An email alert pinged in my inbox: “Is 50 hours the right amount?” It’s not an easy question to answer, even with a full picture, and this time I had little to go on. The client, a travel agent’s long-term customer, was about to renew their private jet card for another 50 hours. But doubts lingered—they reached out to their agent wondering if they should explore other options before committing.

The agent, mindful of their client’s needs, explained the backstory. Originally, the hours were purchased to accommodate travel between the UK and US for a multi-year project. Now, with operations stabilizing, the client anticipated fewer international trips but was concerned about under-budgeting for annual travel. The agent, recalling HAA’s consultative approach, asked if I could step in and assess the situation.

We met to discuss her concerns. She worried about being circumvented or sidelined with her client—a valid concern when stepping into a new dynamic. I reassured her that she would remain involved every step of the way: from the consultation to the bookings. Transparency, visibility, and compensation for her efforts were guaranteed. With those fears eased, we set up a video call with her client.

The call brought clarity. Not only did the client need guidance on their jet card renewal, but they were also facing increased domestic travel demands as they prepared to spend more time stateside. They needed flexibility, cost-efficiency, and a cohesive plan.

Together, we devised a tailored solution:

• The client purchased 25 non-refundable hours from their jet card provider for international flights.
• They set up a refundable charter fund through the Signature Flight Fund for cost-effective one-way trips.
• We aligned the charter fund with their preferences for domestic travel, with details like cabin height based on flight length to be able to walk around, wifi speeds, and bedding for evening flights. 

We used past flights and projected trips to calculate their hourly rate and compared it to one-way charter pricing. This allowed them to utilize the most cost-efficient option for each flight without compromising service.

The travel agent was thrilled. By collaborating with HAA, she delivered enhanced value to her client, helped them save money, and deepened the trust in their relationship. The client, in turn, felt more confident and in control, knowing their private aviation strategy was not only optimized but also flexible.

The agent summed it up best:
“You wonder sometimes if vendors are going to bump you out of the picture or try to run the show. I never felt that way with you. I always felt like I had a seat at the table, and it made it easy for us to create an ecosystem that looked after my client’s best interests. I can’t thank you enough!”

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