Sentient Jet is marking its 25th anniversary. Since the company was founded in 1999, it has been committed to leading innovation in the private aviation industry, introducing a first-of-its-kind jet card, driving change in key industry priorities, such as sustainability, and continually evolving its booking process digitally.

Prior to the invention of the jet card, which provides fliers with unprecedented flexibility to purchase flight time in hourly increments, private aviation options were limited to whole aircraft ownership, fractional ownership and on demand charter. Recognising an abundance of excess capacity in the private aviation space, Sentient Jet seized the opportunity to offer a unique way to fly privately, which has since become a must-have product for travellers. By selecting and certifying the best aircraft and operators, it created a uniform pricing standard and framework that laid the foundation for a brand new style of product. This new industry segment offered then unheard of flexibility and convenience for personal and business travel at all inclusive fixed rates with guaranteed availability and seamless booking.

In the past 25 years, Sentient Jet has flown more than one million passengers over 2,500 destinations for more than 228 million miles; has grown revenue by 549 per cent; and has held nearly 6,700 active card owners. It has also offset more than 1,339,235 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

"Sentient Jet's journey began 25 years ago with the invention of the jet card - a concept that has redefined how people fly privately," says Andrew Collins, co-CEO at parent company Flexjet. "With several industry firsts, from the jet card to digitising on demand booking with text-to-book, Sentient Jet has been instrumental in shaping modern air travel. As we look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, we remain committed to advancing our industry and providing our card owners with nothing short of extraordinary experiences and exceptional service."

"Throughout my career, I have seen several developments and innovations in the private aviation industry, but Sentient Jet's creation of the Jet Card ranks as one of the most important and revolutionary product developments," adds Kenn Ricci, Flexjet chairman and principal of Directional Aviation. "The Jet Card has created a market that previously did not exist, and has exposed many new entrants and first time buyers to our industry. Virtually every private aircraft provider uses some form of the product today."

Sentient Jet has continuously evolved to surpass the ever-changing needs of its clientele with first-to-market products, programs and initiatives:

- 1999: Sentient Jet invented the jet card, with two options including 25 hours of Sentient Jet certified light aircraft (SJ25) as well as the expansion to three size categories including mid, super-mid and large cabin (SJ25+).

- 2001: Defined and co-invented TripCheq with ARGUS, a comprehensive safety assessment tool for private aviation trips that became an industry standard.

- 2005: Became the first private aviation company to have an Independent Safety Advisory Board and proprietary Sentient Certified process, ensuring stringent safety standards are met on every trip.

- 2016: Launched a mobile application, expanding the company's digital capabilities including instant booking and trip management, flight tracking, safety status updates, and 24/7 call center chats.

- 2021: Launched its emissions-neutral sustainability programme, offsetting all flights by 300 per cent at no cost to card owners.

- 2022: Introduced an automated text-to-book feature, enabling card owners to quote or book flights via text within seconds, transforming the booking process with user-authenticated, automated interaction along with patent-pending electronic upgrades.

- 2023: Individual emissions offset calculations were added to card owner invoices, both digitally and in print, for increased transparency.

Sentient Jet prioritises client service through a combination of advanced proprietary workflow technology, rigorous KPI monitoring and a team of skilled client managers. Its streamlined processes and effective communication channels guarantee a tailored and seamless experience for every card owner. Its customer service organisation has doubled in size in recent years, and inquiries are handled with efficiency, maintaining a 95 per cent customer satisfaction rating.

"We have a strong customer loyalty base built over 25 years in service, with many of our first card owners still with us today. Our commitment to shaping the future of private aviation has driven us to evolve new features and initiatives each year, and is attributed to our loyal customer base. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary we remain dedicated to thoughtfully ushering our card owners through the next chapter of air travel," says senior vice president, business operations and client experience, Alan Walsh.

Long standing card owner Neal Pendergraft comments: "For well over twenty years, I have received unparalleled service from Sentient Jet's client management team, many of whom became friends. Each flight has been aboard a top-tier aircraft, operated by professionals of the highest caliber. Our loyalty to Sentient Jet stems from their unmatched service quality, unwavering safety standards and consistent excellence. Safety is paramount for my family and no one has a better safety record and programme than Sentient. When you are flying with the best, why change?"

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Sentient Jet launched its 2024 Exclusive Benefits Guide, providing card owners with increased opportunities to maximise their membership through thoughtfully sourced partnerships from Flexjet Helicopters, Exclusive Resorts, Auberge Resorts, Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Testing and PS aka Private Suite, to name a few. Sentient Jet also holds longstanding partnerships with celebrity brand ambassadors such as chef Bobby Flay, former NFL player Rob 'Gronk' Gronkowski, and a partnership with the Kentucky Derby.

Sentient Jet leverages the 2023 opening of its parent company's new $50m global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio for best-in-class flight operations and service execution. Looking to the next 25 years, the company projects strong growth driven by the rising popularity of private aviation.