Latitude 33 Aviation is to take on the management of a Gulfstream G650, FAA Part 91 operations, the second heavy private jet in its fleet and one of the largest aircraft to be based at McClellan-Palomar airport.

Latitude 33 is known in southern California as an operator of light jets, managing one of the largest fleets of Citation CJ2/CJ3 and Phenom 300 aircraft in North America.

“This shift to super-midsize, heavy and ultra-long range aircraft comes as our operational needs and flight plan preferences continue to evolve, and as aircraft owners upgrade their aircraft to newer and larger jets,” says president and owner Casey Miller.

Besides the addition of the G650, other heavy and super-midsize models include the 2021 Embraer Praetor 600, two Legacy 500s, a Challenger 605, six Challenger 300/350, a Citation Sovereign+, a Citation X, a Citation XLS+, and the upcoming Global 5500. “Clients have built trust in Latitude 33 to meet and exceed the expectations to manage their aircraft no matter the size,” adds Miller.

With the addition of larger aircraft comes additional requirements in trip planning and maintenance. “Latitude 33 is an expert in delivering professional, full-service charter and management services while maintaining a safety, security and customer service record that its clients can count on as one of the top five per cent of US private jet charter operators to achieve the stringent ARGUS Platinum safety rating,” says Miller. “This Gulfstream G650 has found the perfect home here.”

Latitude recently took delivery of two aircraft in the same week, a 2017 Cessna Citation XLS+ and a 2013 Embraer Phenom 300. Both aircraft are based at McClellan-Palomar airport and are currently available for charter.

“Anyone who is casually watching the private aircraft industry or fully engaged in the process of buying and selling private aircraft understands the vast amount of time and energy it takes to successfully source, acquire and deliver an aircraft to a new owner, yet alone to two at the same time,” says chief operating officer Michael Giesbrecht. The global aircraft sales and acquisition team handles every aspect of the jet acquisition process, starting with a detailed market analysis and ending with aircraft home-base delivery.

The company expects 2022 to bring its own share of challenges and opportunities. To meet these demands, Giesbrecht was promoted to COO from his role as vice president of business operations. He has been with the company since 2016 and his experience, leadership and skill set are vital to its growth and success.

“This new post gives Latitude 33 the additional leadership and focus it needs to thrive in the coming years,” says director of operations Solomon Short. “The company is currently experiencing stronger demand than ever. This year will likely continue to see operations functioning near or at maximum capacity and allow for additional organic business growth. Growth provides opportunities, but also requires the ability to evolve the business, to refine operations, improve capabilities and continue to enhance the client and employee experience. By making management refinements now with this promotion, Latitude is proactively addressing future demands on the company."

Miller and Short were recently asked to join Bombardier on its new podcast, episode six of The Skies Above, which explored the different types of aircraft ownership and shared everything to know about private jet travel. Solomon explained what is involved in operating and maintaining an aircraft and the type of services you can expect from an aircraft management company, and they both talked about the anticipated costs involved with the operation and maintenance of a private jet, showing how an aircraft management company can make an impactful difference in reducing them.

“We were truly honoured to be asked by Bombardier to join them in this podcast,” says marketing manager Brian Haffeman. “We were a natural fit for this episode with six Bombardier aircraft under management. It was an informative discussion, and we are thrilled to embark on this new adventure in aviation with them.”