Driving innovation in private aviation for twenty-five years.
BOSTON, MA – April 16, 2024 – Leading private aviation company Sentient Jet marks its 25th anniversary of the founding of the company and commemorates its invention of the jet card concept, which has revolutionized the private aviation industry and transformed the way individuals access private air travel.
Since the company was founded in 1999, it has been committed to leading innovation in the private aviation industry, introducing a first-of-its-kind jet card, driving change in key industry priorities, such as sustainability, and continually evolving its booking process digitally.
Prior to the invention of the jet card, which provides fliers with unprecedented flexibility to purchase flight time in hourly increments, private aviation options were limited to whole aircraft ownership, fractional ownership, and on-demand charter. Recognizing an abundance of excess capacity in the private aviation space, Sentient Jet seized the opportunity to offer a unique way to fly privately, which has since become a “must-have” product for travelers. By selecting and certifying the best aircraft and operators in the private aviation market, Sentient Jet created a uniform pricing standard and framework that laid the foundation for a brand new style of product. With the first ever jet card, Sentient Jet created an entirely new industry segment that offered then unheard-of flexibility and convenience for personal and business travel in private aircrafts at all-inclusive fixed rates with guaranteed availability, seamless booking, and industry-leading value.
In the past 25 years, Sentient Jet has:
- Flown more than 1M passengers over 2,500 destinations all over the world
- Flown over 228M miles
- Grown revenue by 549%
- Held nearly 6,700 active Card Owners
- Offset a total of over 1,339,235 metric tons of CO2 emissions
“Sentient Jet’s journey began 25 years ago with the invention of the jet card – a concept that has redefined how people fly privately,” said Andrew Collins, Co-CEO at Flexjet, Sentient Jet’s parent company. “With several industry firsts – from the jet card to digitizing on-demand booking with text-to-book – Sentient Jet has been instrumental in shaping modern air travel. As we look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, we remain committed to advancing our industry and providing our Card Owners with nothing short of extraordinary experiences and exceptional service.”
“Throughout my career, I have seen several developments and innovations in the private aviation industry, but Sentient Jet’s creation of the Jet Card ranks as one of the most important and revolutionary product developments,” said Kenn Ricci, Flexjet Chairman and Principal of Directional Aviation. “The Jet Card has created a market that previously did not exist and has exposed many new entrants and first time buyers to our industry. Virtually every private aircraft provider uses some form of the product today.”
Sentient Jet has remained at the forefront of innovation by continuously evolving to surpass the ever-changing needs of its clientele with first-to-market products, programs and initiatives.
- 1999: Sentient Jet invented the jet card revolutionizing the way individuals book private air travel, with two jet card options including 25-hours of Sentient Jet certified light aircraft (SJ25) as well as the expansion to 3 size categories including mid, super-mid, and large cabin (SJ25+).
- 2001: Defined and co-invented TripCheq with ARGUS, a comprehensive safety assessment tool for private aviation trips, which became an industry standard.
- 2005: Sentient Jet was the first private aviation company to have an Independent Safety Advisory Board and proprietary Sentient Certified® process, ensuring stringent safety standards are met on every trip
- 2016: Launched a mobile application, expanding the company’s digital capabilities including instant booking and trip management, flight tracking, safety status updates, and 24/7 call center chats.
- 2021: Launched its emissions-neutral sustainability program, offsetting all flights by 300% at no cost to Card Owners.
- 2022: Introduced an automated text-to-book feature, enabling Card Owners to quote or book flights via text within seconds, transforming the booking process with user-authenticated, automated interaction, along with patent-pending electronic upgrades.
- 2023: Individual emissions offset calculations were added to Card Owner invoices both digitally and in print for increased transparency.
Sentient Jet prioritizes unparalleled client service through a combination of advanced proprietary workflow technology, rigorous KPI monitoring, and a team of highly skilled client managers. Its streamlined processes and effective communication channels guarantee a tailored and seamless experience for every Card Owner. With Sentient Jet’s customer service organization doubling in size in recent years, inquiries are handled with unprecedented efficiency while maintaining an exceptional 95% customer satisfaction rating.
“We have a strong customer loyalty base built over 25 years in service, with many of our first Card Owners still with us today. Our commitment to shaping the future of private aviation has driven us to evolve new features and initiatives each year, and is attributed to our loyal customer base. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary we remain dedicated to thoughtfully ushering our Card Owners through the next chapter of air travel,” said Alan Walsh, Senior Vice President, Business Operations and Client Experience, Sentient Jet.
One of Sentient Jet’s longest standing Card Owners comments, “For well over twenty years, I have received unparalleled service from Sentient Jet’s Client Management Team, many of whom became friends. Each flight has been aboard a top-tier aircraft, operated by professionals of the highest caliber. Our loyalty to Sentient Jet stems from their unmatched service quality, unwavering safety standards, and consistent excellence. Safety is paramount for my family and no one has a better safety record and program than Sentient. When you are flying with the best, why change?” said Sentient Jet 20+ year client Neal R. Pendergraft.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Sentient Jet launched its highly anticipated 2024 Exclusive Benefits Guide, providing Card Owners with increased opportunities to maximize their membership through thoughtfully sourced partnerships across food and beverage, travel, wellness, and more, with a value of approximately $225,000. Select benefits range from exclusive offers from Flexjet Helicopters, Exclusive Resorts, Auberge Resorts, Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Testing, and PS aka Private Suite, to name a few. Sentient Jet also holds longstanding partnerships with celebrity brand ambassadors including Chef Bobby Flay, former NFL player Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, and a partnership with the Kentucky Derby.
Sentient Jet leverages the 2023 opening of its parent company’s new $50M global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio for best-in-class flight operations and service execution. Looking to the next 25 years, Sentient Jet projects strong growth driven by the rising popularity of private aviation. By providing flyers with safe, comfortable and efficient experiences, Sentient Jet will ensure their Card Owners can focus on moments that matter, continuing to be the most thoughtful way to fly.
About Sentient Jet
Founded in 1999 with the invention of the Jet Card, and now a Flexjet company, Sentient Jet is one of the most innovative private aviation companies across the globe. The Sentient Jet Card offers clients the flexibility and convenience of flying private for their personal and business air travel needs along with a host of unique digital booking tools, including an industry-first with instant, automated text-based booking, a unique sustainability program, and an outstanding service heritage. Sentient Jet is known for its commitment to safety and is guided by an Independent Safety Advisory Board with former FAA and NTSB officials. Sentient Jet’s extensive network of certified operators ensures that clients will always have access to executive aircraft that meet their rigorous standards for safety and quality. Visit sentient.com for more information. You can also follow Sentient Jet on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Download the Sentient Jet Mobile App: iOS | Android.
Media Contact:
Daphna Barzilay
Maverick Creative