AMERICAN EXPRESS REINVENTS PRIVATE JET SERVICES PROGRAM FOR PLATINUM® AND CENTURION® CARD MEMBERS WITH SIX NEW PARTNERS
Charter and Membership Options Give Card Members Greater Choice and Flexibility; Plus, Free Flying Hours, Free Credits For Ground Transportation, Bonus Miles and More
NEW YORK, October 07, 2004 -- American Express has reinvented its Private Jet Services Program, a special benefit for Platinum Card® and Centurion Card® members, to give them more options and value when booking travel on a private jet. The Program, which is the broadest partner-based program offered on a card, now enables Card members to book private jet services, at no extra cost, that cater to their needs on six of the leading private jet companies – Bombardier Skyjet, CitationShares, Delta AirElite Business Jets, Le Bas International, Sentient Jet, and TAG Aviation – offering charter and membership service options for domestic and international travel. In addition, the Program delivers a variety of rich amenities such as: complimentary additional hours of flight time, service credits for use toward in-flight catering, FlightPhone or ground transportation, or frequent flyer bonus miles or points.
Launched with Le Bas International in 2001, the Private Jet Services Program is a highly valued complement to the collection of benefits and services American Express offers to Platinum Card members and Centurion members through Platinum Travel Service and Centurion Travel Service. In addition to being able to book private jet travel, the Program enables Card members to fly directly to all major airports as well as thousands of airports that are not serviced by commercial airlines. Plus, Card members can choose their own departure times, avoid time consuming layovers and flights delays, arrive at their destination relaxed and be on the road just minutes after landing.
“Private jets are an increasingly popular way to travel, and with so many different service models emerging, our goal was to expand our Program to give Card members several distinct options to fit their needs,” said Cynthia Valles, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Travel Network, USA, at American Express. “Our Platinum and Centurion Card members travel extensively and their time is valuable. Our travel counselors are available 24 hours a day to help them select the service that best meets their needs. With this benefit we can give them convenience, luxury and value all rolled into one great travel resource.”
The new Private Jet Services Program partners and benefits include:
Charter Options:
- Bombardier Skyjet – Benefits include a service credit depending on the cost of the charter, for use toward in-flight catering, FlightPhone, ground transportation, a model Bombardier Learjet 60 or an exclusive Learjet leather jacket. Platinum Card members receive a service credit ranging from $100-$400 and Centurion members receive a service credit ranging from $150-$600.
- Le Bas International – Platinum Card members and Centurion members receive double Membership Rewards® points up to 20,000 points depending on the cost of the charter*. In addition, Platinum Card members receive a $100 credit toward limousine service to and from the origin airport, and a $50 onboard catering credit. Centurion members receive a $200 credit toward limousine service and a $100 onboard catering credit.
- TAG Aviation – Benefits include a service credit depending on the cost of each charter trip, for use toward in-flight catering, FlightPhone or ground transportation. Platinum Card members receive a service credit ranging from $50-$400 and Centurion members receive a service credit ranging from $100-$500.
Membership Options:
- CitationShares – Platinum Card members receive one complimentary additional hour of occupied flight time for each 25 hour Vector JetCard purchased and Centurion members receive two complimentary additional hours.
- Delta AirElite Business Jets – Platinum Card members receive 90,000 Delta SkyMiles® (equivalent to two first class domestic tickets on Delta Air Lines) for each Fleet Membership purchased and Centurion Card members receive 180,000 SkyMiles (equivalent to two first class tickets to Europe on Delta Air Lines).
- Sentient Jet – Benefits include a service credit for each Sentient GiftCard purchased, for use toward additional flight hours, in-flight catering or ground transportation. Platinum Card members receive an additional 2.5% of the value of each GiftCard purchased and Centurion members receive a service credit of 5%.
“Our Card members lead incredibly hectic lives and giving them a benefit like the Private Jet Services Program is invaluable because of the time it saves and the convenience it offers them,” said Sylvia Bass, vice president, Platinum/Centurion Card Product Management at American Express. “With this program they can fly when and where they want.”
The Private Jet Services Program includes a variety of aircraft types that can accommodate any number of passengers, up to 440. Card members can book air travel with the Private Jet Services Program by calling Platinum Travel Service or Centurion Travel Service. For more information about the Private Jet Services Program, Card members can call the 800 number located on the back of their Card.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, network and financial services provider founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.
* To be eligible to earn points, Card members must place their purchase on an eligible American Express Card enrolled in the Membership Rewards Program.
Contacts:
Monica Beaupre
212.640.2653
Monica.Beaupre@aexp.com
Desiree Fish
212.640.4761
Desiree.C.Fish@aexp.com