Designing the Right Private Aviation Program With Chris Bull

Today, I'm excited to speak with Chris Bull, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Jet, one of the nation's premier private aviation companies delivering personalized travel solutions for entrepreneurs, executives, and families across the United States. With more than two decades of experience in aviation leadership, Chris has guided Northern Jet through a period of significant growth and transformation — most notably leading the 2023 merger of SpeedBird and Northern Jet Management, which established the company as one of the largest independently owned private aviation providers in the country.

Under Chris's leadership, Northern Jet continues to set the standard for safety, reliability, and authentic client relationships, offering fractional ownership, jet management, and jet card programs designed to help clients make the most of their most valuable asset — time. Chris and his company, Northern Jet, are valued specialist advisor members of FOX and we are thrilled to have their expertise within our community.

There has been a lot of change and developments in the private aviation space, especially in the past few years, so we start with a quick overview of the space. Chris offers his definition of private aviation these days and describes the evergreen benefits that attract UHNW clients to fly private. He also outlines the most notable trends that have been reshaping this niche industry.

Chris then outlines the key options UHNW clients face and often must decide between, covering all the "4 lanes" of private aviation, as he defines them. He describes these different avenues and compares their pros and cons.

Chris provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of vendors and players who comprise the private aviation space, equipping our listeners with all they need to know about these distinct companies serving the private aviation space. He also outlines how his company's consultative model works in helping clients navigate the choices and decisions they face in this sector.

Finally, Chriss provides some practical tips and tools he recommends to families and family offices who are considering or are actively utilizing various private aviation services and operating models.

This is a highly instructive conversation with one of the top advisors and service providers in the private aviation industry specializing in solutions for UHNW individuals, enterprise families, and their family offices.