Corporate jet center at Van Nuys Airport may signal rising market

In a sign that the market for private and corporate jets is recovering, a new aviation center offering conference rooms and other amenities for travelers opened Thursday at Van Nuys Airport.

NetJets Inc., which sells individuals and companies shares in private jet aircraft, unveiled a 10,000 sq. ft. terminal on property leased from its partner, Maguire Aviation, a fixed-base operator at the airport.

The glass and steel structure includes private conference facilities, wireless access, services for business travelers, an onsite kitchen that offers catered meals, and lounges for both children and air crews. A secure parking area also is available.

The facility, which is for the exclusive use of NetJets’ customers, will be open around the clock.

NetJets officials said that Los Angeles is one of the company’s most popular destinations in the United States and that Van Nuys is its most visited airport in the city. The San Fernando Valley facility -- managed by the same city of Los Angeles agency that also oversees Los Angeles International and Ontario International -- is one of the busiest general aviation centers  in the nation.

NetJets offers shares in private aircraft at a fraction of the cost of complete ownership. Shareholders are guaranteed access to jet aircraft 365 days a year on a few hours notice. Customers can choose from 13 of the most popular business jets in the world.

Maguire offers aircraft owners and pilots a variety of services such as refueling, maintenance and ground handling as well as hangar, shop and office space.

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-- Dan Weikel

Photo: The interior of the NetJets center at Van Nuys Airport. Credit: NetJets