Whether you’re flying to your second home in Park City or planning a ski vacation in the Wasatch Mountains, Keystone Aviation is the solution to flying private without owning your own aircraft. Keystone Aviation instead allows you to charter a plane so you can fly in safety, class, and comfort to your final destination. 

Keystone Aviation is headquartered at Salt Lake City International Airport and flies to destinations across the United States and around the globe. It partners with aircraft owners to fly privately owned planes when not in use by their owners, helping to recoup the plane’s cost for the owner. 

“Travelers who don’t own their own aircraft, charter with Keystone Aviation to get where they are vacationing or working without flying commercial,” says Aaron Fish, Keystone Aviation Chief Operating Officer. “Private aviation has played a key role in being able to travel in a COVID world.”

As pandemic worries heightened concerned for everyone flying, Keystone Aviation prioritized new levels of safety and cleanliness aboard the planes. With these cleaning standards in place, many are requesting quotes and booking with Keystone Aviation to safely get their family and work teams from A to B. 

A lot of people who used to travel First Class on commercial airlines are now seeking new ways to travel. Keystone Aviation has the expertise and knowledge to plan and schedule a trip to fit your schedule, your number of passengers, and your destination location while providing the safety and security of flying private. Whether your group is large or small, Keystone Aviation offers solutions for all flying in and out of SLC. 

“Salt Lake City is a great airport to go in and out from with larger aircraft,” says Fish. “We have smaller aircraft in our fleet that allows us to fly more regionally. If someone wants to go to St. George or Las Vegas, we have smaller planes for 4-6 people to accommodate their needs.”

A bonus of private airplane chartering is the ability for smaller aircraft in the Keystone Aviation fleet to land at small general aviation airports, shortening drive time to your destination when visiting mountain towns and quieter places. 

The Charter Flight Experience

If you’ve never chartered a plane before, get ready for a completely different flying experience with Keystone Aviation. Instead of traveling through security in the bustling main airport terminal, you’ll fly out of the general aviation area from a smaller, more private terminal. Here, security is managed on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis. There are no long lines or crowds to navigate. After you arrive at the airport, simply pass through the executive terminal or private gate, verify identification as a part of the security review, and then hop on the plane while the crew loads your bags and prepares for takeoff. 

When you charter a flight, you can choose to order in-flight cuisine catered from local partners of Keystone Aviation for your passengers or offer a light snack menu. Unlike commercial flying, Keystone Aviation handles special requests without hassle.

“We manage any food requirements. If you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies. All of those go into your profile; it is part of the services we offer,” says Fish. “If it’s a larger aircraft, there is a flight attendant who will be part of the flight crew.” 

This experience boosts your enjoyment, privacy, and safety in a pandemic world while enhancing your travel flexibility. 

Though the typical Keystone Aviation clientele was primarily business travelers pre-pandemic, who is flying has now shifted. “With less business travel occurring during the pandemic, flights became more family-oriented,” says Fish. “Many people are spending more time in Park City and now they commute to their business market when needed, versus just coming to Park City for the weekend.” 

Due to COVID-19, many Keystone Aviation customers have also permanently relocated to Park City or Salt Lake City and now fly for work and live at what was previously their vacation destination.

How to Charter a Flight

Keystone Aviation offers two ways to book or inquire about a private jet chartered flight. Either visit charter.KeystoneAviation.com and request a quote or call the main office at 888-900-6070. Their flight operations team will learn what you’re looking for in a flight and special travel needs, match you with a plane and pilot. Then, finalize your travel plans and take you on a great private flight.

Story by Jenny Willden for The Scout Guide Park City