During the current US government shutdown, Jets.com has offered to cover the 7.5% Federal Excise Tax (FET) on 20-hour jet cards for new clients.

“Unlike the politicians, we're taking action by temporarily absorbing flight taxes so new clients can experience the Jets.com difference first-hand,” says Jets.com co-founder Edgar Alacan.

The New York-based charter brokerage rebranded earlier this year, launched a new website and added a partnerships division as part of a wider growth initiative. More than 1,400 clients have flown with the company so far this year.

“With all-inclusive pricing, simplified programmes and a personalised service that makes private travel truly private, Jets.com has earned one of the highest client retention rates in the industry,” adds Alacan.

The FET-Free promotion applied only to new jet card clients and ended when the government reached an agreement to resume operations. The company says absorbing the tax represented a direct cost rather than a pricing adjustment.

The 20-hour card began at $148,700 for a light jet and included a money-back guarantee for first-time clients flying within 60 days.