U.K.-based charter Air Partner reported a 60% gain in sales last month, and pretax profit increase of 188%, while its stock jumped over 30% in the past year. Like U.S.-based Blue Star Jets, Air Partner owns no aircraft, but that hasn’t stopped it from boasting of a blue-chip client list: the White House press corps, six of the G8 governments. Oh – and the Queen. While the bulk of the business is in serving international organizations, the fastest-growing market is wealthy individuals.

In a Sunday Times story earlier this month, CEO David Savile engaged in the to-be-expected NetJets bashing: “For once I think Buffett has got it wrong. Netjets has spent over $200m marketing in Europe . . . and we have benefited hugely from this. The difference is we make money and they don’t.”

That was once true, but no more. Though NetJets experienced a bumpy landing in Europe, it’s rebounded well. According to Warren Buffett’s 2006 letter,

Our move to Europe, which began in 1996, was particularly expensive. After five years of operation there, we had acquired only 80 customers. And by mid-year 2006 our cumulative pre-tax loss had risen to $212 million. But European demand has now exploded, with a net of 589 customers having been added in 2005-2006. Under Mark Booth’s brilliant leadership, NetJets is now operating profitably in Europe, and we expect the positive trend to continue.

NetJets’ European aircraft and infrastructure are a boon to Marquis Jet customers, who enjoy a seamless experience on both continents.

Though the Times article suggests that these companies are close competitors, that’s not entirely accurate. There are material differences in cost, contract structure, crew oversight and aircraft management.

To understand more of the distinction between fractional jet ownership (NetJets), charter brokers (Air Partner), and card programs (Marquis Jet) refer to the Helium Report Decision Guide here).