In this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland dissect the biggest stories impacting private aviation today. We cover Flexjet's bold 300-aircraft order of Otto Aviation's innovative Phantom 3500 and explore Mexico's new regulations affecting charter flights. Additionally, we’ll discuss the recent shake-ups at the FAA under the DOT headquarters and how these changes may affect business aviation operations. Tune in for exclusive insights on illegal charter enforcement, new brokerage developments, and enjoy our fun segment, Mile High Madness, where we chat about the lighter side of aviation. Don't miss this essential listening for anyone involved in or interested in private jets and executive travel!
Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: jessienaor Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: /prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6
Jessie returns from Vienna (yes, strudel and opera made the highlight reel) as she and Preston dive into Flyhouse’s takeover of ESPN’s College GameDay/Monday Night Countdown sponsorship from Wheels Up, questioning whether splashy sports tie-ins drive real customers or just help close big deals. They cover a major legal win for buy-the-seat operators like JSX at Westchester, unpack Freakonomics’ deep dive on ATC privatization and the industry’s shaky talking points, and spotlight Epic Aircraft hitting 100 deliveries of the E1000—now a serious contender in the single-engine turboprop market. The pair also discuss Vista’s sale of Red Wing to Bel Air (rebranded as Jet Excellence) and its bet on Citation X operations, plus lighter moments in their “Mile High Madness” segment—debunking bad Instagram “King Air math,” laughing at home cockpit sims, and celebrating Preston’s revived office plant.
Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: jessienaor Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: /prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6
In this episode, co-hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland, plus special guest Joseph LaRousso, discuss the recent developments in aviation connectivity, particularly the competition between Starlink and traditional providers like GoGo. They also delve into the critical issue of mental health in aviation, highlighting the passage of the Mental Health and Aviation Act and its implications for pilots seeking treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for legislative support and public education on mental health issues within the aviation industry.
In this episode of the VIP Seat, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest developments in business aviation, including M&A news, the impact of sustainable aviation fuel projects, and innovative safety measures like the EMAS system. They also explore the launch of AeroVenture's new marketplace for business jets and highlight pilot safety initiatives. The conversation is filled with humor and insights into the aviation industry, making it a must-listen for aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Summary
In this episode of the VIP Seat, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland welcome Kyle Patel, founder and CEO of Bitlux, to discuss the intersection of aviation and cryptocurrency. The conversation covers recent innovations in safety training for aviation, the implications of the Genius Act on stable coins, and the potential for crypto transactions in the aviation industry. The hosts also engage in a light-hearted segment called Mile High Madness, where they critique social media influencers in the aviation space. The episode emphasizes the importance of education in adopting new technologies and the need for operators to consider integrating stable coins into their payment systems.
Summary
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest developments in private aviation, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic moves by companies like Wheels Up, and the implications of Homeland Security's decision to acquire its own aircraft. They also explore innovative drone delivery services and advancements in AI for aviation maintenance, while paying tribute to industry figures like Kirk Hawkins.
Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance:www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: / jessienaor Preston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance:https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter):https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: / prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter):https://x.com/prestonholland6
Summary
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various aspects of aviation, including the differences between private and commercial flying, the rise of eVTOL technology, the role of automation in aviation, and recent incidents involving pilot safety. They also touch on celebrity culture in private aviation and the challenges of solar-powered flight, concluding with a discussion on global aviation safety trends and the need for vigilance in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Flying Private vs. Commercial Airlines
05:19 FAA's Automation Framework Announcement
10:14 Pilot Intoxication Incidents
15:31 Solar-Powered Flight Records
22:35 Understanding Aviation Incidents vs. Accidents
Summary
In this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various topics related to corporate aviation, including the investigation of the NYPD's aviation unit, celebrity experiences with TSA, and a critical analysis of a New York Times editorial on private jets and air traffic control funding. They also touch on the implications of tariffs on aviation in Switzerland, which has caused Pilatus deliveries to halt, and explore gender dynamics in pilot performance.
Jessie’s Links:
Private Aviation Safety Alliance:www.FlyingPrivate.org
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor
Preston’s Links:
Prestige Aircraft Finance:https://prestigefinance.com/
Private Jet Insider (Newsletter):https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland
X (Formerly Known as Twitter):https://x.com/prestonholland6?
In this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest happenings in the aviation industry, including the extravagant new Gulfstream 450 of Paris Hilton, recent M&A activities such as Joby Aviation's acquisition of Blade Urban Air Mobility, and ongoing updates from the DCA hearings. The conversation highlights the implications of these events on the private jet industry and offers insights into corporate aviation market trends and challenges.
