One article is looking at an argument that has been going around since the Cold War ended. Why not build a small supersonic passenger jet? Despite a stream of ambitious graphics unveiled at major air shows no has yet been able to get a post-Concorde supersonic business jet past the hype stage and into the air. Will we ever see any of these plans making it onto the runway?
The second article addresses the argument around Charter v Fractional Ownership. There are various new models addressing the tricky dilemma of how you actually turn a profit in the jet charter business. Online booking plays a big part in this, allowing individuals to bid for empty seats in jets returning to home base without a formal charter. The Fractional Ownership model championed in recent years does appear to be taking a knock from a resurgent charter world too. How will this market be divided up?
My deadlines are quite tight here and I will need to conduct all interviews by close of play on Monday 6 October. I want to talk to anyone with strong, informed opinions and an international perspective.
Supersonic Jets. A number of companies have plans for supersonic jet travel, but how close are we to seeing an aircraft come on to the market? Is there enough demand and how close have engineers got to reducing noise from the sonic boom - one of the obstacles to overcome? This article appeared in the FT on Tuesday 21 October 2014.
Charter vs Fractional Ownership. Charter has seen a growth in activity this year that outweighs the wider recovery in business jet flying. The executives who run charter companies have new customers in their sights - who currently fly with fractional ownership companies. Who will win out? This article appeared in the FT on Tuesday 21 October 2014.