Elite Jets' two new certifications, through ARGUS and the International Business Aviation Council's International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), rank Elite Jets among the top five per cent of charter aircraft services in the country.

“The term 'safety' refers to more than just maintaining an aircraft and training pilots. It requires that everyone on staff, from captains and first officers to mechanics and cleaning crews, adhere to best practices developed by the government and industry leaders,” says executive vice president Stephen Myers. “The experience and convenience of flying privately are well-known among affluent travellers but during the pandemic, our passengers recognised the importance of flying with a company that prioritises aircraft and passenger safety.”

Elite Jets' two new certifications are ARGUS platinum rating and IS-BAO Stage II.

For recertification as ARGUS Platinum-rated, the charter operator must hold an operating certificate for at least one year, have at least one turbine aircraft on certificate, create an in-depth historical safety analysis, validate aircraft operational control, develop an emergency response plan, complete an on-site audit with no findings and operate a functioning safety management system. Additionally, all pilots must pass a background check.

For IS-BAO Stage II, the charter operator must adhere to a recommended code of best practices for safety and professionalism, including the establishment of a framework for effective safety and operational processes, development of tools to facilitate the implementation of best practices and the delivery of a safety management system appropriate to all operational profiles.

Elite Jets owns a fleet of four Embraer Phenom 300s, one Embraer Legacy 500 and a Bell 407 helicopter, and it also manages a Gulfstream G550 jet. The company's pilots, maintenance technicians and terminal staff have completed more than 80,000 hours of cumulative, individualised training. Elite Jets employs directors of safety, quality assurance and pilot training, as well as an FAA-certified director of operations. The company operates from a private terminal at Naples airport.