Sameer

Back in late February, Morgan Stanley analyst Kathryn Huberty cited Apple (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs' plane travel as a reason to be excited about Apple and its stock.

How does Huberty know Apple is working on lots of new toys? ...Apple boss Steve Jobs is flying more.

Apple spent $550,000 on Jobs' airplane expenses -- we assume it's on the Gulfstream V he made the company give him in 2000 -- during the December quarter. That's three times the average over the previous six quarters. Jobs is "integral to negotiations with international carriers and supply chain partners," she notes. So when Steve's flying, Apple's new-gadget gears are cranking.

In the March quarter, however, Jobs' plane expenses dove to $30,000, down 95% quarter-over-quarter and down 92% year-over-year, according to a SEC filing. Yet in the last week, Apple closed some big international deals: Wireless carriers Vodafone (VOD), America Movil (AMX), and Telecom Italia announced plans to start selling the iPhone in more than 24 countries "later this year."

So:

* Either Jobs did all his flying for these deals during the December quarter,
* or the Vodafone, Telecom Italia, and America Movil guys flew to Cupertino,
* or they didn't start working on these deals until April 1,
* or Jobs is flying United (UAUA) on business,
* or the Apple plane reimbursement numbers mean nothing at all!



Source: Steve Jobs Travel Update: Private Jet Grounded This Winter - Silicon Alley Insider

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R1986

I've been flying my private jet less as well lately. The only way I could see this kind of information as being really practical is if it reflects the financial and trading status of Apple rather than Mr Jobs love for his jet.

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g3user

Maybe he's trying to be greener? Or maybe he was jetting around a lot in 2007 to promote the iPhone and (now that it's launched) has less of a need to travel?

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R1986

That's very possible. Aside from the MacBook Air I don't think there are any new products that need heavy promotion. The iPhone was a big release as well so maybe Jobs is just staying at the office a bit more now that's it almost has global support taken care of.

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dacoolestrj

He probably just decided to take a little break from the sky life. Sometimes its good to live like a regular person every now and then. Hes taking a vacation from vacations.

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Azrael

I don’t think that this has to do something with his financial situations. Maybe he is enjoying his country more now. Sight seeing around your country is also a great way to help the local tourism.

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Bluoh

That might be it. Or maybe he has just realized that he is using up a lot of his precious money which should be spent on developing apples new products! Still, I don't think he'll have any financial trouble for the next... let's say... rest of his life?

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liowkc

A interesting correlation though the relationship between profitabilty and jet expenses is probably more complex with other factors into play.

A refreshing perspective nevertheless!.

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brandon05

Rich or not I would think the cost of fuel for the jet would keep him grounded more. No reason you cannot do more conference calls or satellite interviews if need be. Of course I have no clue how often he travels. Interesting theory though.

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anythingapple

Last third quarter the flight reimbursement dropped very low. Looks like it just came earlier this year. He's probably just done with all his work in the first quarter (which was a big quarter) and now he's taking a bit of a break. Nobody likes to fly around everywhere all the time. Plus as others say, gas can play a huge roll and Apple is trying to be greener.....trying.

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