Jessie’s Links:
Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor
Preston’s Links:
Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/
Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland
X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en
In the July 29th episode of The VIP Seat, co-hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland dive into a surprisingly eventful week in private aviation. They open the show with a breakdown of the FAA’s new MOSAIC rules announced at Oshkosh, modernizing certification standards for light sport aircraft and sport pilots. The changes promise to foster innovation in business aviation but raise concerns about the rollback of certain aviation safety standards, particularly for more capable aircraft like the Cessna 182. Jessie emphasizes the FAA’s “safety continuum” and the need to monitor potential unintended consequences, especially in the eVTOL space, which is now more accessible under these new regulations.
Jessie’s Links:
Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor
Preston’s Links:
Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/
Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland
X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss the latest happenings in the aviation industry, including the buzz at Oshkosh, Joby's breakthrough with hydrogen aircraft, FlexJet's significant PE investment, and a unique challenge by Mr. Beast. They also remember Felix Baumgartner, address FAA staffing and safety concerns, and delve into a juicy lawsuit involving Bruce Willis and aircraft maintenance.
Chapters
00:00 Oshkosh Aviation Event Highlights
02:35 FlexJet's Major Investment and Market Position
05:09 Mile High Madness: Celebrating Aviation Achievements
08:59 Introduction and Tribute to Felix
09:08 Joby's Hydrogen Aircraft Breakthrough
11:50 Mr. Beast's Airplane Challenge
15:09 FAA Staffing and Pilot Fatigue
18:58 Bruce Willis Lawsuit and Aviation Contracts
Link to Lawsuit: https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/fourth-court-of-appeals/2025/04-23-00095-cv.html
Jessie’s Links: Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor Preston’s Links: Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/ Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonholland X (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland break down the return of illegal jet seat-sharing groups and the regulatory gray areas surrounding them. They discuss the risks for both passengers and sellers, and why the FAA needs to act. The episode also covers the impact of new aircraft tariffs on Canadian and Brazilian imports, concerns about rising maintenance costs, and troubling trends in global business aviation safety. From private jet WhatsApp groups to medevac IPOs and market softening, this episode covers the critical headlines shaping the industry right now.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:43 The Rise of WhatsApp Groups in Private Aviation
05:19 Legal Implications of Cost Sharing in Private Flights
08:17 The Need for Regulatory Frameworks in Private Aviation
11:20 Challenges in the Private Aviation Market
13:39 Mile High Madness: JetSmarter and Social Media Drama
16:20 Tariffs and Their Impact on Business Aviation
21:26 Emerging Markets: Brazil's Business Aviation Landscape
23:50 Safety Trends in Business Aviation
30:51 M&A Activity in the Medevac Sector
36:06 Understanding Book-to-Bill Ratios in Aviation
Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaorPreston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonhollandX (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en
In this episode, hosts Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various topics in business aviation, including a surprising $2 million sale of a charter certificate, the challenges faced by the FAA in certifying new aircraft, and the mystery surrounding a large order of Bombardier jets.
They also touch on the recent upgrades to the air traffic control system, social media highlights from the aviation world, and the booming private jet activity in Florida and Texas. The conversation wraps up with insights into aircraft deliveries and ongoing supply chain issues in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:50 Volato's Surprising Charter CertificatePrice
05:32 The Impact of User Fees on FAA Certification
08:17 Mystery Buyer of Bombardier Jets
13:47 Funding for Air Traffic Control Upgrades
18:54 Social Media Highlights and Trends
20:53 Airline Experiences: Southwest vs. Spirit
23:14 Private Jet Activity: American Exceptionalism
26:28 Embraer's Recovery and Market Dynamics
Jessie’s Links:Private Aviation Safety Alliance: www.FlyingPrivate.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaorPreston’s Links:Prestige Aircraft Finance: https://prestigefinance.com/Private Jet Insider (Newsletter): https://prestonholland.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonhollandX (Formerly Known as Twitter): https://x.com/prestonholland6?lang=en
Summary
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss their summer experiences, including a digital detox and a critique of the aviation film 'Plane.' They delve into the implications of the new aviation tax bill, the expansion of Dassault Falcon Jet's manufacturing in India, and the ongoing challenges of social media in aviation. The conversation also touches on the ADS-B privacy concerns, a charter flight lawsuit, and a light-hearted discussion about the B-2 Bomber and its operational costs.
