Private aviation operator Regent Jet says it has created a new concept in the fractional ownership industry and a new way for individuals and companies to manage their private aviation requirements. Its Private Jet Hedging services aims to give jet membership programme subscribers a way to reduce their cost-per-hour by hedging against their fixed-rate programmes.

The company says Private Jet Hedging offers clients access to pristine, late-model aircraft through a network of vetted aircraft operators, often at substantial savings over fixed-rate programmes.

“Jet membership programmes offer a generally high level of service with fixed pricing designed to produce outsized profits on some flights to offset other ‘loss-leader’ flights,” says Justin Sullivan, managing director of Regent Jet. “Regent Jet advises clients whether their programme offers the best value on a trip-by- trip basis. More often than not, we deliver a superior value.”

“Working with us is very simple – there are no fees or up-front deposits. We simply build a travel profile so that we understand each client’s preferences and requirements, and then provide clients with a 24- number to access our team. Clients either call or e-mail their travel requirements, and we analyze each trip, presenting a portfolio of options. Clients than choose the aircraft that is right for them, arrange for payment, and fly. There are no long-term commitments, no contracts and no strings attached,” said Sullivan.

Marriott International Inc., the largest U.S. hotel chain, plans to double the number of rooms in Europe to 80,000 by 2015.

"Europe is the largest lodging market in the world and holds enormous potential for Marriott," Amy McPherson, managing director of the company's European unit, told Bloomberg News in an e-mailed statement today. "We are confident we are well-positioned to achieve this ambitious expansion goal."

Marriott, based in Bethesda, Md., currently operates 174 hotels in 24 European countries, which generate annual revenue of almost $3 billion. It will open hotels in Moscow, Budapest and Ankara, Turkey, this year.

The company, which operates hotels and timeshare resorts across 66 countries and territories, has proportionally fewer overseas hotel rooms than rivals such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. Three-quarters of its 35,000 full-service hotel rooms under development are outside the U.S.