Planet Nine Private Air, the Van Nuys, California-based private charter operator and aircraft management company celebrated its first birthday this week.
In the 11 months since it first took to the air it has touched down in 262 different airports with its Dassault Falcon 7Xs. Its longest charter routes have connected Tokyo, Japan with Dundee in Scotland and Washington Dulles International with Tahiti in the South Pacific.
Globally, Paris and London have been Planet 9’s most popular charter destinations – from Van Nuys and Teterboro.
Its workforce, which started out at 35 in June 2018 has grown to over 60, including 35 pilots – five of them female.
Planet 9 enters its second year with an expanded fleet of five next generation Falcon 7Xs, plus one managed Gulfstream G650, newly added to its Part 135 charter certificate.
A second Gulfstream – a G550 – joins its aircraft management division in July. Planet 9 also manages a privately-owned Bombardier Global 5000 based out of Teterboro.
“We are very pleased at how we have been accepted in the premium ultra-long-haul charter market,” said Matt Walter, co-founder of Planet 9. “The success we have enjoyed would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our employees and the industry partners who have supported us.
“Over the next year our goal is to continue growing our team of aviation professionals, continuing growing our relationships with traditional and disruptive companies – and also to further expand our ultra-long-range aircraft fleet.”
Planet 9 is also open to a third operational base in the US, after Van Nuys and Teterboro should an attractive aircraft management opportunity specifying a new location come along.
“We do aim to stay as a specialist in the ultra-long-haul market. This is our niche, which sets us apart from other US-based private jet operators,” added Walter. “This is the market we know well.”
