-Drag Performance that promote improved distance on the most common types of off-center driver hits. The entire Limited Special Edition Set comes in a specially-made wooden box which includes a golden plaque indicating the number of the set within the limited series of 2,008.

Tags: TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company, adidas AG, Box Set of Clubs, Olympic Games, Beijing

Customs design Hubless Harley

How would you like your custom motorcycle to look like? Inspired by a Hubless motorcycle spotted at Daytona, New Jersey-based Howards Killer Customs spent a cool US $150,000 on the Hubless Custom to reveal its capabilities. Most of the mechanicals are ingeniously kept on the other side of the bike and the mechanism is not anything like the Dominique Mottas’ patented Orbital wheel. The project, which completed in 4000 hours after 2 years of R&D, was started just with only a 300 x18 tire, a 1974 swing arm frame, and a 21 inch front wheel. The custom Howards Hubless Harley weighs approximately 700lbs and is able to reach speeds of 100mph. They have used 1969 Harley Davidson - Pan Shovel 80ci engine, 1969 & 1974 Harley Davidson engine cases, and 1982 Harley Davidson cylinders. Taking note of the overall looks and specs, it looks like the huge sum of money has been very well spent.

Tags: Motorcycles, Custom Motorcycles, Howards Killer Customs, Hubless Harley, harley Davidson

Mussolini's Alfa Romeo

Nothing will ever complete a car collection like a vintage beauty made especially for a fascist dictator. And here’s your chance to own an Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder that was custom-made for the notorious Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1935. You will just have to shell out a paltry sum of £800,000 or thereabouts though. But that’s a relatively small sum for owning a part of history isn’t it? After all, the two-seater sports car was built especially as a gift for II Duce after he prevented the liquidation of Alfa Romeo through state-intervention during the Great Depression. The dictator’s chauffeur also raced the car at the 1936 Mille Miglia, an infamously precarious thousand-mile road race in Italy and finished at lucky number 13. the car’s current owner, an Italian collector, had the rare car restored and will set it up for auction at Cheltenham Racecourse expecting bids to fetch between £600,000 to £800,000.

Tags: Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder 1935, Rare Cars, Mille Miglia, Cheltenham Racecourse, Auction

Swarovski crystals and Moto KRZR

Manypeople possess money, and that too in heaps, but only few of them succeed inshooting their mouth off and makes good use of it, as flaunting the wealth and prosperityis simply an art. If you also belong to the same class, GoldStriker is all set torelease its Platinum Motorola KRZR, which not only will boast the most advancedfeatures of cellphone but allow you to display your art as well. The luxury phoneis wrapped in chic platinum and 336 of finest Swarovski crystals. It will be availablein the second half of February with price tagged at $1200.

Tags: Platinum Motorola KRZR, Platinum, Swarovski crystals, GoldStriker

Celebs Who Claim They're Green but Guzzle Gas

by TMZ Staff

Hybrid cars are all the rage in Hollywood. Celebrities drive them like they're a badge of honor. You save a few gallons of gas, you save the planet. Right? Well, not when you hop on a private jet and burn enough fuel to propel NASCAR through 2050.Of course, the stars need to go here and there. The location shoots, the fabulous vacations, etc. But that's why God created United Airlines. G-IV's, on the other hand, were created in the image of precious celebs.

Julia Roberts

On the ground: Roberts drives a Prius, which gets (at best) 60 miles to the gallon, shaving 30 miles off a normal car's mpg.

In the air: Chicago/LA, 1,749 miles in a private jet, the route she took with Rupert Everett while shooting "My Best Friend's Wedding."

Gas guzzled: 2,100 gallons of jet fuel.

Prius Penance: Julia would have to drive 30,000 miles, or roughly once around the earth and then some to even out her consumption in the air.

So Julia says: No word yet from Julia's rep.

Jennifer Lopez

On the ground: J-Lo tools around in her 60 miles-per-gallon Prius.

In the air: LA /New York, 2,475 miles in a private jet. Lopez was actually sued by a private jet company for allegedly skipping out on the bill, though she says it's all a misunderstanding and she was not supposed to be billed.

Gas guzzled: 2,750 gallons of jet fuel.

Prius penance: She'd have to drive 45,000 miles, and that's a lot longer for Jenny than just going down the block. It's actually more like twice around the earth.

So Jennifer says: There was no comment from Lopez's rep.

George Clooney

On the ground: George favors a Tango, an electric car that gets a whopping 135 miles to the charge.

In the air: Los Angeles/Tokyo, 5500 miles in a private jet.

