6 minute read

LOUIS Xlll

A limited edition RARE CASK 42.1

Earlier this year LOUIS XIII launched their limited-edition cognac RARE CASK 42.1, named after an unexpected 42.1 percent ABV. LOUIS XIII's third Rare Cask limited edition follows the premiere of RARE CASK 42.6, which launched a decade ago. LOUIS XIII’s Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau, discovered a single tierçon containing a particularly aromatic profile in the cellars of Domaine du Grollet, the home of the LOUIS XIII Legacy. The tiercon that created the exceptional cognac’s aromatic profile comes from French oak trees that take over 100 years to reach maturity, containing precious eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne's terroir. When kept undisturbed, the eau-de-vie evolves as the liquid deepens with intensity and mahogany hues, giving RARE CASK 42.1 its unique complexity. "While the singularity of a RARE CASK rests on the wonder of nature and the aging of eaux-de-vie, the know-how that it requires to produce is an art form, passed on from generation to generation, where each Cellar Master perpetuates the gestures of his predecessors," shares Baptiste Loiseau.

Only 775 limited edition RARE CASK 42.1 decanters will be available globally. To complement this exclusivity, each decanter is crafted from black Baccarat crystal. This decanter requires a combination of art and savoir-faire to achieve its jewel-like black finish, hand-made by 20 master craftsmen working meticulously in unison. Each decanter's neck is then dressed in gold and rhodium finished details and finely engraved with quadrilobed patterns in reference to France's Fleur-de-lys. RARE CASK 42.1 is the first Rare Cask edition from LOUIS XIII to be presented as a ritual set. The decanter is accompanied by a pair of glasses adorned with black quatrefoils, and a serving pipette that features a black medallion.

The LOUIS XIII Rare Cask Collection began in 2009 with the launch of RARE CASK 43.8, followed by RARE CASK 42.6 in 2013. For the third time in history, in an unexpected departure from the ordinary passage of time, RARE CASK 42.1 reveals itself to the world as a wonder of nature and time.

Fractional aircraft buyers are going to have more choices now and in the coming years as providers tap new models and manufacturers and more companies enter the shared ownership model. While fractional ownership requires buying a slice of a specific airplane and generally a five-year commitment (you can exit earlier with penalties), programs typically have fewer peak days than comparable jet card programs and shorter notice periods to book your flights. Fractional ownership also gives guaranteed availability and fixed hourly rates applicable within your primary service area. That means you don’t have to pay for repositioning the aircraft before or after your flight – you only pay for occupied hours, i.e. the time you are flying in the airplane.

NetJets

The world’s largest private jet operator, NetJets, is tapping Embraer to add up to 250 Praetor 500 midsize jets to its fleet in a deal worth over $5 billion. They already have over 100 of the Brazilian OEM’s top-selling Phenom 300 light jets. The Praetors fit nicely between Textron’s Citation Latitude and Longitude in the NetJets lineup. It’s a best-seller for rival Flexjet and has received consistent critical acclaim. Business Jet Traveler writes, “There simply is no other airplane in the 500’s price range that gives you a true wide stand-up, flat-floor cabin with all the latest luxuries, a cavernous luggage hold, smooth and full fly-by-wire digital flight controls mated to glass-panel avionics, superb short-field capability and transcontinental range.” The first Praetor is expected to be delivered to NetJets in 2025. However, that’s not it for the unit of Berkshire Hathaway. It’s also the launch fleet customer for Bombardier’s Global 8000.

flyExclusive and Fly Alliance

Fans of Textron’s Cessna Citation lineup have two new fractional options, with deliveries starting this year. Fly Alliance and flyExclusive are the 18th and 5th largest U.S. operators based on charter and fractional flight hours, respectively, according to Private Jet Card Comparisons/Argus TRAQPak data. Fly Alliance has purchased 12 Cessna Citation XLS+ Gen 2s, six Citation Latitudes and two Citation Longitudes. flyExclusive so far has placed two orders with Textron. The first was for up to 30 Citation CJ3+ light jets and it expects to take delivery of five in 2023. Last October, it added eight Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2024, and up to six Longitudes, with initial deliveries of the first two Longitudes in 2025. With Textron’s introduction of the Ascend as a follow-up to the XLS, expect some news on conversions to the type, which will feature a flat cabin floor. In its investor presentation ahead of its planned

IPO, Kinston, North Carolina-based flyExclusive said it expects to have 46 fractional airplanes by 2026, with 21 light jets, 16 midsize aircraft and nine super-midsize jets. It already has 90 owned and leased jets in its fleet.

