Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose
Episode: Alan Semsar – The Exclusive World of Private Aviation
Date: March 26, 2025 | Host: Kat Zammuto | Guest: Alan Semsar

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kat Zammuto interviews Alan Semsar, renowned pilot, foodie, and luxury lifestyle expert, for an exclusive inside look at the world of private aviation. Recorded on board a luxurious aircraft at Van Nuys Airport just prior to takeoff, Kat and Alan discuss the logistics, perks, clientele, and costs of private flying, highlighting the industry’s elite allure and practicality for the ultra-wealthy and corporate travelers alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Insider Access to Private Aviation

• Kat introduces Alan as the "king of the private skies," offering a rare peek inside a functioning private jet moments before a flight.
  • “This is a very inside exclusive look into the world of private aviation and who are the lucky few that can afford this lifestyle.” [00:00]

2. Function & Range of the Plane

• The featured aircraft is a Bombardier Challenger 850, seating up to 15 and capable of 5-hour flights (LA to NY/Cabo/Hawaii), but not suitable for direct Europe flights.
  • Alan: “This plane goes about five hours…You can go to New York on it. You can go to Cabo…We can also go to Hawaii from LA, which is really great.” [07:13]
• For Europe, larger "ultra-long range" jets (like the Gulfstream 550 or 650) are needed for nonstop flights.
  • “We have larger aircraft which are called ultra long range aircraft. And we can go straight from here to London or from here to Paris…” [07:38]

3. The Value and Growth of Private Flying

• The private jet sector is experiencing robust growth due to increased global wealth and demand for efficient travel.
  • Alan: “It’s a growing field. This is a very exciting time to be in private aviation. The industry’s... experienced robust growth…” [08:12]
• Not just “super rich” individuals, but also corporations and groups of friends share private flights.
  • “Consumers are getting super smart…so you have three couples or four couples who will share a large jet…this is a much more elegant, faster experience.” [12:49]
• The primary benefit is saving significant time and gaining direct access, with none of the airport delays or TSA.
  • Alan: “The point is ease and access. So you have ease and you have access to everywhere you want to go. And we cut off hours and hours on your travel time.” [08:32]

4. Lifestyle Perks & Customization

• Clients can pre-order custom meals from favorite chefs or restaurants, with in-flight fine dining—even full meal service and cocktails.
  • Alan: “We cater the food that you like…Waldorf Astoria or Wolfgang Puck or whatever chef you like…” [10:41]
• The luxurious environment, privacy, and tailored service set private jets apart.
  • Kat: “Where’s my champagne, please?”
  • Alan: “That’s kind of the benefit of it all.” [09:49]

5. Who Flies Private—Celebrities, Executives, and Groups

• A-list celebrities, entertainment industry figures, and corporate execs make up a large portion of clients.
  • “You got a lot of celebrities that fly these things…And then you have all the corporate executives. If you consider a corporate executive and their salary—do you want a CEO…sitting in a terminal as you’re paying them thousands of dollars an hour?” [11:34]
• Privacy is a major selling point: dedicated terminals (FBOs) prevent paparazzi and crowds.
  • Alan: “We have our own private terminals…That’s the benefit of not going to a terminal…this is completely closed off. Very VIP.” [19:07, 22:43]

6. Cost Breakdown & Value Proposition

• Flights are generally priced per hour, varying by aircraft size.
  • “Every charter company has a little bit of a different formula, but it’s usually per hour.” [15:48]
• LA to Las Vegas on a large jet (15 people): about $15,000 total.
  • Alan: “So let’s say you’re going to Las Vegas…it would be a $15,000 trip—in a large aircraft.” [16:30]
• LA to London/Paris roundtrip on a Gulfstream G550: about $300,000.
  • “From LA to London and back, you’re looking at about $300,000 all in.” [20:20]
• Costs include fuel, crew, and related expenses. Sharing among friends can make the per-person cost closer to a (very nice) first-class commercial ticket.
  • Kat: “If all the 15 are paying… it’s not that crazy.” [16:42]

7. Jet Ownership vs. Chartering

• Full ownership brings tax benefits but immense ongoing costs.
  • Alan: “There is all kinds of depreciation. There is tax benefits…so once you get to a specific level of money…what are you going to do with your money?” [21:31]
• Owning a plane offers total personalization and privacy—no sharing or compromises.
  • “The people that own their own jets…it’s because they don’t want anyone else on their plane. You’re the only one.” [21:54]

8. Privacy & Security

• Tracking flights is possible due to technology, but operators know how to ensure privacy for high-profile clients.
  • Alan: “Because of technology now, everything is searchable…But that’s the point of private aircraft…we know how to get you there and nobody will know.” [22:17, 22:35]

9. Clientele, Experience, and Notable Passengers

• Alan has worked in aviation for 15 years; private jet focus since 2019.
  • “I’ve been in general aviation business for about 15 years…for private, since the pandemic, since 2019.” [23:00]
• Most clients, including celebrities, are gracious; only rarely are they difficult.
  • “I don’t think there’s any…anyone that’s difficult to handle as long as you know who they are and what they want.” [24:30]
• Notable confirmed passenger: Alicia Keys and her husband (with permission).
  • “I had the privilege of Flying Alicia Keys and her husband once, and that was fantastic.” [24:00]
• Pets are welcome—bring as many as you like!
  • “We allow dogs. You can bring as many pets as you like.” [24:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Welcome to the good life, right?” – Alan Semsar [06:37]
• “There’s no TSA, there’s no security. So that’s nine hours from point to point, and then you’re in your hotel.” – Alan Semsar on efficiency [08:50]
• “If you consider a corporate executive and their salary—do you want a CEO…sitting in a terminal as you’re paying them thousands of dollars an hour?” – Alan Semsar on value [11:34]
• “From LA to London and back, you’re looking at about $300,000 all in.” – Alan Semsar on Europe trip pricing [20:20]
• “The people that own their own jets…it’s because they don’t want anyone else on their plane.” – Alan Semsar [21:54]
• “You can bring as many pets as you like.” – Alan Semsar [24:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [06:28]: Start of exclusive interview with Alan on the jet
• [07:13]: Aircraft range and destinations
• [08:12]: Industry growth and clientele
• [10:41]: Custom food, in-flight perks
• [11:34]: Who flies private and why (corporate, celebrities)
• [15:48]: How pricing works for private charters
• [16:30]: Cost examples: LA-Vegas and per-person calculation
• [20:20]: LA to Europe cost and logistics
• [21:54]: Jet ownership vs. charter rationale
• [22:35]: Privacy measures in private aviation
• [23:00]: Alan’s background in aviation
• [24:00]: Name-dropping Alicia Keys as a notable passenger
• [24:45]: Pets allowed on board

Additional Context

• This episode is a whirlwind, on-location chat that prioritizes juicy facts and real-world numbers, with Kat’s signature energy and candid curiosity. Alan offers transparency and expert insight without violating client privacy, giving listeners a rare peek inside a secretive, aspirational world.

Conclusion

Whether you’re fascinated by luxury lifestyles, aspire to fly private, or just enjoy peeking behind velvet ropes, this episode of Kat on the Loose delivers a fun, candid, and enlightening conversation about the reality—and costs—of jetting around the world in style.