Flying Privately: Everything You Need to Know About Aircraft Charter
A bachelorette party in a tropical land; a last-minute vacation for a family of five; an important business trip a few states away. What do all of these have in common? Each of these trips – no matter how different their intent, length or party size – could all benefit from travelling via an aircraft charter. The difference in flying via a commercial airplane or an aircraft charter could mean the ability to guarantee a family with small or nervous children the chance to fly together in privacy. It could be the perfect start to a weekend in paradise instead of experiencing the hassle of lost baggage and delayed flights. It could even mean more presentation practice to ensure sealing a big business deal while arriving stress-free before a very important meeting.
Air Unlimited may be known for hassle free and easily enjoyed scheduled seating, but the airline also offers custom chartered flights. Both options receive the highest amount of customer service and the benefits of flying privately, but a charter service is the best way to have a completely customizable flight experience. Charters ensure that your party is the only one on the aircraft, which is why they are the perfect option for families or groups looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Flying with small children can already be a challenge, and unneeded pressure is added when fellow passengers deliver disgruntled stares if a child is in distress. When flying via an aircraft charter, there are no passengers on the plane, so children can be comforted without the addition of parental stress. Chartered flights can also be more enjoyable for groups like college friends travelling back to their alma mater and want to vocally reminisce the whole ride there.
Passengers of chartered flights are not limited to travelling strictly from Sanford, FL to Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay either. Because these flights are completely customizable, you are able to pick which airports you leave from and fly into, as well as the date and time for all flights. If you are flying to a destination for a very short amount of time, you can even arrange for the pilot and aircraft to wait for your party and fly back the same day. Talk about VIP!
What could be better than flying to your vacation destination with four of your best friends in a private aircraft charter? Doing all of this while eating bruschetta and drinking champagne at 39,000 feet! Gone are the days of peanuts and ginger ale, aircraft charters with Air Unlimited allow catering services for the ultimate luxury experience.
For more information about the aircraft charters offered at Air Unlimited, head here and be sure to call us for additional information at (407) 585-4300.
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Things You Didn’t Know About Flights with Air Unlimited
Vacations give you time to relax, recharge and explore new places. Before you begin your vacation, however, the stress associated with travel can cause a bit of a rough start. When you fly with Air Unlimited out of the Orlando Sanford International Airport, you experience unparalleled service and comfort, and avoid the many stressors associated with flying. Say goodbye to long TSA lines and hefty fees, and hello to comfort the unlimited way.
Not a fan of having to arrive two hours before your flight just to get through TSA lines? Lucky for you, Air Unlimited is located in a private hangar in the Orlando Sanford International Airport, and performs their own security checks. This means that guests bypass the chaos and lines usually experienced at other airports. Instead, guests go through a personalized check-in process in the Air Unlimited office, and only need to arrive an hour before take-off. If you’re a frequent public economy-class flyer, you’re in for quite a treat.
We’re not exaggerating when we say that every seat is first class. With seating for four to nine passengers, each state-of-the-art seat was created for comfort, and has its own window. Each flight to the Abacos is about 90 minutes, and with such a comfy cabin, the time will literally ‘fly by’. As the aircraft descends, you will get a sneak peek and aerial view of the Bahamas before you even land. The crystal clear, blue water will make it very easy to spot a bull shark or a spotted eagle ray swimming near the surface.
Good news for any worried pet parents – Air Unlimited is completely pet friendly! We allow pets to fly in the cabin with you instead of in a cage in the cargo hold like other commercial airlines. There are rules of course, and the pilot has the final say for which animals can fly and which might be better off staying home, but a quick call to Air Unlimited before booking your flight will get you all the answers you need for traveling with your furry friend. For those looking to travel with more than one pet, there is a two-pet per owner limit. Once approved by the Air Unlimited team, all you’ll need is a permit from the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, and you and your furry friend will be good to go!
Air Unlimited makes it a point to never surprise customers with hidden fees or adding obscene charges for baggage. We also provide a free and secure parking area so travelers don’t have to worry about additional parking charges or how to retrieve their car after returning from a vacation. With Air Unlimited, guests are truly in good hands, and are never treated as just another number aboard a plane.
The Air Unlimited team aims to give you the best preflight and travel experience to start your vacation off on the right foot! For flight inquiries or to hear more about what Air Unlimited has to offer, give us a call at 407-585-4300.
