Many private jet trip support companies worldwide talk about the importance of providing a one-stop shop to their clients. What is exactly providing a one-stop-shop? For Icarus Jet, it starts with listening to a customer’s requests and analyzing how our trip assistance team can arrange even the smallest detail in the process. Due to the dynamic nature of an international private jet flight, a fixed approach toward providing trip support services is not effective, and a recent arrangement for travel assistance in Mexico validates that notion.
Making a jet owner’s or crew’s life easier is the building block of a trip support service and this materializes by arranging customs, filing paperwork, coordinating ground handling and fuel, and also taking care of entry permits and charges for an international flight. And especially in Mexico, specific additional charges apply when operating an aircraft with a foreign registry, which is a fact that many customers flying for the first time to the country may not be aware of.
The Client’s Request
An aircraft owner and pilot required to arrange an international private flight on a Cessna Citation CJ3 to Mexico with passengers on board and was surprised about the wide array of services that the Icarus Jet team could provide to make the flight safer and more predictable from the start to finish. Reducing uncertainties throughout the process is only achievable with established protocols from the trip support company while maintaining active communication with the customer is the main ingredient for a seamless outcome.
Once our team was aware of the type of aircraft, the number of passengers, and the route, they started working to obtain the needed permits while gathering passport details, crew, and aircraft information to share with the local aviation authority. For the client, this meant no more flight plan filing, completing the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS), or sending the Advance Passenger Information (API) – Icarus Jet would manage all those arrangements.
The Importance of Border Overflight Exemption Permits (BOEPs)
Mexico requires foreign aircraft to obtain a Border Overflight Exemption Permit (BOEP) in order to fly over certain parts of its territory near the border with the United States. The BOEP is a permit issued by the Mexican government that allows foreign aircraft to fly over without having to obtain a full permit or landing permission. The Icarus Jet team helped the aircraft owner obtain this key permit for operation.
To obtain a BOEP, private aircraft operators must apply to the Mexican government at least 5 business days before the planned flight. The application must include detailed information about the aircraft and the flight, containing the purpose of the flight, the route, and the names of the crew and passengers.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a BOEP can be complex and time-consuming, and it’s recommended that private aircraft operators work with a reputable trip support company like Icarus Jet that has experience in obtaining these permits. These companies can provide guidance on the application process, assist with the necessary paperwork, and ensure that all requirements are met before the flight.
Fuel Pricing and Charges
Jet fuel is a key component of the overall costs of a flight, therefore pairing with an experienced trip support company with an established relationship with global fuel vendors can make a huge difference. That was the case with our client, and he was open to obtaining a new fuel quote from Icarus Jet. At the end of the day, this allowed him to save 2 USD for every U.S. gallon, which at that rate, would allow saving between 3 – 7 % in fuel annually – a true game changer.
Furthermore, other fees like the SENEAM charges are country-specific and need to be considered when operating an aircraft in Mexico as a foreign registry. These fees are usually paid by airlines and general aviation operators for services such as air traffic control, communication, navigation, and surveillance.
These fees are based on factors such as the size and type of aircraft, the distance flown, and the complexity of the services required and are typically charged on a per-flight basis. Crews and operators usually allow their trip planning services company to take care of these charges with the Mexican aviation authority while keeping a log of outstanding fees throughout the flight.
Coordination and Communication
Constant and open communication is paramount during flight coordination. Not only when the aircraft is airborne is when this element has relevancy, but also during on-ground arrangements that will determine a safe international private jet flight. In the case of the Mexico operation, the client informed about a 45-minute delay, which is not an issue due to the flexibility of private aviation, yet all involved parties needed to be informed.
Icarus Jet immediately contacted the FBO, customs, ground, and fueling handlers about the situation in order to reduce uncertainty and secure an aligned and safe operation. The organizing team also contacted the ground transportation service that was arranged by the aircraft owner to coordinate with the driver and make sure that his transportation is already prepared upon the aircraft’s arrival.
Once safely arrived in Mexico, the client demonstrated his appreciation for the team’s efforts on the flight and that ‘all went well with the operation’. That feedback is key for the continued improvement of our services while showcasing that the training and knowledge that the Icarus Jet trip support team has obtained throughout the years are at the highest industry standards.
The conclusion
While every international flight is different from an operational perspective, there are established protocols that reputable trip support companies should have to secure that the highest safety standards are met. This specific story highlights what many crew members need to go through when traveling to Mexico while showcasing the level of preparedness and knowledge of the Icarus Jet team to provide solutions and even allow a customer to reduce fuel costs.
An efficient and effective charter flight operation in Mexico is only feasible thanks to constant coordination with local aviation authorities and diverse vendors, with the ultimate goal of achieving the true status of a one-stop shop trip support service. A hassle-free and comfortable travel experience for passengers and crew is only possible by partnering with a trip support company with an on-location experience, which will allow crew and passengers to focus on their destination and enjoy their trip.