Gas guzzled: 7,000 gallons of jet fuel.

Electric shocker: Even with his super-saver Tango, he'll have to drive over 57 oceans -- Pacific Oceans to break even.

So George says: Clooney's rep, publicist Stan Rosenfield, tells TMZ, "You clearly have no understanding of certain people's need for private transport," and points out that Clooney often has "no control" over his travel schedule.

Brad Pitt

On the ground: Eco-champ Brad is yet another Prius-lover, and he reportedly has several hybrids in his stable.

In the air: Los Angeles/Namibia, 9,400 miles in a private jet.

Gas guzzled: 11,000 gallons of jet fuel.

Prius penance: Brad burned enough fuel to take a Prius to the moon.

So Brad says: Pitt didn't have any comment. His rep tells TMZ that Pitt is out of the country. And the true-blue Green Award goes to ...

Leo DiCaprio.

On the ground: Leo drives a Toyota Prius

In the air: Leo flies just like us folk -- commercial, unless he positively must fly private because of scheduling.

Prius penance: None.

NetJets - Woodbridge, New Jersey, United States

http://www.netjets.com/

You don't get to be big without attracting the attention of "certain somebodies," and NetJets is no exception. Last year, the company concluded labor negotiations with the Teamsters after a five-year negotiation featuring the customary pageantry: pickets at airports and owner Bershire Hathaway's annual meeting, internal power struggles, competing representation and balloting irregularities, even guys sitting around in chairs at full payrate (and complaining about it). Under the deal, NetJets' pilots gained a 40-60% wage increase, depending on aircraft and (don't act surprised) seniority. After the deal, Flight Options' pilots filed for Teamsters representation.

Now the fight has moved down the foodchain to mechanics, aircraft fuelers, cleaners and stock clerks. The Teamsters and NetJets have been negotiating since last year, and the most recent discussions broke down last month. Terms are what you'd expect: wages, work rules and health benefit costs. According to the Teamsters, a particular sticking point is NetJets' use of outsourced non-union workers.

There are two big question if you're considering NetJets:

1) How will this impact operations in the short term? Probably not much. "Informational picketing" is just that: walking around with signs grousing about The Man. It's not a strike, so technically operations should be unaffected. NetJets hasn't responded to our questions about how it would address more aggressive labor action.

2) How will this impact the business long-term? You can expect the predictable unionization outcome - higher labor costs and the occasional threat of labor disruption.

NetJets is the only fractional provider with a union contract for pilots, and will likely be the first in other sectors. Flight Options is next on the docket, but rest assured that the Teamsters have heard about CitationShares and Flexjet. Buying a fractional share is a long-term decision, and demands scrutiny of the company's composition and operations. Ask your prospective provider about labor situation and the impact on costs. If you're just getting a feel for private aviation, try a jet card from the fractional provider you're gravitating toward. For CitationShares, purchase their 20-hour Vector Jet card; for Flexjet, get a Flexjet 25 card, for Flight Options, consider their JetPASS Ultimate Travel card and for NetJets, try the Marquis Jet Card.

With each of these fractional card programs, you can simply walk away at any time without having to contemplate the more complex criteria of a full fractional ownership program. Regardless of whether you try a jet card or go directly to ownership, make sure you know what questions to ask.

Boeing Business Jets

Zip of the VIPs
Luxury Aircrafts: The Boeing Business Jets are equipped with the same creature comforts one generally is accustomed to finding only at ground level. The VIP aircrafts are available in three models ranging from 807 to up to 1,120 square feet. BBJs are designed with VIP and corporate usage in mind. There is ample space for offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as sleeping, dining, meeting and entertaining areas. Each aircraft sold is customized to match a buyer's exact specifications. In 1996, the Boeing Business Jets division projected sales of six to eight units annually. Demand definitely prompted a surprising production dilemma as 71 airplanes were sold during its first four years of manufacturing. The first BBJ model's fuselage is approximately 110 feet long and is authorized per FAA regulations to carry up to 63 passengers. It can remain aloft for 14 hours with an intercontinental flight range (IFR) of 6,200 nautical miles (nm). The BBJ2, which was introduced in 2001 and entered service in 2002, has a fuselage that measures 129.5 feet in length; provides 25 percent more room than the first model; and is certified to accommodate up to 78 passengers. Its IFR is just over 5,750 nm. The Boeing Business Jet 3 model has 25 percent more space than the first model and 11 percent more than the second. The nose-to-tail length of its fuselage is just over 138 feet. The winglets on the tips of the wings of three BBJs are more than just a distinctive marketing signature. Engineers and designers both originally dismissed those winglets as being nothing more than fanciful, non-contributing components. However, they were all somewhat surprised and, maybe a tad embarrassed, when it was proven that the winglets lowered the aircrafts' drag by seven percent. The Boeing Company and the General Electric Company are partners in the Boeing Business Jet line. The VIP jets are designed in the tradition of the Boeing 737-700C commercial aircraft. Boeing offers a list of capable designers to assist with customizing the interior of the BBJs. Andrew Winch Designs, a firm we previously covered for its design work with Lufthansa, is listed on Boeing's Web site. Word always travels fast when a firm does good work.

