Starting in September, Westchester will be privy to yet another milestone in the rapidly growing private-aviation landscape: Bliss Jet will offer the first individually ticketed, private-jet flights from New York to London on a regular schedule, flying between Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Stansted Airport (STN) in England.
“Bliss Jet is for people who schedule time in minutes, not hours,” says David Rimmer, the president and CEO of Bliss Jet. “We will cater to discerning, intercontinental travelers who seek a unique experience that is superior to any scheduled premium-cabin service, yet far more cost-effective than bespoke private-jet charter.”
It is yet another example of the current private aviation boom in Westchester, and Bliss is the most recent entrant into the increasingly competitive market. Companies like Eagle Air, Tradewind Aviation, and ImagineAir have all found success at HPN, proving its appeal. Though it should come as no surprise, given that for many county residents, time is money. With commercial airlines saddled by long lines and conditions beyond their control, the speed and comfort of private aviation holds strong appeal. When flying with Bliss, for instance, customers can arrive at the airport 30 minutes before departure.
“Private aviation is the greatest way to get time back into your schedule,” Rimmer says. “You can become more efficient and productive. There is superior customer service, more flexibility—it just feels more relaxed and less stressful when you arrive.”
The proximity of many consumers to HPN is also a huge boost. Rimmer it “probably the most conveniently located airport in the entire New York Metropolitan area,” adding that it sits in “everybody’s backyard.”
What really differentiates Bliss Jet from the rest is its Transatlantic goals. Most private flights are much shorter in distance, such as a quick New York-to-Boston trip, but Rimmer was intrigued by the prospect of creating a more affordable private flight that could link the U.S. and Europe. According to Rimmer, if you were to charter your own private jet from New York to London, the entire aircraft would cost more than $120,000. But Bliss will offer seats for $11,995 each way, making the overseas venture a comparative value.
“The jump, financially, from chartering within the U.S. to taking a Transatlantic flight is exponential, and it discouraged a lot of people from flying privately across the Atlantic,” Rimmer says. “We’re appealing to a very sophisticated, successful, and savvy consumer who understands the value of this transportation and how special it is. We’re going to make it more practical so that they consider it as an option.”
Starting Sunday, Sep. 11, Bliss Jet flights will depart every week from Westchester on Sunday nights, with return flights leaving London each Friday afternoon. The jets seat 14 passengers, but Bliss says it will limit seat sales well below the aircraft’s maximum capacity to ensure comfort.
“We are offering all the advantages of a private-jet experience on optimally scheduled flights that bypass the inefficiencies of business class travel,” Rimmer sums up. “Not since the days of the Concorde has a door-to-door journey between New York and London been this fast or refined.”
