Commercial air travel expanded greatly after World War II, while private jets emerged in the 1960s as wealthy businessmen sought to travel farther and faster for business and pleasure. Private jets were customized as luxurious flying offices or hotels, though later models emphasized business functionality over opulence. The private jet industry has since diversified to offer various aircraft sizes suitable for different travel needs while remaining a symbol of wealth accessible only to a privileged few.

2.  Commercial air travel only really started to
take off in the 1950s, but since that time
has developed into a massive industry. And
while hopping on a commercial airliner is a
great way to travel long distances in a short
period of time, nothing beats the mystique
of the private jet when it comes to air
travel.
 Most people will live their whole lives
without ever stepping foot onto a private
jet, but that still doesn’t dampen the allure
or excitement the image conjures up. The
perception of private jets is one of riches
and secret hideaways. And even though
the world of private jets seems destined for
a select few, it’s still fun to learn about their
history and imagine for just a little while.

3.  As early as the 1930s, there were plans coming together
for jet propulsion systems. Sir Francis Whittle was the first
to receive a patent for his propulsion system in 1930, but
Dr. Hans von Ohain actually got the first one into the air in
1939. Sir Francis was able to get his jet off the ground
sometime in 1941.
 Before this time, all aircraft were driven by propellers, and
as the jet-propelled aircraft became more popular, a battle
ensued within the airline industry.
 Eventually, jet technology won the battle for longer routes
and propeller-driven airplanes stuck to shorter routes
between cities.

4.  The commercial jet industry
really took off after World War II
wrapped up.
 More people wanted to travel
farther in shorter times, and
with most of the world in a time
of peace, the desire to see the
world was at an all-time high.
 When the 1960s rolled around, a
small list of millionaire
businessmen started
experimenting with private jet
travel, and a whole new concept
was born.

5.  As the desires of the rich moved from the ground and into the air, the
private jet industry was born. Accustomed to having the finer things in
all areas of life, some of the world’s wealthy also wanted to have them as
they flew for business or personal trips.
 Since there was a market of paying customers, some of the jet
companies complied with the requests and modified the interiors of
some of the jets.
 Seats were removed and more space was created. The remaining seats
were upholstered in leather, walls were paneled in mahogany, bars were
fully stocked and the service was similar to a five-star hotel.
 In 1963, the Learjet hit the market and the name has since become
synonymous with smaller, privately owned jets. As the decades rolled
along, some of the opulence and hotel-like qualities of the earlier jets has
been replaced by more business-like surroundings.

6.  As the business world continued to open up, businesses became
the primary customers of private jet companies. As a result, the
private jets were designed like business offices in the sky.
 At the time, executives wanted satellite phones, televisions,
computers and anything else that would enable them to conduct
business while in the sky.
 In the 1990s, fractionalized ownership of private jets became more
common. Under this set up, more than one company shares the
cost of using and maintaining the aircraft.
 Fractionalized ownership doesn’t represent a huge piece of the
pie, but it is expected to grow as companies streamline and look
for ways to enhance their ‘green’ image.

7.  As the 2000s came along, private business
jets branched into different models for
different objectives.
 Larger jets designed more for comfort were
used for global travel, while smaller jets
were used to travel domestically to help
keep operating costs down.
 In all likelihood, the private jet industry will
continue to adjust and evolve with the
times.
 Whether it is for business or personal use,
private jets have carved a niche in the
airline industry and probably aren’t going
anywhere. And the leaders in the industry
will continue to produce aircraft to meet
the demands of the people who use them.