OneFlight implements, rescinds a 35% jet card surcharge

OneFlight said a 35% surcharge was a ‘response to extraordinary economic pressures currently affecting private aviation’ before rescinding it. Earlier today, Denver, Colorado-based jet card broker OneFlight International said it was implementing an “economic surcharge” In the email to clients with contracted rates, OneFlight said it was implementing a 35% surcharge on flight reservations, effective immediately, only to rescind it hours later. According to the first email, the surcharge was being implemented “in response to extraordinary economic pressures currently affecting private aviation.” The email continued: ‘We recognize that this is a meaningful change and have delayed implementing it for as long as possible. Our team remains committed to delivering an exceptional private aviation experience while continuing to navigate these industry-wide cost pressures on behalf of our clients.’ It was signed by the company. Since the start of the U.S.-Iran War, fuel surcharges have risen and fallen with jet fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel prices in North America are 79.8% higher than a year ago. However, pricing varies widely. AirNav shows current prices within a 25-mile range of Miami’s Opa Locka Airport range from $6.25 to $11.27, averaging $8.13. Prices within the same distance of Teterboro Airport currently range from $5.75 to $12.40 and average $9.80. Prices around Tulsa, Oklahoma currently range from $4.10 to $8.62 per gallon and average $5.47. Hours later, OneFlight sent a second email to jet card customers. It stated: ‘Earlier today, we shared a communication regarding an upcoming economic surcharge in response to increasing costs across the private aviation industry. We heard your feedback. After careful consideration, OneFlight has made the decision not to implement the economic surcharge previously communicated. We remain committed to providing the safety, reliability, access, and exceptional service you expect from ONEflight International while continuing to deliver meaningful value in an evolving private aviation market.’ OneFlight is known for ongoing discount promotions, its ad campaign fronted by Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec, and high-profile sponsorships. In January, it signed a multi-year partnership with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 team. It is also a title sponsor of the PGA Tour stop in Myrtle Beach. Several OneFlight jet card members who contacted Private Jet Card Comparisons said they had been happy with the company, were disappointed by the original email, and were glad the surcharge had been revoked so quickly.