Press Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – November 4, 2009 – Announced today, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, an equity-based, luxury destination club, and Marquis JetSM*, the leader in private jet cards, have forged a new partnership. For the benefit of their Club Members and Jet Card Owners, this alliance presents the opportunity to blend the very best in the world of private jet cards with the foremost purveyor of inspiring vacation home experiences.
“Our discerning Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members value the many conveniences Club membership provides,” said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC). “Now, they can also enjoy simplicity and peace of mind when they join the Marquis Jet CardSM program, backed by the NetJets® fleet.”
“The two brands are a natural complement to one another providing ease in air travel and vacation home living,” continued Watzka. “We look forward to introducing The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club to Marquis Jet Card Owners.”
“The Marquis Jet Card program will change the way Club Members travel,” said Mark Sage, executive vice president, business development for Marquis Jet. “Members will be able to fly on their own schedule and remain in control. With consistent, high-quality service and guaranteed availability, the Marquis Jet Card program will enable a new level of efficiency and productivity in Club Members’ personal and professional lives. It’s the perfect program to enable Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Members to travel to and from their favorite properties with ease.”
Marquis Jet Card Owners value having access to the convenience, quality and safety of the world's premier fractional aircraft ownership program, NetJets, 25 hours at a time with no long-term commitment. Furthermore, Marquis Jet Card Owners select from 10 different aircraft types to meet a broad range of aviation needs. Club Members who contact Marquis Jet will receive a complimentary aviation consultation that will assist in matching their individual needs to the ideal aviation solution.
The Marquis Jet fleet is provided by NetJets through an exclusive alliance between the two companies. NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company (NYSE:BRKA), is the worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership. NetJets owns the world’s largest and most diversified fleet of more than 800 aircraft, staffs the most highly trained and experienced pilots, and provides the world’s safest and most secure private travel solutions.
Depending on a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member’s vacation aspirations, they may select a Home Club Membership which provides a one- to four-bedroom, titled residence and guaranteed usage at their favorite resort every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations, accommodations and experiences around the globe through the use of Club points. The new Hotel Exchange Program also enables Members who enroll in a Portfolio Membership to utilize a portion of their Club points at more than 70 Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts.
Club Members benefit from an exceptional level of service as they are paired with their very own member experience manager who serves as their primary travel liaison. The member experience manager coordinates everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to unpacking and pressing
pre-sent garments and arranging a complete vacation itinerary. Membership pricing ranges from the low $100,000s – low $800,000s per membership. A typical membership is approximately $250,000.
About Marquis Jet
Marquis Jet is the leader in private jet cards. Through its exclusive alliance with NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company (NYSE:BRKA), Marquis Jet provides the convenience, quality and safety of the world’s premier fractional aircraft ownership program 25 hours at a time. The Marquis Jet Card is available throughout North America, catering to businesses and individuals who desire access to the world’s best fleet and service. Business Traveler Magazine, Executive Travel Magazine, Robb Report and Flight International have recognized the Marquis Jet Card as the number one private jet card program. The Marquis Jet Card program is operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. or NetJets International, Inc. under their respective FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificates. For additional information, visit the Company’s website at www.MarquisJet.com or call 1-866-JET-1400. Please refer to Marquis Program Documents for more complete details.
About The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
Combining innovative membership options for luxury travel around the world with the legendary services of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club offers an inspirational vacation lifestyle tailored to each Member’s needs and expectations. This year, on its 10th anniversary, The Club was awarded Robb Report’s distinction of top fractional vacation home program for their 21st annual “Best of the Best” issue. The Club can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (@RitzCarltonClub).
*Marquis Jet is an independent company not affiliated with NetJets and through its exclusive U.S. alliance sells the Marquis Jet Card.