Since the Big Three automakers flew to Washington in business jets to ask for bailout money, rumors about flight department closures have multiplied.
Complicating the hunt for the facts is some companies’ practice of offering employees severance packages that include a gag policy on the closing of their flight departments. Others offer generous packages and employees simply don’t want to talk publicly about the situation because they feel the company has been trying to do the right thing for them.
In any case, “The economy is not universally terrible despite what the publicity would have you believe,” according to Pete Agur, managing director and founder of The VanAllen Group. He continued, “Two of our more than 100 clients have ordered their aircraft be sold. Both were leaning heavily into strong economic winds and unfortunately the winds shifted. On the other hand, we have two clients who are starting flight departments and another who is preparing to upgrade his equipment.” He declined to identify the companies, citing confidentiality concerns.
