Imagine your aircraft is off-line for a scheduled C-check maintenance, but an urgent meeting arises in London tomorrow. For private jet owners and corporate flight departments, a grounded aircraft can quickly create scheduling chaos.
That’s where supplemental lift comes in. It’s your backup access to private aircraft when your own isn’t available, ensuring you stay on schedule, no matter what.
Let’s explore what supplemental lift is, how it works, and why it’s an essential part of a well-rounded aviation strategy.
What Is Supplemental Lift in Private Aviation?
Supplemental lift provides immediate access to another aircraft when your owned jet or fractional share isn’t available or may not be practical or suitable for a given mission.
“Supplemental lift is the bridge between ownership and uninterrupted access,” explains John Amato, Senior Vice President of Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets. “Our clients rely on it not just when something goes wrong, but as part of a proactive aviation strategy that ensures total flexibility.”
At Magellan Jets, supplemental lift is available through multiple solutions. You can charter a private jet on demand when you need a one-time backup, or purchase a Magellan Jet Card for guaranteed access, fixed rates, and peace of mind whenever your aircraft is unavailable.
Unlike purchasing another aircraft or expanding a fractional share, supplemental lift requires no long-term commitment. You gain access to meticulously vetted aircraft from trusted operators, each tailored to your specific mission, whether that’s a short business trip, a cross-country flight, or a long-range international journey.
How Supplemental Lift Works for Individuals
When aircraft owners need supplemental lift, the process begins with a single call to their Private Aviation Advisor. Magellan’s team immediately sources suitable aircraft from our network of pre-approved operators.
Within hours, you’ll receive tailored flight options that meet strict safety and performance standards. Each crew is briefed on your personal preferences, from cabin temperature and catering selections to reading materials and wine choices.
“The best supplemental lift feels invisible,” says Amato. “Our goal is to replicate the ownership experience so precisely that clients never feel like they’re flying anything different.”
The result is a seamless travel experience, complete with the same service standards, ground coordination, and comfort you expect from your own aircraft.
How Supplemental Lift Works for Businesses
For corporate flight departments, supplemental lift is an invaluable strategic tool. When multiple executives need to travel simultaneously, supplemental aircraft prevent scheduling conflicts and keep operations running smoothly.
Fractional owners also benefit when they near their annual flight-hour limits. As travel demand peaks, supplemental lift bridges the gap, avoiding overage charges while maintaining continuity and productivity.
“Supplemental lift is about bandwidth,” says Amato. “It allows corporations to scale their flight capacity instantly during high-demand periods without carrying the extraordinary fixed overhead that comes with owning additional fleet aircraft.”
Magellan Jets provides flexible options for every business scenario, whether you need a one-time charter flight to support your flight department or a Jet Card program that guarantees aircraft access, fixed hourly rates, and zero blackout dates.
For organizations seeking the ultimate balance between access, control, and value, Magellan’s Fractional Ownership program offers the most flexible model in the industry. It delivers the benefits of ownership with the adaptability of on-demand access, designed to scale with your company’s evolving travel needs.
When Do You Need Supplemental Lift?
Several situations make supplemental lift not just convenient, but essential.
Planned maintenance and upgrades: Inspections, avionics upgrades, engine overhauls, and interior refurbishments are just a few examples of what can ground an aircraft for weeks.
Unexpected mechanical and crewing issues: A broken windshield, blown tire, or hydraulic leak can mean waiting days for replacement parts, especially when you’re far from your home base. Fatigued or sick crew members, recurrent training, or worse, having a crew member depart to pursue a new opportunity, can ground your aircraft for undetermined amounts of time.
Geographic limitations: Certain routes and runways require different aircraft than your current aircraft or fleet can accommodate. For example:
- Teterboro to Van Nuys: A midsize jet will introduce the need for a fuel-stop.
- Runway limitations: Displaced thresholds, runway length, width, and weight limitations, make compromise safe landings and departures prohibiting the use of certain aircraft.
- Ocean crossings: Certain super-midsize and even heavy jets may lack the necessary range.
- Passenger count: Flying 8 passengers on a light cabin aircraft simply isn’t practical.