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Discover Your Perfect Weekend with a Flight to the Abaco Islands
The Abaco Islands are filled with entertainment and adventure, featuring beachside resorts, five-star restaurants, beach bars, boat rentals and local shops on almost every corner. For those that may be visiting just for the weekend, it’s especially important to make the most out of your time. Below are our weekender tips and recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip before boarding your flight to the Abaco Islands.
Lodging
If you want to stay in a resort with a restaurant, activities and transportation all available on property, Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina is the place to be. The resort features waterfront rooms with personal decks and docks for private boats, as well as smaller rooms that are perfect for a couple’s beach getaway. Green Turtle Club works closely with Brendal’s Dive Center and offers discounts for resort guests, as well as scuba certification for all levels. The reefs of Green Turtle Cay are some of the best in the world, so you don’t want to miss out on a chance to explore the sea life right outside your bedroom window. Convenience is key at Green Turtle Club, so many activities are available directly through the resort. D&P Cart Rentals is located right on the property, making getting around the island even more accessible for guests. You’re definitely in for some fun and pampering while staying here!
If you want a more private experience, we suggest renting a cottage with Oceanfrontier Hideaways. Each loft-style cottage has two bedrooms, a private deck and a kitchen. With only six cottages on the property, you will feel like you’re ‘living like a local’ in these cozy lofts by the sea. However, you’re not completely on your own, because Oceanfrontier Hideaways has a working relationship with Dive Guana and Nipper’s Beach Bar, where guests can enjoy preferred rates and pool access. Stick around for Nipper’s Sunday pig roast and grab a “feared and famous” Nipper Juice, and you’ll blend right into the island ambiance.
Sight Seeing
Get a bird’s eye view from the top of the Hope Town Lighthouse. After 101 steps to the top, you will get a panoramic view of Hope Town and the surrounding islands, and you’ll also have a chance to take a look at the original lens and turning equipment in the lighthouse, made in the early 1900’s! The lighthouse was built in 1864, which speaks volumes about the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society’s restoration efforts. How often do you get to visit places built more than a century ago?
Dining
The Treasure Sands Club is not your ordinary upscale restaurant in the Abacos. Located next to Treasure Cay Beach, this restaurant pairs traditional Bahamian food with European influence. Meals are prepared with utmost care, and most of what you eat is grown on their property at the Bahama Woodstar Farm. They believe that humans need to have a deeper connection with their food, and they hope to inspire others to feel the same. In fact, they feel so strongly about this concept that they started the Farm-to-Preschool Community Project by supplying preschoolers from Head Start Academy with nutritious, seasonal and culturally authentic lunches every day. Each meal includes a $1 donation to the program, so you can feel even better about eating exquisite Caribbean Lobster Stew or Mango Curry Shrimp. The Treasure Sands Club also takes pride in their French wine collection and can offer advice for the best wine pairings for each meal.
Beaches
With so many beaches in the Abacos, choosing the perfect one might be a challenge. But wouldn’t you want to spend an afternoon on one of the top 10 best beaches of the Caribbean? Treasure Cay Beach actually made the top 10 list from Caribbean Travel & Life, and the three-and-a-half mile powder-white beach lives up to its ranking. The contrast of the turquoise water along the shore line is something you’ll have to see to believe. Although this beach is open to the public, you’ll feel like you’re on your own private oasis as there is plenty of room to spread out and relax. You can take a break from the sun at Coco Beach Bar and Grill just 100 yards from the water and cool off with a frozen Bahamian drink. They also offer lounge chairs, a volleyball court and have a sports cabana to rent kayaks and banana boats.
Getting There
Some of these destinations are a bit spread out across the Abacos, but not to worry, between Albury’s Ferry Service and the plethora of golf cart rentals, your perfect weekend is a reservation away. Start your perfect vacation with a scheduled flight to Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay with Air Unlimited. Book your flight today by heading to our website!
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The Abaco’s Top Five Adventure Excursions Are Only a Private Plane Ride Away
Your vacation is finally here and after a quick and relaxing scheduled flight to the Abacos with Air Unlimited, the last thing you want to do is waste time researching activities and excursions to complete your itinerary. That’s why we’ve highlighted a few of the tried and true tours and activities that will completely immerse you in the exciting atmosphere of the Abacos.
