Sentient Jet, a Weymouth firm that books private jet flights, today launched a new version of its membership program that offers roughly 6 percent off standard rates for frequent travelers who commit to spending $150,000 a year on flights.
Sentient's previous standard offer has been pay-as-you-go private flights for customers who have to put down $100,000 up front. The new Preferred Plus Card also allows customers to lock in current hourly rates for flights, which can range from around $3,000 to $10,000 per hour depending on the size of the plane.
Unlike the $100,000 worth of prepaid Sentient flights, which never expire, the $150,000 card has to be used up within a year or the dollars expire.
Privately-held Sentient does not disclose revenue figures but chief executive Steven Hankin says its membership has tripled in the last 24 months. Private-jet services have been booming in recent years as more and more business travelers try to avoid the inconvenience, delays, and airport security hassles of commercial planes.
(By Peter J. Howe, Globe staff)