For LxM James Rothaar

Amsair

Chartering private jets has never been so easy. As the owners of the largest UK fleet of Citation Excel Jets, and charter based Embraer Legacy Business Jets, we provide the expertise and attention to detail to ensure that you receive the finest service, on the most luxurious aircraft, at very competitive prices. In addition, through our preferred network of owners and operators in the UK and worldwide, we have direct access to over 5000 aircraft, ranging from small piston planes through to large airliners, ensuring that we can always offer the right type of aircraft to suit your individual requirements.

No more long queues at airports, no more security worries. A private jet for just you and your guests. You fly from your chosen airport to your chosen destination at a time that suits you! You depart from a beautiful private lounge away from all the hustle and bustle, where you can be sipping champagne waiting to board one of our luxury private jets.

One day we need a turbo-prop, the next we'll need a Boeing Business Jet, Amsair always find the right solutions for us. It makes our lives easier.Chairman UK Investment Bank

U.S Jets

Take a Private Jet on your next business trip or vacation and discover luxury travel at its finest.
U.S. Jets has the largest privately owned fleet of jets in the southeastern United States.For almost three decades, U.S. Jets has provided private jet air charter service to those who will settle for nothing less than the safest, most reliable, most luxurious aircraft in the sky. Our planes are meticulously maintained according to safety standards far higher than the Federal Aviation Administration's. Every captain we hire must have a minimum of 5000 hours in the air.

U.S. Jets flies emergency and scheduled cargo, leisure travelers and executives throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada with an uncommon precision and professionalism.We remind people why they worked so hard to get to the top.

Bombardier Skyjet

In 1997, Bombardier Skyjet pioneered real-time, online booking in the private jet industry. Today, Skyjet is a leading jet card provider and continues to revolutionize the way companies and individuals use private jet travel to enhance their lives. In 2000, when Bombardier Aerospace - a leader in private aviation - wanted to expand their top-quality business jet programs, the acquisition of Skyjet was the answer. With the dedicated service of your Skyjet Personal Jet Concierge team, reinforced by Bombardier Aerospace’s 250 years of consolidated experience, Skyjet offers the most comprehensive private jet service in the industry today.

Programs that revolve around you.

We understand that each of you has very different travel needs. Maybe you plan to charter a jet once or twice a year. Maybe you travel often enough to need a block of hours and are interested in learning about jet card-membership. Or perhaps you are looking ahead toward fractional or whole aircraft ownership. No matter how private aviation supports your travel agenda, Bombardier will be with you every step of the way.

A network of quality.

Some jet card programs boast about the number of aircraft and operators that support their services. At Skyjet, however, we believe it is more important to choose quality over quantity. The Skyjet Network of operators is large enough to have top-quality aircraft and crew standing by whenever and wherever you need, yet it is also select enough to ensure that you fly only with the very best. At Skyjet, when it comes to safety, the only acceptable standard is perfection.

A tradition of excellence.

Bombardier is a true aviation innovator with a reputation for uncompromising quality. We are perhaps best known for the Learjet and Challenger aircraft, true legends in the aviation industry, and synonymous with business jet travel. Bombardier is a leader in business jet and regional jet manufacturing, the third largest civil airframe manufacturer, and a top provider of worldwide service and training facilities. Bombardier also operates Flexjet, the only fractional program that allows owners to choose from a fleet of new Learjet and Challenger aircraft.
Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004 were $15.5 billion US and shares are traded on the Toronto and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD and BBDd.F).

Private Jet -Cheaper Than Regular?

Though it may appear initially that private aircraft are a corporate luxury, they can actually save a business traveler money in some circumstances. Aircraft charters offer security, safety, flexibility and convenience. First of all, to travel anywhere on short notice, be prepared to pay several times as much as you would if you had booked an economy ticket a few weeks ahead of time. Unfortunately, in today's fast moving business world, executives often do not have more than a few days notice of where they will be needed.

