First of all, Happy New Year and welcome to 2019! If you’re a long time reader of the blog, you would have noticed that the past year has been very quiet for the blog and I want to sincerely apologise for that. The past year taught me a lot of very important life lessons and quite a few major things happened behind the scenes which took me away from the blog. As the saying goes, time heals everything. I’m happy to report that my life is now back on track and cannot wait to continue posting everyday again (which I missed greatly). Thank you for the continued support and messages I received throughout the year, I appreciate every single view and comment I receive (even if they’re negative). Anyway, welcome back to the blog, make yourself at home and enjoy!
I’ve taken quite a few flights on private jets now and a lot of you are probably wondering how can I do that? Well, it’s easier than you think. When a private jet does a charter, it’s got to return to it’s home base and instead of it flying back with no passengers, some companies will offer the chance to purchase either the whole aircraft or single seat on it’s return leg. This is known as an ’empty leg.’ In Australia, we have a fantastic company called JETPAX who sell these flights.
VH-SCR
The aircraft for the flight was a Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft. I arrived into Sydney from Brisbane just a bit behind schedule due to weather in Sydney and boarded shortly after 7:45pm. As I got onboard I was greeted by the lovely crew onboard. They explained to me that Cardi B had just hopped off the the flight as she was performing the next day in Sydney. That was pretty awesome to find out.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
The cabin is absolutely beautiful and soo sleek, I was little bit lost for words when I stepped onboard. The aircraft features single seats that swivel as well as a couch that can be transformed into a bed. If you’re wanting to know where Cardi sat, she was on the couch.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
The seats can swivel around to many different angles which is great for passengers wanting to have meetings or conversations. They also recline and have a footrest that lifts out with the press of a button on the armrest.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
For takeoff I decided to take the rear forward facing seat just to get a full perspective of the aircraft. There really is not a bad seat on the aircraft…
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
The aircraft also features a galley area located right behind the cockpit and next to the door. For this flight, the catering onboard was fantastic. There was a selection of fresh chicken and salad rolls, meat pies and an abundance of snacks to choose from.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
I loved the glassware onboard, to me it closely resembled the Vera Wang glassware Etihad have in the Residence.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
As you can see below, there was quite a bit of food to choose from.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Definitely the coolest part about flying in a private jet is the ability to have a look in the cockpit as theres no cockpit door. This is a rare opportunity and definitely had to get some photos. How could you not enjoy that view?
Shortly after levelling out at 38,000 feet, it was time to eat. I decided to go with a pepper steak pie and a variety of soft drinks. The pie was pretty good for what you can have in the air.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
After eating I decided to explore the aircraft a little bit. The aircraft is full of technology with bluetooth connectivity, a full sound system throughout the aircraft, a remote control for lights, sound and temperature as well as the ability to have a TV fitted on the stand below.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
The bathroom is located at the rear of the aircraft. For a private jet, it was actually not too claustrophobic and I could move around in it pretty easily.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
The aircraft also stocked Jo Malone amenities which was a nice surprise.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
In the bathroom there’s a door to the rear of the aircraft and that’s where the baggage is held.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
After exploring, taking a ton of photos and slapping myself I was flying on the aircraft, It was time to start our descent into Perth. For the landing I was given the opportunity to take the jumpseat, I of course said yes.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
And just like that, 4 hours and 30 minutes later I was in Perth. What an incredible flight. I was able to enjoy a short nap, eat more than I should have and was able to sit in the jumpseat, couldn’t think of a cooler way to end the year.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
How can you say that’s not a sexy looking aircraft?
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 604
Overall
That flight was definitely one of the best if not the best I had taken last year. The service on-board by the crew was incredible, they were happy to assist at anytime as well as have great conversations about flying, travelling etc. The aircraft itself is so quiet and I was able to fall asleep no problems at all. If the opportunity comes up again, I’d definitely do it again and would recommend anyone to try an emptyleg.