Season 2 Kicks Off

Kenny Dichter Is Back and He’s Betting on Brokerage

Kenny Dichter, the man who turned Marquis Jet and Wheels Up into household names (for better or worse), is launching Real Jet, a charter brokerage spun from his lifestyle brand Real SLX. The timing? Suspiciously precise—exactly two years after he left Wheels Up. Whether it’s a coincidence or a non-compete clause expiring, we’ll let you decide.

Preston and Jessie agree: charter brokerage is finally a business model that aligns with Dichter’s marketing chops. It’s not revolutionary, but it is a high-margin, customer-acquisition game—and that’s where Kenny shines. His polished website might be light on details, but expect him to bring the flash, the splash, and maybe even the cash.

Global 8000 Breaks Sound Barrier

Bombardier’s Global 8000 just hit Mach 1.015 during testing, making it the only private jet to break the sound barrier—accidentally. With a reported $1.5M–$2.5M upgrade available for Global 7500 owners, this supersonic tease isn’t just fast, it’s retrofit-friendly.

The biggest perk? A cabin altitude of just 2,900 feet while cruising at 41,000 feet. It’s like flying at sea level. One Global 7500 owner told Preston, “If you didn’t negotiate this upgrade into your contract, you’re a d******.” Yikes.

Archer Promises eVTOL Rides at the 2028 Olympics… Mmmmkk

Archer Aviation claims it’ll be flying passengers by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But here’s the thing: they haven’t even flown people yet. Certification is still a goal, not a guarantee—and Jessie and Preston aren’t buying the timeline.

They want eVTOL to work (Preston’s even rooting for it), but at what point do we stop moving the goalposts? EVTOL certification is still tangled in FAA red tape, public expectations, and real aerodynamic challenges. For now, we’ll believe it when we see it.

Trump’s Qatari Jet Offer Sparks Boeing Backlash

No matter your politics, one thing’s clear: the Air Force One program is a mess. With Boeing behind on delivery, the U.S. is considering a 747-8 BBJ from Qatar. Yes, Qatar. The idea is less about politics and more about frustration with Boeing’s inability to deliver on one of its most critical contracts.

Preston goes full American-exceptionalism rant here—and frankly, he’s not wrong. How did we get to the point where we’re asking Qatar for a hand-me-down jet because we can’t build our own? Regardless of the Trump connection, the bigger story is Boeing’s fall from grace.

EBACE Might Be Moving—and Honestly, Good

The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) may be leaving Geneva. Why? It’s crazy expensive. Hotels, food, travel—it’s a $10K trip before you even walk the show floor. Operators are over it, and attendance is starting to reflect that.

Jessie and Preston think the industry needs to stop pretending these trade shows are for end-users. They’re not. They’re for manufacturers, brokers, and service providers. Want to reach real customers? Start with lower costs and more targeted, private experiences—like the ones Kenny Dichter is so good at.

ICYMI: Mile High Madness

This week’s top social posts? A wrinkly headrest turned airplane-ID-nerd debate (it was a Sovereign, not an Excel), and a Challenger 604 toilet too close to the catering cart. Just… no.

Thanks for streaming The VIP Seat. Catch us weekly for straight talk, spicy takes, and no BS aviation updates. Subscribe and stay informed.