So to be fair, when comparing the cost of a private or charter plane, the cost per traveler should be compared with the cost of a first-class ticket, not the standard economy fair.In addition, work and meetings can take longer than expected to complete, so it can be difficult to plan the return trip at the time of ticket purchase. And one-way tickets, aside from being even more expensive, can lead to lengthy, aggressive security searches due to terrorist profiling by airport security. To be competitive, today's management team cannot be restricted by the inflexibility of airline schedules and ticket bookings. Also, commercial flights may simply not be available at the time desired. With tight budgets, airplanes are overbooked, so even if the traveler is prepared to pay for a top-class ticket, the seats may already be all booked.

With an aircraft charter you can set your own schedule, and aircraft charters can be changed or rescheduled on short notice. With an aircraft charter your business schedule becomes the flight schedule. Charter flights allow the traveler to avoid the check-in an security lines, missed connections and the long drives to locations far away from the major airports. Also, factor in the overnight stays due to poor connections. This leads to hotel and restaurant expenses, as well as productive business time lost. Aircraft charters allow more sales calls, more time to manage your business and ultimately more leisure and family time. With security searches, constant distraction and movement of valuable items such as laptops, cellphones and business papers, be prepared for theft and loss on commercial airline trips.

Trips on charter aircraft are much more organized and relaxed, allowing the business traveler to manage equipment better. With a private jet charter the chances of losing luggage are almost non-existent. It is possible to host a private meeting on board aircraft charter since the only passengers on the aircraft are the staff or invited guests.

Computers and paperwork are much easier to handle without the logistical problems of cramped seats and poor power sources, not to mention the distractions caused by fellow passengers.The film, entertainment and fashion industries have been using charter aircraft for years. Due to high costs of moving production teams between locations, charter aircraft are extremely cost effective. They offer the advantage of traveling from one point to another in a shorter period of time, without scrambling to reassemble at connection points, and safe transport of cameras and other expensive equipment. Professional athletes have long used aircraft jet charter for their special needs. Their schedules are uncertain so an aircraft jet charter must always be available for early or delayed departures. Many amateur athletes have also been taking advantage of an aircraft jet charter when the need arises due to the same concerns and possible schedule conflicts. Also, bulky sports equipment sometimes causes problems on commercial flights so an aircraft jet charter would probably be required. Airlines are toughening the regulations for overweight luggage,and some types of sports equipment may be too large. Charter aircraft allow extra space for cargo, and staff are available to assist with loading and unloading.Clubs, organizations and associations may find a private jet charter a more convenient and even cheaper way to travel. When dealing with a group, there is a great time saving together with the reduction of stress and frustration. A private jet charter facilitates the check-in process by avoiding long security lines and facilitating baggage check in. For a large group, a charter aircraft may be less expensive that individual tickets.Next time your group needs to travel together check out the costs of a private jet charter. Aircraft charters are becoming known as the preferred option for an increasing number of business travelers. Seasoned charter travelers already know the value of an aircraft charter. Drive your car up to the charter aircraft lot and park within a few steps of the departure lounge, and enjoy a more streamlined and relaxed travel experience on your own charter aircraft for the same or, sometimes, even less cost.

Labels: aircraft charters, private jet

Boeing 727 Jet transformed into a street-legal Limo

Earlier, we have seen Boeing 747 being converted into a luxury house, a luxury yacht and a bedroom flight simulator. This time, someone has actually built a street legal Boeing 727 Jet Limo. The best part is that the transformed Mercedes bus is street legal and has that capacity to seat up to 50 persons in opulence. This Boeing 727 Jet Limo includes a sunken living room with a dance floor, big screen TV, fireplace, full bar, fog machine, tons of lighting, ceiling mirrors, and aerodynamic seats. The whole thing weighs approximately 24,000 pound. Do you want to keep it in your backyard? Well, this street legal 727 limo is sitting at US $269,900 on eBay.

via Crave / SlashGear

JumpJet : Affordable Private Jet Travel

Private Jet Membership: Flying first class is just not good enough. One size fits all? Forget about it. The ultimate distinction between luxury and standard is predicated upon the level of control and personalization you get with the experience.

In the past, private jet travel was the exclusive domain of travelers who had the means and desire to invest tens of thousands to millions of dollars in jet ownership, charter flights or private jet card programs. Jumpjet is a new private jet program that brings luxury "to the masses" with its unique membership model and modest advance reservation requirements. Here's how it works: you sign up as a Silver, Gold or Platinum member, with fees corresponding to increasing maximum numbers of flights per month you want to take and guest allowances you need. Silver and Gold members must book flights at least 14 days in advance and Platinum members must book flights at least five days in advance. Reservations are first-come, first-served with a maximum of one reservation per 24-hour period and a maximum of two reservations in the system at any given time.

