A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.
Private jet companies are rolling out the red carpet for their top clients at the Masters Tournament, as competition shifts from the air to the ground with lavish hospitality events and experiences.
Thousands of private jets are expected to fly in and out of Augusta, Georgia, and nearby airports for the Masters in the coming days, making it one of the most important events of the year. NetJets, the industry leader, expects more than 775 flights into and out of Augusta, marking a 35% to 40% increase from last year, the company said. Flexjet is projecting about 350 to 400 flights, and Vista projects over 20 flights a day.
“Demand is off the charts,” said Mike Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet. “The Masters is like nothing else.”
On the private jet calendar, Davos, the Super Bowl, Cannes, the Kentucky Derby, the Monaco Grand Prix and Art Basel all attract plenty of private jets and wealthy attendees. But the Masters has a unique combination of tens of thousands of well-heeled attendees and a full week of events, creating a constant flow of clients flying in and out.
