While New Flight Charters handled 232 flights during the quarter for a 5% increase, more revealing is the average charter booking amount increased 21.2% year-over-year to $17,630. Thus overall private jet flight consumers in late 2010 were chartering higher-end aircraft, longer flights, or both.

More private fliers are chartering jets. During 4th Quarter 2010, jet aircraft comprised 77% of all private charters booked through the company, up from 70% in 2009. The remaining charters were mostly turboprop aircraft. Light jet activity increased the most, up 31% year-over-year. The most popular light jets during the quarter were the Citation V/Ultra, Learjet 31 and the Citation CJ series.

"The take-away from the quarter is that private fliers overall have begun flying more and moving up in aircraft. Many are moving into jets from the more economical turboprops," said Rick Colson, New Flight Charters president. Colson also states the company's service level and leading operator, aircraft and pricing availabilities contributed to the increases.