Jumpjet private jet members may fly from any of Jumpjet's originating cities to nearly any jet-capable private aviation airport in the continental United States. Currently, Jumpjet's 12 originating cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles/Orange County, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Coast to coast flights are available exclusively to Platinum level members and require an additional monthly fee.
Monthly subscriptions start at $1,500 for Silver members, $2,800 for Gold members and $4,000 for Platinum members. A one-time administrative fee of $500 is due at sign-up. Silver members are entitled to up to two round-trip flights per month; Gold members get up to three round trips per month; and Platinum members can take up to four round trips per month.

Jumpjet's launch comes at a time when private aviation's advantages over commercial airline transportation are unprecedented in quality and scope. Jumpjet utilizes the private jet aircraft services of Private Flight Group, a premier charter company certified to meet or exceed Aviation Research Group U.S. requirements, the world's highest safety standards. So skip the security lines and baggage claim- get on board a Jumpjet.

Global Exec Aviation

Global Exec Aviation, conveniently located in Long Beach, California, provides executive jet transportation, with the ability to dispatch from any location worldwide. We cater to corporate and individual clientele, including many VIPs in the entertainment industry. Global Exec Aviation is affiliated with only the "best of the best" aircraft, operators, and crews in the aviation community. We are pleased to offer a corporate jet fleet of varying sizes--from light jet to large cabin--to meet your travel requirements. With our extensive experience and unblemished safety record, we at Global Exec Aviation are proud to provide the integrity, safety, value, and quality sought by today's charter clientele and owners. Please contact us for more information on aircraft management or jet charter.

For more information please contact us at

Phone: 888.878.0788

E-mail: ops@globalexecaviation.com

3250 Airflite WayLong Beach, CA 90807USA

www.globalexecaviation.com

First Eclipse 500 Personal Jet Up for Sale

Perhaps you won’t be lucky enough to own an Eclipse Concept Jet but, you have a chance here to own the Eclipse Aviation’s flagship aircraft, the Eclipse 500 jet. The listed invoice price is US $1,719,942.60 while the auction reserve bid price is kept at US $1,633,945.47. The Eclipse 500 jet is said to be one of the most revolutionary innovations in the aviation industry. The aircraft up for auction is serial number 000038. Powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans, the six passenger private 500 jet gets to an altitude of 41,000 feet, with a cruising speed of 360 knots. Some features may not be installed at the time of delivery and company will bear the expenses for several upgrades. Bidding will end in ten days from now.

via LockerGnome

Tags: Eclipse Aviation, Eclipse 500 Jet, Auction, aircrafts
Related Entries:Original 1942 Beechcraft AT-11 bombardier on eBay ...Cosmin Muffin: Boeing 307 Stratoliner converted ...John Haymes’ Superboy costume up for auction ...Pin-head figurine of London landmark sold for ...

Aexjet - Basalt, Colorado, United States

http://www.aexjet.com/

We recently learned about a small private jet company named aexjet that specializes in mountain destinations such as Aspen and Telluride. The name, AEXJet, stands for Aspen Executive Air and is based in the famous ski destination of Aspen, CO. Founded by CEO Ron Stone, AEXjet is a high-end jet card membership program with a small fleet of 14 planes as of January 2007. The fleet will expand to a total of 60 planes over the next 6 years. The fleet includes large cabin jets such as the Falcon 900B, mid-sized jets such as the Citation X, Hawker 800 and Gulfstream G200, and light jets such as the LearJet 35.The Aspen based fleet serves nine major metropolitan areas including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Atlanta. Destinations are not limited to these above locations; AEXJet will accommodate their members' needs.

Aero Air - Hillsboro, Oregon, United States

http://www.aeroair.com/

In January, Helium Report posted a progressive list of 13 ways to spend your bonus and was applauded by eco-advocate Treehugger.com for our commitment to social responsibility.In turn, Treehugger posted a friendly challenge to the Helium Report to continue "highlighting environmental issues and organizations" which we did by partnering with TerraPass and authoring an article on carbon offsets in private aviation. Our conclusion is that it does not cost a lot to care for the environment when flying private. In fact, you can offset carbon emissions for less than 1% of the cost of your flight. Despite his recent Academy Award, Al Gore has been ridiculed by Fox News host Sean Hannity regarding the ex-VP's private jet travel and its effects on the environment.