Scheduling conflicts: When multiple executives, board members or family members need aircraft at the same time, supplemental lift ensures no one misses a trip.
“Supplemental lift eliminates vulnerability,” says Amato. “You’re never grounded by maintenance, scheduling, or geography. You maintain control of your travel plans, regardless of the situation.”
Key Cost Considerations
Understanding supplemental lift pricing helps you plan effectively. Costs depend on several factors:
- Aircraft category: Cost scales with aircraft size, range, comfort and luxe factor.
- Distance and proximity: Longer flight times and the need for repositioning legs when flying using On-Demand Charter, can increase overall cost.
- Timing and demand: Peak travel periods, holidays, and major events can raise demand and rates for On-Demand Charter.
Magellan Jets offers two primary supplemental lift options to fit your needs and budget:
- Jet Card Programs: Fixed hourly rates guaranteed 365 days a year, across all aircraft categories. Schedule with as little as 24-hour’s notice, and no blackout dates. Ideal for those who want predictable costs and peace of mind year-round.
- On-Demand Charter: Schedule flights and pay as you go. Perfect for occasional flights or last-minute travel needs.
“Pricing transparency is everything,” Amato notes. “With Magellan Jets’ Jet Card and Charter solutions, clients know exactly what to expect.”
The Magellan Jets Advantage in Supplemental Lift
At Magellan Jets, supplemental lift is a strategy built on independence, safety, and trust.
Magellan’s Preferred Network includes only the top percentage of operators nationwide; all rigorously vetted through comprehensive safety audits. When your aircraft goes offline, you can trust your supplemental lift jet meets or exceeds your standards for safety and comfort.
For Jet Card clients, Magellan guarantees access across every aircraft category with as little as 24-hour notice. There are no blackout dates or peak travel surcharges.
Financial transparency sets Magellan apart. Client funds are fully segregated, ensuring prepaid hours are used exclusively for your flights.
“Our clients invest with confidence,” says Amato. “Every dollar goes directly toward their travel, not company overhead.”
Supplemental Lift: Frequently Asked Questions
How does supplemental lift differ from charter?
While a Charter Flight is a single trip booked as needed, Supplemental Lift is a broader term that refers to any flight arranged outside of your owned or fractional aircraft. In other words, Charter can be one form of supplemental lift, but supplemental lift itself is a strategy, not just a transaction.
Is supplemental lift only for emergencies?
While supplemental lift can be used in urgent situations, the most effective use of is planned, not reactive. By anticipating when and where extra capacity may be needed, with a Jet Card you can ensure seamless, scalable, cost-efficient travel without compromise.
Can I arrange supplemental lift on short notice?
Yes. Magellan Jets’ Jet Card Owners enjoy guaranteed availability with 24-hour notice, 365 days a year. On-demand charter clients can also secure supplemental lift, though advance notice improves aircraft selection and pricing.
Do my Jet Card hours expire?
No. Magellan Jets Jet Card Hours never expire, giving you complete flexibility to fly when and how you need. Whether you require multiple aircraft on the same day or need to accommodate several flights in a single day, your hours are always available to support your travel plans.
Take the Next Step
Supplemental lift gives you the freedom and confidence to travel without interruption. Whether your aircraft is down for maintenance or your team needs to be in two places at once, Magellan Jets ensures you’re never grounded.
“Supplemental lift represents freedom,” concludes Amato. “Freedom from mechanical delays, scheduling limits, and from compromise. It ensures your mission always moves forward reliably and with elasticity to scale as needed.”
With Magellan Jets, you can choose the supplemental lift solution that fits your lifestyle:
- On-Demand Charter when you’re in a bind, or
- Secure guaranteed peace of mind with a Jet Card that keeps you flying year-round.
Connect with a Magellan Jets Private Aviation Advisor today to explore supplemental lift solutions customized for your travel needs.
About John Amato
John Amato is the Senior Vice President of Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets, where he leads a team dedicated to creating customized, client-first private aviation strategies for individuals, corporations, and flight departments. With more than two decades of experience in private jet operations, management, and client service, John brings a deep understanding of both the technical and personal sides of private travel.
