Loyal Clients, New Aircraft Deliveries Fuel Growth at Private Aviation Leader

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Flight Options, LLC, the world’s second largest private aviation company, reported today that sales in 2012 were up 30 percent from 2011. Robust fractional ownership sales and the recently launched Jet Membership Club led the way as Flight Options continued its momentum after a strong 2011.

“As I talk with our owners, I’m heartened that they feel we ‘get it’ and are the private aviation company that knows them and takes care of them the best. With the continued support of both Directional Aviation and our loyal client base, we see 2013 as another banner year.”

Two factors were at the center of the company’s success, according to Michael J. Silvestro, Flight Options^® Chief Executive Officer, “Referrals from our client base increased 104 percent, which is inspiring because it demonstrates the level of client satisfaction and loyalty we are seeing. In addition, we led the industry in new aircraft deliveries to meet our clients’ private aviation needs. That synergy made 2012 a break-out year for us and has propelled us into what we expect will be an incredible 2013.”

The Cleveland-based company also reported a 70 percent growth in “conquest sales” or clients who left a competitive brand to become Flight Options clients in an economy that many portrayed as risk-adverse and an industry undergoing consolidation. Kenneth Ricci, Chairman of Directional Aviation Capital, parent company of Flight Options, LLC, exuded confidence, saying, “Mike and the Flight Options team exceeded the expectations of our clients and the industry in 2012. Their level of dedication and expertise reaffirmed our decision to invest in new aircraft. At Directional, we see only opportunity and great potential in Flight Options’ future.”

In addition to reporting substantial growth, Flight Options has continued its distinction as one of the few private aviation companies to be profitable on an operating basis in each of the last four years. Likewise, its commitment to safety has earned the company an ARG/US^® Platinum Safety Rating for 12 consecutive years. According to Silvestro, the success is expected to continue, “As I talk with our owners, I’m heartened that they feel we ‘get it’ and are the private aviation company that knows them and takes care of them the best. With the continued support of both Directional Aviation and our loyal client base, we see 2013 as another banner year.”

About Flight Options
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Flight Options, LLC, is the second-largest private aviation company in the world serving more than 1,300 owners and clients with a full suite of offerings, including fractional ownership, membership and the 25-hour jet card program. The company’s fleet of more than 100 aircraft is maintained through five FAA Diamond Award winning maintenance facilities, and consists of the Hawker 400XP, Nextant 400XT, Embraer Phenom 300®, Hawker 800XP, Citation X and Embraer Legacy 600. With as little as ten hours notice, Flight Options flies owners to North America, the Caribbean and Europe. Exceeding the highest standards in aviation safety, Flight Options holds the prestigious honor of being the first fractional jet operator to receive the ARG/US® Platinum Safety Rating, and the only provider to have received the rating for 12 consecutive years. Please visit us at www.flightoptions.com. Flight Options® and the Flight Options logo are registered trademarks of Flight Options, LLC. All other brands and trademarks mentioned in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

About Directional Aviation Capital
Directional Aviation Capital is a private investment firm whose singular focus is private business aviation. Combining strategic aviation ownership, unmatched experience and revolutionary vision, Directional continues to innovate and evolve private aviation. Directional’s unique industry experience enables them to quickly understand business aviation companies and provide the financing and operational strategy needed to take advantage of market opportunities.