Chapters
00:00 Summer Adventures and Digital Detox
03:39 The Big Beautiful Bill: Tax Implications for Aviation
09:42 Manufacturing Expansion: Dassault Falcon Jet in India
14:46 Social Media Madness: Aviation Memes and Mishaps
17:46 The ADS-B Battle: Privacy vs. Safety
21:21 Legal Troubles in Charter Aviation
22:53 Military Aviation: The B-2 Bomber and Its Legacy
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland cover a fast-moving week in business aviation, defense, and international controversy. From Israel’s F-35 range secrets to the aging Iranian air fleet, we unpack what air superiority really means in the Middle East. Jessie shares a firsthand reaction to the Paris Air Show’s controversial blacked-out Israeli booths, an action French courts have ruled against in the past. Plus:
-Is Grant Cardone negotiating a jet purchase via Twitter?
-Why FlexJet’s new interiors are breaking boring design norms
-A zebra gets an aerial ride (yes, really)
-Charter discrimination allegations at White Plains
-Mental health and the FAA: Is $40M enough to shift the system?
-The never-ending 1500-hour debate, and why it might not be the right measure of pilot safety
Aviation news, hot takes, and some first-class rants: this is your weekly jumpseat for what matters in private flight.
This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland unpack a major new acquisition in private aviation as Vital Farms founder Matt O’Hayer enters the jet charter market with his purchase of ATI Jet, now rebranded as Jetvia. They analyze the challenges of operating an aging fleet, explore a surprising drop in single-aircraft Part 135 operators, and discuss whether M&A activity is heating up again. Plus, they break down two major executive orders from the Trump administration on drone integration and supersonic flight, and whether the FAA can realistically meet the deadlines. As always, the episode wraps with Mile High Madness: from tire inflation by bike pump to celebrity jet reveals.
Summary
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland discuss various topics in the private aviation industry, including the allegations against AeroVanti's founder, the implications of social media takes on private aviation, controversies surrounding P. Diddy and his G550, and a recent tax ruling affecting Flight Options. The conversation highlights the complexities and challenges within the industry, as well as the importance of understanding the nuances of private aviation.
Chapters
01:25 AeroVanti's Legal Troubles
04:37 The Nature of Private Aviation Sales
09:18 Mile High Madness: Social Media Insights
17:27 Diddy's Plane for Rent: Controversies and Media Perception
21:48 Flight Options Tax Ruling and Its Implications
The VIP Seat is back for Season 2—with a brand new co-host! Jessie Naor welcomes industry insider Preston Holland as the show’s permanent co-pilot. Together, they bring honest (and sometimes spicy) takes on all things private aviation.
This episode kicks off with Kenny Dichter’s return to center stage via Real Jet and a deep dive into his new ventures, legacy, and the ever-blurry line between luxury lifestyle and aviation. Jessie and Preston also launch their new weekly segment “Mile High Madness”—highlighting the best (and weirdest) private jet posts from social media.
Other hot topics:
✈️ The Global 8000’s supersonic sneak
🧰 Upgrading from a Global 7500 to 8000—worth it?
🛩️ Gulfstream vs. Bombardier market share
🚁 Is Archer Aviation really ready for the 2028 Olympics?
🇺🇸 Should the U.S. president fly a 30-year-old jet—or a gifted Qatari 747-8?
🌍 Why EBACE might be due for a location change
👀 What VIPs really want at jet expos (hint: it’s not standing in line next to a hungover broker)
If you’re in private aviation, aviation-curious, or just want a no-BS breakdown of what’s buzzing in the skies, you’re in the right seat.
🧳 Subscribe now and meet us every Tuesday morning for the commute.
Summary
In this episode of the VIP Seat, hosts Jessie Naor and Greg Jarrett discuss the latest trends in business aviation, including the impact of AI on marketing spend, technological innovations in helicopter operations, and the recent changes in FAA leadership. They also delve into the challenges of aviation safety and liability, the role of ADS-B in tracking aircraft, and the advancements in environmental monitoring technology.
Summary
In this episode, Jessie Naor and Cat Wren discuss the latest developments in business aviation, including the introduction of innovative flying boat technology, new helicopter models at Verticon, and the challenges faced by air traffic controllers. They also address safety concerns at DCA airport, the launch of a non-profit aimed at improving aviation safety, and the growth of ENG in the transplant aviation sector.
Lookup operators and accidents at www.FlyingPrivate.org
