Unchartered Territory: Stratus Alliance

Jan 23, 2008 5:00 PM

Entrepreneurs Harold Graves and Regis de Ramel have started Stratus Alliance, a low-cost aircraft charter network for the business or pleasure traveler who is fed up with the stresses of the scheduled airlines. Stratus Alliance acts as an agent for qualified, certified and experienced 135 operators, all meeting FAA standards. Using the Cirrus 22, a single-engine aircraft that’s economical and safe (its Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, in the unlikely event of an emergency, can lower the entire aircraft to the ground via parachute) Stratus Alliance aims to bring charter to people who may have perceived charter to be out of reach. Why the Cirrus? In the past five years, the Cirrus 22 has proven to be the world’s best-selling aircraft. And nobody knows the benefits of the Cirrus aircraft more than de Ramel, a Cirrus pilot and former Cirrus demo salesperson for the mid-Atlantic region. With Graves’s background in international finance (he’s worked in New York City as well as Tokyo) this is a duo that understands business.

The basic hourly rate for a three-person flight is $495, which is tempting, considering no-wait time and personalized service, and the ease with which it takes to get in and out of smaller airports. If a smaller aircraft doesn’t suit a client’s needs, Status Alliance has access to other larger aircraft types with their online quoting system. The Stratus rewards program encourages even more savings for its members. A prepaid card can earn discounts off of already reasonable flight costs. Go to www.stratusalliance.com for more information, or call 866-336-0819.

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