On February 19, Hannity reported on his show that Gore is not practicing what he preaches when he flies around the globe in private jets to talk about the environment. Hannity accuses Gore of emitting more carbon dioxide into the air by flying private than if he were to fly commercial. Not only that, but calls him a hypocrite for not living the “carbon neutral” lifestyle he professes in his Oscar-Award winning, An Inconvenient Truth.Gore’s camp reports back that "Gore lives a strict carbon-neutral lifestyle both in his work and private life. That means he tries to reduce his emissions as much as possible, and then purchases carbon offsets for the remaining emissions."Carbon footprints have been a point of discussion from both the left and the right. Debate persists regarding the excessive output from politicians and celebrities and the validity of carbon credits.

The LA Times reported last week that, although a man with a "big environmental footprint", Governor Schwarzenegger signed legislation AB32 and even plans to develop a hydrogen hummer to help curb global warming. (There is even a mention of our chart below.) The awareness that Gore and the media have brought to the issue is a big step toward social responsibility and reversing the negative effects we have had on the environment. At Helium Report, we maintain a carbon neutral footprint and it is good to know others out there are doing the same. If you would like to reduce your footprint, we recommend you consider TerraPass, or book flights with Executive Charter Services or SilverJet who both include carbon credits in the ticket price of the flight.

Marquis Jet - Woodbridge, New Jersey, United States

http://www.marquisjet.com/

Fractional jet cards may have been the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season. In the days before Christmas, Bloomberg News reported that bonuses to workers in New York City would total $23.9 billion, a 17 percent increase from 2005. And along with rare canary diamonds, extravagant yachting trips and yes, botox, fractional jet cards were a popular holiday splurge.Marquis Jet sold 100 gift cards in one month, 50 percent more than last year, according to company vice president Randy Brandoff. One Wall Streeter bought six $185,000 cards for his family so they wouldn't have to fly commercial. Marquis Jet through NetJets sells 25-hour blocks of flying time and will operate 275,000 flights this year to over 140 countries.

Marquis Jet was also popular amongst the recent Fiesta Bowl crowd in Scottsdale, especially the schools' former athletes, having operated 50 departures from the Glendale Municpal Airport.And it's not just Marquis Jet racking up jet shares. JetPASS Ultimate Travel, where a $100,000 deposit gives you a choice of light, mid-size or large cabin aircraft, has helped its parent company Flight Options post significant year-over-year sales numbers. "Since the launch of JetPASS Ultimate Travel Program in May, the most flexible fractional card program in the industry, Flight Options has seen its year-over-year sales in the fourth quarter increase by over 300%," said CEO Michael Scheeringa.And on that note, JetPASS has announced they will be increasing their flight prices for 2007. A 3.75 to 5 percent hike has been applied to Saturday and non-peak rates while peak rates and peak travel days will get a 10 percent hike, rounded off to the nearest $25.So far, this all spells good news for the private jet industry which in turn, helps customers. Now, let's just hope the VLJs get off the ground this year too.

Jet-Alliance - Westlake Village, California, United States

http://www.jet-alliance.com/

The VLJs are finally here. Last Thursday, Jet-Alliance took delivery of the very first Eclipse 500 jet: serial # 000001 and tail registration N508JA. Jet-Alliance aims to become the NetJets of the new "very light jet" private aviation category, offering fractional ownership at a starting price of $95,000 for a 1/16th share (50 hours of flight time). The monthly fee for the fraction is $2,000, which covers expenses such as pilot salaries and insurance. Hourly costs are $788 based on an expected rate of 35% empty legs.The Eclipse Jet has received tremendous press coverage over the past year for its $1.52 million entry price and 1,400 mile range (4 passengers). Jet-Alliance acquires, operates, and maintains the jets, dividing ownership into 50 hour increments, up to 400 hours for a 1/2 fraction. Jet-Alliance makes its money by charging a 4.5% program fee for a fractional purchase, in addition to a 9% administration expense built-in to the monthly and hourly fees.

Jet Airways To Offer It’s Travellers Private Cabin to India

Luxury travel is getting more and more luxurious. If you don’t own your personal aircraft then too, you can now enjoy a luxury flight with facilities like those of a personal aircraft. We have earlier told you about Etihad and Emirates airways luxury seating with 180 degrees swivel, personal LCD video screen, mood lighting, built-in massage facility and fold-and-swivel meal tables and the Delta airways Lie-Flat Seats, but Jet Airways has gone a step higher with its private mini cabins. Yes..if you are a frequent traveler from London to India then you can now get as comfortable as it could get!

