Everything you want to know about flying with us.
Business Air is an FAA Part 135 certificated air carrier based in Austin and Houston, Texas, in continuous operation since 1967. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often.
Charter clients
How do I book a private charter flight in Austin or Houston?
Call us directly at 832.299.4498 or email sales@businessair.net. We provide pricing and availability from our managed and partner fleet within the hour for most Texas routes. Same-day and next-day flights are often available from Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
What types of aircraft are available for charter in Texas?
We offer light jets, midsize jets, super midsize jets, and large cabin jets based locally in Austin and Houston, serving Dallas and San Antonio daily. Aircraft available include the Citation CJ series, Learjet 75, Hawker 800 series, Citation X, Challenger 300, Challenger 604 and 605, Falcon 900 series, and Gulfstream series aircraft. We also source from a network of over 2,000 partner aircraft nationwide.
What airports does Business Air serve in Texas?
Business Air operates primarily out of Austin Executive Airport (EDC) and Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (CXO). We regularly serve Dallas Love Field, Dallas Fort Worth International, San Antonio International, and most major and municipal airports across Texas. We can often fly into smaller regional airports closer to your final destination that commercial carriers cannot serve on short notice.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We can often accommodate same-day and next-day flights. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours is ideal for best aircraft selection and pricing. For complex itineraries or international flights, more lead time is recommended.
What is an empty leg flight and how do I find one?
An empty leg is a one-way flight where an aircraft needs to reposition from one location to another without passengers. Operators offer these flights at significantly reduced rates rather than fly the aircraft empty. Business Air regularly has empty leg availability on Texas routes including Austin to Houston, Houston to Dallas, and San Antonio to Dallas. Call us at 832.299.4498 to ask about current opportunities.
Can I bring my pet on a private charter flight?
Yes. Business Air accommodates pets on most charter flights. Unlike commercial airlines, private charter allows your pet to travel in the cabin with you rather than in cargo. Confirm the specifics when you request your quote and we will match you to an aircraft that works for your situation. We also accommodate golf clubs, medical equipment, and most special cargo requests.
Do you offer catering and ground transportation?
Yes. We coordinate catering and car service for charter flights across Texas. Let us know your requirements when you book and we will arrange everything before you arrive at the aircraft.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, wire transfers, and corporate accounts with approved terms.
Can I book a recurring or monthly charter contract?
Yes. Many Texas companies set up ongoing charter contracts with Business Air for predictable travel needs at preferred rates. Corporate accounts receive priority availability and streamlined booking. Contact us to discuss what a regular charter arrangement would look like for your company.
What does it mean that Business Air contracts with corporations?
Many Texas corporations own or lease aircraft for their executive teams. When those aircraft are not being used internally, Business Air arranges charter access for our clients on those same aircraft. You get access to purpose-built business jets at charter rates with no membership or ownership required. The aircraft were selected and maintained for executive travel, and that quality carries over to every charter we operate.
How does Business Air's pricing compare to national charter brokers?
Because Business Air operates its own managed fleet locally in Austin and Houston, we can often provide more competitive rates and greater flexibility than large national brokers who source everything through intermediaries. We also know the Texas market deeply, which means we can find the right aircraft at the right price faster than an operator working from a national call center.
Do you fly outside of Texas?
Yes. While our primary market is Texas, we arrange charter flights anywhere our aircraft and partner network can legally and safely operate. Common out-of-state routes include Texas to New York, Texas to Los Angeles, Texas to Florida, and Texas to Colorado. International flights can also be arranged through our partner network.
Pricing and costs
What does it cost to charter a private jet in Texas?
Charter pricing depends on aircraft type, route, and availability. Typical Texas market per-leg pricing starts around: light jet (Citation CJ, Phenom 300) from $3,500, typically up to $7,500; midsize jet (Learjet 75, Hawker 800) from $6,000 to $12,000; super midsize (Citation X, Challenger 300) from $9,000 to $18,000; large cabin (Challenger 605, Falcon 900) from $14,000 to $28,000; and ultra long range (Gulfstream G550, G650) from $20,000 to $40,000 or more. Prices are estimates that vary with routing, availability, fuel surcharges, and FBO fees. Empty leg availability can reduce these figures significantly. Contact Business Air for a precise quote.
Aircraft management
What exactly is Part 135 aircraft management?
Part 135 management places your privately owned aircraft on an FAA air carrier certificate, allowing it to be legally chartered to paying customers. Business Air handles all FAA compliance, crew coordination, maintenance oversight, charter marketing, and operations. You retain full ownership and 100% scheduling priority at all times.
How much charter revenue can my jet generate in Texas?