Parrots, pubs, and caves, oh my! The South Abaco Adventure offered through Abaco Tours & Activities will take you on a walking tour to see one of the most colorful Abaco natives, the Bahama parrot. These parrots are the only ground nesting species in the Bahamas, so you’ll be happy to have a tour guide there to point out where these birds might be hiding. The next stop will be Little Harbor, where you’ll stop at the famous Pete’s Pub and Bronze Sculpture Garden. Pete’s Pub is your classic island hang out spot, complete with a beach bar, Bahamian seafood and weekly events and specials. Pete’s Pub is also home to a bronze foundry that has been up and running for more than three generations. Few places still have a facility like this, but after walking through the bronze garden yourself, you’ll see why they’ve kept it around. After grabbing a quick bite, like the delicious Mango Grilled Grouper, the tour will end at the Abaco Caves. These breathtaking caves are found in discrete pools throughout the island and are easy to miss if you aren’t with someone who knows where to find them. Once you’re in the water, you can explore from the surface or take a deeper dive, at your own risk. Either way, you’ll be ready to cool off in this amazing blue oasis.
At Brendal’s Dive Center, you’re almost always guaranteed to see dolphins on the Reef Trip and Wild Dolphin Encounter. These are not trained dolphins that you’ll be in the water with; the captain will take you to known dolphin-spotting reefs where you can take pictures from the boat or put your mask and flippers on as you slip into the water to see these beauties in their natural habitat. You’ll also be treated to lunch on a private beach with your choice of fresh seafood and island drinks.
Another Brendal favorite is the Abaco Swimming Pigs Adventure. You’ve probably seen someone you know visit the Bahamas and feed a giant swimming pig. Well now it’s your turn to get up close and personal with the Abaco’s most famous attraction! These friendly pigs are great with visitors of all ages and truly make for a unique island experience.
Get closer to nature on an Abaco Eco Kayak Adventure in Elbow Cay. It’s your choice where to start your trip from either Tahiti Beach, White Sound or Hope Town Harbour, but we suggest Tahiti Beach. It’s a secluded beach only reachable by foot, bike, or boat so you can enjoy being the king or queen of the beach before setting off on your adventure. This is a self-led tour, but don’t worry, Abaco Eco will explain exactly where to go to get the most out of your trip. Along the way, you’ll see dense mangrove islands with wading birds hunting in the shallows. Make sure to stop and check out the water underneath, because you might spot a school of fish or even a turtle or nurse shark.
Finally, for those who really want to see it all, you can book a week-long sailing trip with Cruise Abaco or create your own personalized boat trip. We’re serious when we say you’ll see it all, because the sailing trip begins at the Great Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour and sails through Guana Cay, Man O War, and Hope Town. You’ll have the opportunity to choose which vessel you would like to sail in and consult with your captain on exactly where you want to go. The eight-day sample itinerary includes exploring local shops, museums and landmarks, paddle boarding and snorkeling and of course eating amazing food along the way.
Let the experts guide you through these incredible islands and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. The team at Air Unlimited is very familiar with the Abacos islands and would love to offer tips and recommendations on some of their personal favorite must-sees. Start your adventure with us by calling 407-585-4300 or visiting www.FlyAirUnlimited.com to book a flight to paradise.
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Pigs, Palms and Paradise: It’s Time to Experience Your Next Scheduled Island Flight
The Abaco Islands are made up of one main island and a string of smaller islands surrounding it, which together cover more than 650 square miles. For those looking to get the most out of their trip, this guide provides tips and tricks for traveling on land and over water, allowing you to bask in the beauty of the Abaco Islands in every way possible. One of the quickest and most convenient ways to begin your journey is with a scheduled island flight via Air Unlimited from Sanford, Florida to either Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay, Bahamas. These private flights fit up to nine passengers, eliminate the hassle of traditional airport lines and security revisions and make sure you get to the islands faster than most commercial airlines.
After flying for less than 90 minutes, you will arrive at either the Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay Airport, depending on which you’ve specified beforehand. Once you decide where you want to go, it’s totally up to you how you would like to get there. Both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay have rental cars, taxis, buses and ferries available, as well as bikes, mopeds and golf carts for easy island travel. Taxis are one of the most common methods for getting from one place to the next, or car rentals allow you to explore additional parts of the island on your own time. You may also want to check with your hotel ahead of time, as many of them offer transportation from the airport, depending on where you’re headed.