Jet Airways will be offering its passengers a luxury service dubbed the “Orient Express of the Skies” that offers complete privacy with mini cabins with colonial-style sliding doors. The exclusive mini-suites boast 26 square foot room, an 83-inch bed, a wall-mounted 23-inch flat screen TV with more than 200 hours of the latest movies and dining for two. Each passenger will even has his or her personal hanging wardrobe as well as office facilities for working. Meals are served on hand-painted Bernardaud porcelain dinnerware with Dom Perignon and Krug among the champagnes on offer. There’s also a communal bar.
And all this royal treatment would set you back for £4,422. Each of Jet Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will have eight of these luxury suites and the first flight takes off from Heathrow on May 5.

via Luxist

Tags: luxury aircraft, Luxury Travel, luxury flights, Orient Express of the Skies
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European Skytime

European Skytime launched on the first day of the new millennium provide the ultimate flexibility and value in the field of private jet travel.
The first company in Europe to offer 25 hours of guaranteed access to a fleet of private jets, we continue to pioneer the sector with first class customer service and unsurpassed aircraft quality.

We stand apart from all other suppliers due to our proven history of delivering this product and our continued commitment to the most flexible, dynamic products available. Offering a flexible, user friendly agreement you have unrivalled access to modern light, mid-size and large cabin private jets operated to the highest standards of safety and excellence in the world.

Diana Yacht Design shows new Hakvoort's YN 246 luxury yacht

The new Hakvoort’s YN 246 luxury yacht from the renowned house of Diana Yacht Design reminds of the famed Diana yacht’s of the 80’s like Jamaica Bay and Rio Rita. Hakvoort’s YN 246 is an exceptionally professional piece of work with a very beguiling interior that entertains her owner and his guests a high standard of luxury. The steel displacement hull, in combination with classic lines and a beautiful canoe stern, makes for comfortable cruising performance. It has a range of 5,000 nm and maximum speed of 14 knots. The most striking feature of the Hakvoort is the owner’s deck with the luxurious master stateroom at the foreside with a 270-degrees panoramic view. Along with four VIP staterooms on the lower deck, the yacht can accommodate a total of 10 guests. Other on-board lavish amenities include Jacuzzi, three Sunbathing areas, outside shower, and a small bar. The fold-out swimming platform on the aft deck allows you to get in close contact with the sea.There are four double guest quarters, each with bathroom. The open aft deck has stairways that lead up to the owner’s deck, main salon, dining room, on portside galley, powder room and nanny’s cabin with bathroom. Hakvoort’s YN 246 yacht is meant to offer its owner luxury, first class maneuverability and sea kindliness.

via SuperyachtTimes

Tags: Luxury yachts, Diana Yacht Design, Hakvoort's YN 246

MIT’s RoboScooter – Unfold and get going!

The research group Smart Cities at the MIT Media Lab has a very cool retractable scooter concept. The RoboScooter is a lightweight, folding, electric motor scooter designed to provide convenient, inexpensive mobility in urban areas while radically reducing the negative effects of extensive vehicle use, which includes road congestion, parking problem, traffic noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions. It’s clean, green, silent, and compact. MIT’s scooter comes with just 150 parts and it gets electricity from a battery that gets recharged each time the vehicle is replaced to its rack. There is no conventional drive train, thanks to the specially designed wheels, each with their own motor and suspension system. The final show-quality prototype was presented at the Milan Motor show on November 6-9th, 2007.

Tags: MIT Media Lab, Smart Cities, RoboScooter, Electric Motor Scooter

the harmonic richness with Vintage iPod Tube Amp/Charger

For just $799, you could own Fender, Marshall and Vox’s Vintage iPod Tube Amp/Charger. This black stylish iPod amplifier/charger allows you to enjoy your playlists with the warmth and richness, which only a vintage tube amplifier can deliver. Although, the solid-state electronics have replaced tubes in most of the audio applications, many professional guitarists, from rock to country, continue to use tube amplifiers. The product’s pre-amp tube circuitry can reveal the subtle detail of brushes on a snare drum, or the sonic thunder of a Fender Precision Bass striking that low ‘E.’ Rugged steel chassis finished in gloss piano black includes massive power transformer, and 3 multi-plate vacuum tubes protected in a removable, ventilated cage. Optional speakers can be had in the matching glossy black finish. I always had a thing for tube amps and this Vintage iPod Tube Amp/Charger with a cool blend of old and new tech is simply awesome.