Most Texas-based jets operating out of Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio generate between $95,000 and $460,000 in annual net charter revenue depending on aircraft type, availability, and market conditions. A Challenger 605 typically generates $180,000 to $350,000 per year. A Falcon 900 series aircraft can generate $200,000 to $400,000 or more. Business Air provides a free personalized revenue projection tied to your specific aircraft and tail number.
Do I still get to use my plane whenever I want?
Yes. One hundred percent owner scheduling priority. You and your family fly first. Charter flights are scheduled only around your calendar. No charter flight is ever booked without confirming it does not conflict with your plans.
How long does it take to put my jet on Part 135?
Most Texas-based aircraft can be fully operational under Business Air's Part 135 certificate within 30 to 45 days. Business Air manages the FAA conformity inspection, airworthiness documentation, and all required paperwork on your behalf from start to finish.
What does it cost to put my jet on Part 135 management?
Business Air offers both traditional management programs with monthly fees and a revenue share, and our Founding Fleet program which uses a flat placement fee and flat annual fee with zero revenue share. The right structure depends on your aircraft and goals. Contact us for a free revenue projection that includes our exact fee structure so you can evaluate the numbers before committing to anything.
Can I keep my existing pilots?
Yes. Business Air integrates your current pilots into our Part 135 crew program. They will complete our required standardization training and continue flying your aircraft as normal. We supplement crew as needed for charter flights when your pilots are unavailable.
What if I do not want outside charter at all?
Many Business Air owners choose Part 135 purely for the liability protection, tax advantages, and fleet discounts it provides, without ever flying a paying passenger. Part 135 certification allows you to legally accept reimbursement from passengers for flights, provides the highest level of liability protection available to private aircraft owners, and often delivers significant Texas state tax advantages on aircraft operations.
Why choose a Texas-based aircraft management company?
Business Air has physical operations at Austin Executive Airport and Conroe North Houston Regional Airport. We know the FBOs, the routes, the seasonal demand patterns, and the corporate clients who drive Texas private aviation. A national management company managing hundreds of aircraft from a central office in another state cannot bring that local knowledge to your operation. When you need an answer quickly, you reach someone who knows your aircraft and your market.
Can I sell my aircraft while it is under management?
Yes. An aircraft with current Part 135 status and a documented revenue history is actually more attractive to buyers. It demonstrates the aircraft is airworthy, maintained to a higher standard, and already generating income. Business Air can assist with the management transition as part of any sale process.
What kind of reporting will I receive as an owner?
Monthly performance reports showing revenue, utilization, expenses, and detailed flight logs, all accessible through a secure owner portal. You will see every flight your aircraft flew, every dollar it generated, and every direct cost associated with the operation. No surprises on your statement.
Is there a minimum commitment period?
No long-term contract is required. Most owners start with a 90-day trial period. After that, the agreement runs month to month. Business Air keeps your business by performing, not by locking you in with penalties.
Do you help with maintenance and hangar coordination?
Yes. Business Air coordinates all maintenance, inspections, and hangar arrangements with preferred providers in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. We also enroll your aircraft in our Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program, the cost of which we absorb for new owners in month one.
How does the Founding Fleet program work?
The Founding Fleet program is a limited, by-invitation arrangement for a small number of Texas jet owners: a flat placement fee and a flat annual fee with zero revenue share, plus at-cost access to our fleet when your aircraft is unavailable. It is not offered publicly. If you are interested in management, contact us and we will explain the options available to you.
Safety and certification
What is a Part 135 charter operator and why does it matter?
A Part 135 operator holds an FAA Air Carrier Certificate that legally authorizes them to charge passengers for flights. Flying with a Part 135 operator means the aircraft, crew, and operations are held to FAA commercial aviation standards including mandatory crew training, aircraft maintenance programs, and operational oversight. Business Air holds FAA Part 135 Certificate No. BQTA581C, in continuous operation since 1967. Always ask for a certificate number before booking any private flight.
What is the difference between Part 91 and Part 135?
Part 91 governs private aircraft operations where no compensation is exchanged. Part 135 governs commercial air carrier operations where passengers pay for flights. Part 135 imposes significantly higher safety, maintenance, and crew training standards than Part 91. Any time you pay for a private flight, the operator should be able to confirm immediately that they hold a valid Part 135 certificate. If they cannot, do not get on the airplane.
What is illegal charter and how do I avoid it?
Illegal charter refers to paid private flights operated without a valid Part 135 certificate. These flights are sometimes disguised as aircraft leases, shared trips, or informal arrangements. The risks include unqualified crews, poorly maintained aircraft, voided insurance, and potential FAA enforcement action that can ground the aircraft or detain passengers. The simple rule is to always ask for the operator's Part 135 certificate number before you fly.
