Originally published in the Boston Business Journal on March 7th, 2008
Linear Air announced Friday it is the first and only member of the Virgin Charter network to use a new jet, which allows for more economical air travel.
The Concord, Mass.-based Linear Air, which is an air taxi service company, said it can now count the Eclipse E500 as part of its fleet. The twin engine Eclipse E500 business jet allows unprecedented low cost of charter travel for the customer, the company said. In some cases the cost to travel in an Eclipse E500 can be 3 percent to 28 percent less than other charter planes.
The Eclipse E500 planes are fuel efficient and seat three to four passengers. Linear has a fleet of eight planes, which consist of Eclipes and Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop planes.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Virgin Charter Marketplace and look forward to servicing their customers throughout the Northeast, mid Atlantic and eastern Canada,” said William Herp, president and CEO of Linear Air, in a statement, adding that Linear Air and Virgin Charter have a shared goal of growing the private air market by introducing new customers to the many benefits of private air travel. “Linear Air’s inclusion in this select network speaks to our outstanding service and safety record, of which we are very proud.”
Virgin Charter Marketplace is an online system that helps customers book charter flights. The company was founded by CEO Scott Duffy last year.
