Inaugural Flight to Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort
HUA HIN, THAILAND : Exclusive luxury private jet company Jaras Aviation launched its first flight recently to Hua Hin, the first of many journeys the new business will take as it offers a fast, flexible and personalised service to elite travellers and businessmen to domestic and regional destinations.
Departing from the sumptuous Private Jet Terminal at Don Muang International Airport in Thailand, the inaugural flight in a Cessna 550 Citation Bravo jet aircraft took just 20 comfortable minutes to Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin, escorting guests to the invitation-only Orchestra of Thai Silk event at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.
The evening began at the illustrious resort’s restored 1920’s period house, La Residence, where an exhibition showcased silks from all four corners of Thailand inspired by the tireless work of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand to bring silk weaving materials and traditions to the fore.
A short while later, the kingdom’s top models assembled on the central lawn area and strode out along an elevated catwalk, treating leading Thai dignitaries, socialites and international guests in attendance to a dazzling fashion show of silk gowns and stylish garments by leading designers, Khun Kem Issara and Hook’s by Prapakas.
The highlight of the glamourous evening was world tennis number one Victoria Azarenka and Asia’s number one tennis star Li Na stepping onto the runway to rapturous applause wearing silk outfits specially created for them by the designers.
Owner of both the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort and Jaras Aviation, Ms Jaraspim Liptapanlop, said she was delighted to launch the Cessna 550 Citation Bravo jet service and welcome the first passengers to such an elegant occasion at the beachfront resort.
“What we achieved for the launch can give exclusive travellers and businesspeople an idea of what is possible by chartering our jet service,” Ms Jaraspim said. “Just imagine taking off from Bangkok according to your own schedule for an evening in Hua Hin and coming back to be met by a private limousine. Convenience, comfort and absolutely customised service. Next stop Hong Kong or Singapore.”
The private jet plane company offers both domestic and international flight services with a maximum range of four and a half hours, making it possible to fly to regional centres such as Hong Kong and Singapore – as well as emerging business and tourism destinations in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Indonesia.
The capacity of the world-renowned jet aircraft model is seven seats, with a top speed of 734 kilometres per hour, a range of 3,520 kilometres and a ceiling height of 45,000 feet. The cost of chartering the Cessna 550 Citation Bravo is USD3,500 per hour, excluding ground handling costs and other bespoke services such as special food and beverage requests.
“We are focusing on executives of large corporations, high net-worth individuals and international business travellers who we believe can greatly benefit from our service as it offers a level of personalised exclusivity and efficiency in travel for business or social purposes that is not possible through regular air travel,” said Ms Jaraspim.
“With the ASEAN Economic Cooperation grouping set to achieve full integration in 2015, we strongly believe that the frequency of travel and the need for timing flexibility for businessmen will increase tremendously in the ASEAN region. This will have a positive impact for not just the private jet industry but also for Thai business people and businesses located in Thailand.”
Jaras Aviation is based in Bangkok, Thailand and also provides in-flight services such as catering and audio visual as well as offering other related services such as hotel bookings and limousine transfers.
Jaras has partnered with MJETS and Thai Flying Services. MJETS is the largest private jet service operator in Thailand and will assist Jaras with its wide network of clients through agencies and brokers. Moreover, MJETS has the experience, knowledge and capabilities to handle ground services and other exclusive associated services. Thai Flying Service, an operator with a strong and unblemished track record for more than 10 years would provide seamless operational services.