Once you arrive in Treasure Cay, you can easily jump on a ferry and head to Green Turtle Cay. This is the easiest route to Green Turtle Cay and you will have plenty of time to explore Treasure Cay once you return. While visiting Green Turtle Cay, you can travel by foot (the island is just three miles long!) or rent a golf cart, if traveling with wheels is more your style. Golf carts are the locals’ transportation of choice, and there are plenty of rental facilities available for visitors to choose from.
For those that are more marine savvy, you can check out the fleet at Sunset Marine & Boat Rentals in Turtle Cay, and tool around the island or schedule a designated island hopping tour. Sunset Marine & Boat Rentals offers ten different kinds of boats, ranging from a versatile 17-foot Aquasport to a luxurious 26-foot Scorpion. On an island hopping tour you’ll have the chance to be guided to the surrounding islands that you may have previously missed, and if you choose to create your own itinerary, make sure to stop at a little island called No Name Cay, and feed the pigs in Piggyville. Yes, Piggyville is a real place with plenty of friendly, free-roaming pigs and piglets! Once you’re back in either Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay, and ready to relax on the beach or indulge in some authentic Bahamian food, you’ll definitely want to rent a golf cart – just remember that Bahamians drive on the left side of the road!
Knowing exactly how to get around in a foreign place can bring you so much peace of mind. Let Air Unlimited be your first choice for round trip scheduled island flights to the Abacos, and we’d be happy to offer further transportation and sightseeing suggestions along the way.
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Book a Private Jet for Lobster Season in the Abacos
Lobster season kicks off on August 1st, which means it’s time to pack up the gear and head to the Abacos with your fishing buddies. Since you’ll be on a boat from dawn till dusk loading up on the legal limit, we suggest taking Air Unlimited’s private jet to the islands to get you on the water as soon as possible. The Citation Mustang seats five, with more than enough room for all of your baggage and gear. If you’re traveling with more than four people, the King Air 200 is a better option. This aircraft seats nine comfortably with more head and shoulder space than most small aircrafts.
Unless you have your own boat in the Abacos, you will need to find a charter service to take you lobstering and typically, the charter boat captains will know all the best spots for taking full advantage of lobster season. If you are fishing off of a noncommercial boat, you will need to get a fishing permit from the Bahamian Customs Office. All Bahamian owned charter boats will already have fishing licenses but it’s always best to ask and make sure that everyone is covered.
Since it is illegal to dive for lobsters wearing scuba gear or any kind of air regulator, you will need to find shallow water to free dive in. The suggested depth is a spot where it only takes 30 seconds to get from the ocean floor to the surface. Spear guns are also illegal to use in the Bahamas, so keep your gear simple. All you will need is a mask or goggles, snorkel if desired, fins, a net and a tickle stick.
The last thing you want to do is get yourself and the entire boat in legal trouble from violating the Bahamian fishing guides, so be aware of the lobster regulations ahead of time. You are allowed six lobsters per person who is fishing (the captain doesn’t count). And you will need to make sure the lobster you are catching is not a female carrying eggs or a lobster too small for catching. This can be a bit tricky when you’re underwater and trying to gauge the size of the lobster or look under its tail for eggs while chasing it into your net. A lobster gauge is very useful in this situation. It is basically a small ruler made of aluminum, with indentations where you will need to place the gauge in between the lobster’s eyeballs and extend it to the end of its carapace. The measurement from the eyeballs to the carapace should be no smaller than 3 3/8 inches in length, or its tail should be at least six inches long. If your lobster reaches either of those measurements, it’s a keeper! If you catch a lobster that is under size or carrying eggs, just release it and move on.
To catch a lobster, you will need to find an area suitable for lobsters to live. This includes caves or artificial reefs where lobsters can hide. You will coax the lobster out of its cave by moving your tickle stick to the back of the cave and pulling it towards the front while hopefully running into a lobster. Once the lobster feels the tickle stick, it will shoot out of the cave so keep your net ready! After you catch one, make sure to measure it and twist your net to not let your catch free.
If you’re catching lobsters, hopefully you have a place to cook them. But if not, ask your charter captain for the best local restaurants that will cook your catch for you, and enjoy!
The Air Unlimited team is always ready to offer advice or recommendations for your lobster season adventure. Conveniently book your flight by giving us a call at 407-585-4300.
