Jet Linx Houston turned on the lights and threw open the doors for an anniversary celebration in October 2015! Guests milled throughout the hangar and static aircraft displays, enjoying the festive atmosphere, including – in true Texas style – the opportunity to be measured for custom boots.

“The event was high class, and very well organized,” said Lance Welch, Jet Linx Houston Base Partner & President (pictured at right, in black hat). “Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves.” Shannon Ward, Jet Linx Houston Vice President of Sales & Client Services, agreed, crediting the private jet hangar for adding to the ambiance of the event. “My favorite part of the evening was seeing the enjoyment that the guests got out of the airport hangar scene, and being able to meet in a somewhat different kind of environment,” she said. “The venue was really enhanced with the brand new Latitude and then these top end newest cars from Jaguar and Land Rover.” Guests took turns on a mechanical bull and shouts of laughter rang throughout the hangar. “I was so happy to see our clients enjoying every aspect of the event from the Citation Latitude down to the mechanical bull,” she continued.

The new Cessna Citation Latitude jet was on display from Textron Aviation. The Latitude, boasting the widest cabin in the Citation family, is the most spacious, most refined cabin environment in the midsize jet category with a clean, contemporary design. “It’s got a redone cabin that is much more square than a normal fuselage,” Ward explained. “Normally the fuselage is a round tube, and the wall curves up around you. The way this one’s designed, it’s much more square and goes straight up farther before curving, so the walls allow for more head room while you’re seated.”

The aircraft builds on the Latitude’s founding principles of providing business travelers with more range, more space and more efficiencies to fulfill changing needs with its flat-floor, six-foot, stand-up cabin, and state-of-the-art avionics. “It’s got the new Garmin G5000 in it, which is probably one of the easiest pilot interface navigation systems you can find these days,” Ward said. The first Citation Latitude came off the line in January 2015, and received its type certification in June 2015, so most were seeing the Latitude in person for the first time.

Guests had the opportunity to be measured for custom boots by Maida’s, a master bootmaker in Houston. “The gentleman who makes the boots was there, and he took measurements,” Ward explained. “You could order custom boots out of any type of leather – elephant, alligator, whatever you wanted – and with a truly custom design.” One of the display pieces the craftsman brought with him was as unique as each pair of his boots: a stagecoach, featuring each type of leather that can be used to create the boots.

Delicious Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon and spirits from the William Grant & Sons family kept guests’ spirits high throughout the evening. Silver Oak produces exceptional, food-friendly Cabernets that are aged extensively to be drinkable upon release, and has been dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon since the winery opened in 1972. William Grant & Sons includes globally known brands like Glenfiddich Scotch whisky, Hendrick’s gin, Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, and The Balvenie Scotch whisky. “It was all available for tasting, and there was very nice staff on hand to serve that,” Ward recalled.

Houston Polo Club helped sponsor the celebration. “We were glad to have our friends at the Houston Polo Club join us for the evening,” Ward said. The Club was founded in 1928 and remains dedicated to the sport and other equestrian activities. A full-service equestrian facility, the Houston Polo Club’s 26 acres are available not only to polo players and their families, but also to riders of all disciplines and others who wish to experience the thrill of polo. Tournaments are played throughout spring and fall seasons, with final matches on Sunday afternoons available to the public. Riders may wish to stable their horses at Houston Polo Club or take advantage of their scenic riding trails.

The event was greatly enjoyed by all, and stood as a testament to Jet Linx Houston’s growth. “I am extremely proud to say that I have been with Jet Linx Houston from day one,” Ward said. “I think this event really stood out and showed where we are as a jet company and where we are headed.”