How are your aircraft and crews certified?
All Business Air aircraft and crews operate under regular FAA oversight, ratings checks, and safety evaluations consistent with commercial airline protocols. Part 135 certification requires ongoing crew training, aircraft airworthiness verification, and operational audits. These are not optional and they are not periodic. They are continuous requirements that apply to every flight we operate.
Is Business Air the oldest charter company in Texas?
Business Air, Inc. has operated under the same FAA Air Carrier Certificate since 1967, making it one of the oldest continuously operating charter operators in the United States. The certificate has been in continuous operation for nearly sixty years, through multiple ownership groups, under the Air Now brand and now as Business Air.
What is Business Air's FAA certificate number?
Business Air holds FAA Air Carrier Certificate No. BQTA581C. This certificate has been in continuous operation since 1967. You can verify any FAA certificate at the FAA's public registry at av-info.faa.gov.
Critical air cargo
What is critical air cargo and when do I need it?
Critical air cargo refers to time-sensitive freight that cannot wait for scheduled commercial carriers. Common scenarios include drilling components for an oilfield rig that is down, parts needed to get a production line running, medical supplies on a tight timeline, or legal documents with same-day delivery requirements. Business Air operates dedicated cargo-configured turboprop aircraft out of the Houston area for exactly these situations.
How quickly can you respond to a cargo request?
Business Air crews and aircraft are on standby around the clock. Most missions can be wheels-up within two hours of your call. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can you support an AOG situation?
Yes. Business Air regularly supports AOG (aircraft on ground) situations by transporting mechanics, parts, and ground support equipment directly to wherever the aircraft is located. Our Embraer EMB110 and Swearingen Metro aircraft have full pallet-size cargo doors that accommodate most standard AOG freight without crating. We can also access shorter runways and smaller airports that many cargo operators cannot reach.
What is the cargo capacity of your aircraft?
The Swearingen Fairchild SA226-TC Metro carries 2,755 pounds of cargo with pallet-size cargo doors and a pressurized cabin, cruising at 295 knots. The Embraer EMB110-P1 carries 3,500 pounds with full pallet-size cargo doors, cruising at 255 knots with strong short-field performance for remote locations.
What areas do you serve for critical air cargo?
Business Air operates throughout Texas, the Gulf Coast, and surrounding states. We serve major airports and most municipal and regional airports. For remote oilfield and industrial locations, our Embraer EMB110 is particularly capable at short and unimproved strips. Call us with your origin, destination, and cargo details and we will tell you immediately whether we can take the mission.
About Business Air
How long has Business Air been operating?
Business Air, Inc. was established in 1966 and began operating under its FAA Part 135 certificate in 1967, continuously to this day. For most of that history the company operated under the Air Now brand. Under new ownership since 2023, the company operates as Business Air with expanded services including private jet charter, aircraft management, critical air cargo, and aviation technology development.
Where is Business Air based?
Business Air operates out of two Texas bases. Our primary operations are at Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) near Houston. Our secondary base is Austin Executive Airport (EDC) in Austin. We serve Dallas and San Antonio markets from both locations and regularly operate throughout Texas.
Who leads Business Air?
Business Air is led by CEO Daniel Kearns, a second-generation private aviation industry veteran who spent nearly twenty years in aircraft management and sales with Jet Linx, Cutter Aviation, TWC Aviation, and Charlie Bravo Aviation. Director of Operations Captain Eddie Lindsey is a retired United Airlines Captain and Air Force veteran with more than 20,000 flight hours and type ratings on ten aircraft. Controller Steve Geldmacher is a former Sprint division leader and founder of multiple aviation companies including Texas Air Shuttle.
What services does Business Air offer?
Business Air offers four main services. Private jet charter across Texas and the United States, with access to light jets through ultra-long-range aircraft. Part 135 aircraft management for jet owners who want their aircraft generating revenue while retaining full scheduling priority. Critical air cargo services in the Houston energy corridor for time-sensitive freight. And aviation technology development, including an integrated platform connecting scheduling, maintenance, and crew management systems for Part 135 operators.
How do I contact Business Air?
Call us at 832.299.4498 or email sales@businessair.net. For charter inquiries, have your route, travel date, and group size ready and we will get back to you within the hour. For aircraft management inquiries, have your aircraft type and tail number ready and we will prepare a free revenue projection. For critical air cargo, call us directly as we operate 24 hours a day.
Still have a question?
Call us and we will answer it directly.