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3 Things You Can Find in the Abacos That You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
It only takes our guests leaving the Orlando Sanford International Airport to immediately get into vacation mode. With its secluded beaches, plentiful water activities, and luxury resorts, the Abacos is the ultimate island retreat. It is also home to some surprises that you can’t find anywhere else.
Sunday Pig Roast at Nipper’s
Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill is your all-in-one island experience. Located on Great Guana Cay just across from Marsh Harbour, this venue offers fresh seafood, strong drinks, two pools, beaches that lead to a reef, and a tiki bar with a dance floor. Despite the amenities and colorful atmosphere, the main attraction is the Sunday Pig Roast. It is a buffet served every Sunday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and includes roast pork, Cajun coleslaw and custard corn bread. Come for the food, stay for the party because this is one Sunday Funday that you can’t recreate anywhere else.
Try a Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
One of the must-try drinks in the Bahamas is The Goombay Smash. This is a famous cocktail throughout the Bahamas that many places serve but its origin begins at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar in Green Turtle Cay. Miss Emily created the drink in the 60’s in her tiny restaurant that now has a collection of business cards covering the walls from visitors throughout the years. She passed away in 1977 but her family has kept her business alive by serving her delicious Goombay Smash and traditional Bahamian food. The original recipe is her family’s best kept secret that many others have tried to guess. If you’re a fan of the Goombay Smash (most people are) you can purchase the drink by the gallon to enjoy throughout your trip. If you just can’t get enough of it and want to try making it yourself, a replica recipe is below.
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 1 oz. coconut rum
- ½ oz. apricot brandy
- 3 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. orange juice
Shake, pour over ice and enjoy!
Marsh Harbour Reefs
Marsh Harbour is home to two artificial reefs that have been created by shipwrecks. One reef is actually made from locomotives that were captured by the confederacy during the Civil War and then sold to Cuba. There was an accident on their way to Cuba that caused the locomotives to sink about 20 feet to the ocean floor, and it has become a beautiful reef over time.
The other shipwreck was the U.S.S. Adirondack. It dates back to 1862 and was a 207-foot wooden gun boat also used in the Civil War era. It ran aground just six months after it was built, leaving behind 14 cannons that were onboard. The cannons and remains of the ship are scattered across the ocean floor, but don’t worry! Everyone aboard the ship made it safely to shore. Both reefs are only accessible by boat and do not require scuba gear to be explored!
Whatever your plans might be for the Abacos, start your journey with Air Unlimited’s scheduled luxury flights. Every seat on the aircraft is first class and in only 90 minutes your island adventure will begin. Once you arrive, don’t forget to try some of these things that make these islands so special. After all, the Abacos is the hidden gem of the Bahamas.
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What to Pack Before Your Flight to the Abaco Islands
Your private flight to the Abaco Islands is booked, you just got your hotel room confirmation, and you’re a week out from a trip that you’ve been dreaming about for months! And then you think “What do I pack?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on everything you’ll need on your flight to the Abacos.
Start with your luggage. You might want to pack on the lighter side so it’s easier for you to island hop. A duffle bag or something without those obnoxious wheels would be ideal.
One of the most important things you can bring with you is sunscreen. You’ll want your sunscreen to be water and sweat resistant. We recommend bringing SPF 30 or higher for your body and 55 or higher for your face. Sunscreen can protect your skin but clog your pores so stick with brands like Neutrogena that are always gentle on your skin.
Stop by an ATM before you head to the airport. Most places in the Abacos only accept cash and it’s better to be prepared than hope that wherever you go will accept your credit card. For transportation purposes, it will be much easier to have cash for any taxi ride as well. Don’t worry about exchanging your US dollar for the Bahamian dollar because the exchange rate is the same.
Now for the fun part. You’ll definitely want to pack a bathing suit that will give you tan lines to be proud of. Since most of your time exploring will be spent in the water, finding a bathing suit made of neoprene would be best because it will dry quickly and stay in place. For dudes, treat yourself to something short and bright! Skies out, thighs out, right?
For an extra measure of sun protection with a fashion forward twist, bring a floppy hat for when you’re relaxing on the beach. It wouldn’t hurt to get one with a message like this to truly reflect how relaxed you’d like to be.
Make sure to pack a light jacket for the evening or days that might be a bit overcast. That constant ocean breeze that can be so pleasant on a hot day can actually get quite chilly at night.
There are plenty of beautiful reefs to snorkel and dive at so you should definitely consider bringing a waterproof camera. There are many waterproof cases for smartphones on the market, but if you don’t want to risk it you can buy a disposable film camera or something more rugged like a GoPro.