Volato

2021 start-up Volato is adding to its industry-leading fleet of 17 HondaJets. Earlier this year, it signed a firm order for 25 more of the VLJs. It is also launching the first Gulfstream G280 fractional offering, with the first deliveries slated for early 2025. With both, it brings its innovative formula, which allows owners to earn a share of charter aircraft when they are not flying. The different approach means you aren’t penalized if you under fly your share and don’t have to worry about buying extra hours if you need to fly more than you anticipated.

Airshare

Riding high with Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Airshare has expanded its primary service area to Florida. Along with its day-based Phenom 300 program is its new Challenger 3500 fractional offering. It expects to have 20 of the super-midsize jets with a stand-up cabin in its fleet by 2025. Access is based on days, starting at 20 days per year, so somebody who averages five flight hours per day gets flying time equal to buying a 1/8th share in a traditional program.

Airbus Corporate Jets and Dassault Aviation

Look for Airbus Corporate Jets to snag its first-ever fractional fleet order and Dassault Aviation to return to the segment. NetJets still has around 14 Falcon 2000s in its European fleet. Speaking during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, top executives from both OEMs told journalists it’s not if, it’s when. Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier said, “We have been discussing with these companies…we want to be back.” Asked if his new ACJ TwoTwenty would fit alongside NetJets’ Globals and Flexjet’s Gulfstreams, ACJ President Benoit Defforge said, “Some people want a Ferrari, some people want a Rolls Royce, and some people want both.” The TwoTwenty provides a VIP airliner experience, including a master bedroom with a shower and 786 square feet of cabin space, a six-foot, six-inch-high cabin and a ten-foot and eight-inch width. According to the OEM, its 12 hours of nonstop range covers over 95 percent of typical long-range flying.

For further information on private aviation, visit privatejetcardcomparisons.com

Sky Harbour’s Home Basing Solution represents a paradigm shift in business aviation. Membership at Sky Harbour grants you access to three essential benefits unavailable elsewhere:

Superior Aircraft Utilization

Sky Harbour serves only based members which means our staff is always focused on your needs first. Dedicated line service staff only move your aircraft when you want it moved. We do not have the distractions of transient aircraft on the ramp meaning we are typically able to fulfil last minute requests. If you want to fly in an hour, you’ll be wheels up in an hour.

Increased Aircraft Protection

• Hangar rash: mitigated because your aircraft is only moved when you want it moved.

• Exposure: Your aircraft stays in your hangar with the door closed until you’re ready to fly.

• Maintenance: 24-hour access for routine maintenance operations on your schedule.

• Servicing: 24-hour access for detailing, interior cleaning, and servicing on your schedule.

• Safety and Security: You control third-party access to your hangar and your aircraft.

Unparalleled Ownership Experience

• Arrivals and departures: No crowds and no waiting. Park inside your hangar and board directly in privacy.

• Lounge and office: Create your own environment for activities other than arrivals and departures, such as conferences, entertaining, or displaying large collectibles.

• Storage, kitchen, showers, laundry: Flight crews and aircraft managers make use of these facilities to enhance the owner’s and passenger’s flight experience.

Maximizing value for aircraft owners is a central mission for Sky Harbour. Our newly constructed, thoughtfully designed, modern aircraft hangars can accommodate todays largest business jets. We invite you to experience membership at our campuses in Miami, Houston, Nashville, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas.

For more information please contact: info@skyharbour.group skyharbour.group