via GeekAlerts

Tags: Vintage iPod Tube Amp/Charger, Fender, Marshall and Vox, iPod, Music

Exceptional Hampton-Style Beverly Park Estate

Beautifully set on nearly two acres of rolling lawns, this superb east coast traditional estate has it all. Beautifully updated and designed, the lavish Hampton-Style 65 Beverly Park estate offers excellent privacy in the most sought after gated community. Situated in Beverly Hills, CA 90210, the property has an extraordinary 2-story entry, luxurious living rooms, study room, double powder rooms, beautiful kitchen, loggia out to the lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a guest house. The splendid master suite comes with beautiful dual baths. There are three additional spacious family bedrooms. The palatial 10,769 square feet, 5-bedroom, 8-bathroom house is being offered at a whopping $23,500,000. Check out the picture gallery to see the interiors.

Gallery: Beverly Park Estate
Tags: Estates, Beverly Park estate, Beverly Hills

CES 2008 - Bang & Olufsen intros BeoVision 8 LCD display

Bang & Olufsen is well-known for its high end home theaters and custom multi-room music systems. The Danish firm has launched its latest LCD solution at the 2008 CES in Las Vegas. BeoVision 8 is a 32-inch flat screen with an integrated center channel speaker that delivers state-of-the-art sound and picture quality and offers flexible placement options. BeoVision 8 is a video display ideal for the living room, but also a convenient addition to the kitchen, bedroom, or child’s playroom. It delivers a message of easy living without compromise as it offers an incredible, high quality viewing experience in one easy-to-use, compact package. The sound performance of BeoVision 8 sets new standards as done by BeoVision 7. BeoVision 8 can also be used for your gaming console or laptop when you need a second display. The 32-inch screen is based on a progressive display technology with a glare polarizer that provides the ideal contrast. BeoVision 8 has both a high light transmission and a high black level, which is important to create the best picture possible on a LCD screen. The automatic picture control changes the TV’s black and white balance, so it delivers stunning video quality even under difficult light conditions. BeoVision 8 will be available in all Bang & Olufsen showrooms by February 2008 with a price tag of $3950.

Tags: CES 2008, Bang & Olufsen, BeoVision 8, LCD Displays

Dom Pérignon’s limited edition gold-plated bubbly

New Year’s celebrations seem to be incomplete without a glass of champagne. Dom Pérignon is celebrating the New Year by launching a limited edition 1995 Vintage White Gold Jeroboam commemorative champagne, which was unveiled in the States this fall. Dom Pérignon’s new gold-plated bubbly was first of all introduced to the rich and famous during their exploits and escapades on the edge of the Côte d’Azur. It was present during the celebrations attended by celebrities, models, and moguls. Notes of brioche and honey, mingled with fresh almond and apricot make for the deep, intricate flavor of the champagne. The modern design of the bottle has an engraving of the Dom Pérignon crest, wrapped in a sheath jacket of white gold. With only 100 bottles available worldwide, the jeroboams are being offered at The Matsuzakaya Department Store in Nagoya’s Sakae-ku for about $11,005 a bottle. With one bottle already sold at Matsuzakaya, 20 bottles will be sold in Japan while others cost upwards of $40,000 in nightclubs in the United States.

via HauteLiving
Tags: Champagne, Dom Pérignon, 1995 Vintage White Gold Jeroboam

Mobiado introduces Stealth - Symbol of extreme exclusivity

For those who accept nothing less than the best, luxury mobile phone maker Mobiado has the new limited edition Stealth 3G luxury mobile phone. The Mobiado Stealth is not just another cellphone. It’s good-looking, highly functional, and above all, luxurious. Working off the previously launched Luminoso DNA and inspired by military stealth aircrafts, the Mobiado Stealth merges aluminum and sapphire crystal in an extreme fashion. The front of the Stealth is machined from one piece of solid aluminum with an inlay of one piece of sapphire crystal. The keypad and Mobiado symbol comes machine engraved, which bestows the Stealth with a strong appearance with sharp edges, precise lines, and clean surfaces. Other salient specs include a large QVGA display, 2-megapixel camera and video camera, support for microSD cards up to 2GB, surround sound through stereo speakers, push to talk, Bluetooth technology, speaker phone, and a music player that supports MP3, MP4, eAAC+ and AAC music files. Only 1200 units have been put into production, so every single unit is a symbol of extreme exclusivity.

Gallery: Mobiado Stealth
Tags: Luxury phones, Mobiado, Stealth, Bluetooth