Bringing a pair of polarized sunglasses will make your sightseeing even more enjoyable. Not only are they great protection for your eyes but they get rid of the glare on water so you’ll be able to see right through to the ocean floor. This will be especially useful when you’re flying to the islands because as you descend and get closer to the ocean you might be able to spot turtles or dolphins before you even land!
Since you’ll be exploring the islands during most of your days, you probably won’t have too much downtime in your room. Between taking photos of everything on your smartphone and tweeting about how cool this place is, your battery is bound to run dry. This is when a portable charger will come in handy. Just remember to charge it before!
Finally, you’ll need one big beach bag for your daily travels. Something sturdy but that can also be folded tightly into your luggage, like a canvas bag. Canvas bags are easy to wash and come in tons of different shapes and sizes.
Of course you’ll need to bring your appetite and sense of adventure, but as far as tangible items, this list is a good place to start!
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3 Top Water Activities to do in the Abacos
While planning your trip to the Abacos, you might find yourself unable to decide which island destination you want to check out first. The adventure begins with your 90-minute scheduled island flight over clear blue water and miles of sandy white beaches, but the opportunities are endless once you arrive. Whether you’re cruising around on a fishing boat or taking relaxation into your own hands by renting a yacht to go island hopping, the Abacos has an opportunity for everyone to get their feet wet.
The Abacos has miles of peaceful beaches that keep people going back year after year, but also offer thrill seekers a unique experience, that isn’t for the weak of heart. At Dive Abaco you can find scuba and snorkel trips for all levels and even shark observation dives! This isn’t your typical cage dive that you might’ve seen on TV. On shark observation dives, you will be chartered to known shark spotting areas and coached through your dive by the experts. Dive Abaco also offers underwater photography so you can document your bravest moment.
If hanging out on a beach is more your speed, then you definitely need to visit Tahiti Beach at the tip of Elbow Cay. You are guaranteed to find a spot to call your own at this secluded beach that’s only accessible by foot or boat. It’s the perfect place to lie down and just listen to the palm fronds swaying in the breeze. Tahiti Beach is great for beachcombing, and visitors can find a wide variety of beautiful sea shells. You might even see a few starfish or one of five different kinds of turtles that are native to the islands.
The fishing scene is huge in the Abacos and ranges from no-skills-required fishing off the dock to deep sea excursions. Fishing charters are available right out of Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour, and Green Turtle Cay. These areas are home to blue marlin, bonefish, snapper, grouper, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and the list could go on! And if you’re really serious about fishing, the Abacos also has multiple fishing tournaments throughout the year.
The Air Unlimited team is always ready to offer advice or recommendations for your next scheduled island flight to the Abacos. Conveniently book your flight online at flyairunlimited.com or give us a call with your travel questions at 407-585-4300.
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Even Organs Have Private Flight Privileges with Air Unlimited
It’s the middle of the night, and Charles “Chick” Gregg’s phone is ringing. A fatal car accident took place earlier in the evening, and the driver (an organ donor) has a kidney that matches that of a patient in Tampa.
Chick, co-founder and principal of Air Unlimited, immediately begins making arrangements to find a pair of pilots that can fly the organ and medical team between hospitals. Sometimes our team will just be transporting the organ itself – usually packed in a cooler with ice. Other times, we’re flying a team of doctors to harvest an organ at another hospital and bring it back home for transplant.
Bit different than a private flight to the Bahamas, huh? This isn’t a standalone situation – organ transportation is part of the job description for many of our pilots. In fact, it’s a branch of our business that we are looking forward to continuing to grow.
Why is that?
Because it saves lives. More than 118,000 Americans are currently awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, including 5,500 Floridians. Unfortunately, every 10 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list, and 21 people die every day while waiting for their turn. So, when a match is made, we know that every second counts.
Even though we’ll never meet these patients, we’re honored to have a part in saving a life, and want you to do the same! Just 54 percent of Americans are organ donors. To encourage more Floridians to sign up, Air Unlimited teamed up with Florida Hospital Transplant Institute to create a public service announcement about the little-known organ transportation process and the vital role that it plays in transplants.
By becoming an organ donor, you can single-handedly save and heal more than 75 lives. To learn more about the process or to sign up to be a donor, visit www.donatelife.net.
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