Officials with the growing private airline industry see their sleek jets as the eventual replacement to casino company corporate jets that fly big-spending customers to the Strip.

It’s already happening on a small scale.

On many weekends, limousine drivers working for Strip resorts – instead of waiting in the Harry Reid International Airport baggage claim area holding a sign with a customer’s name – park their vehicles in front of private airline terminals located along the western side of the airport, far from the main passenger terminals. The casino’s customers are picked up for a quick drive down Las Vegas Boulevard to their awaiting destination.

Private airlines save time for passengers eager to reach the blackjack tables or make their restaurant reservations. Federal guidelines also allow passengers to avoid TSA security lines or baggage claim because their luggage is waiting on the tarmac when they disembark. They may pay a little more than a commercial flight, but not the exorbitant amounts typically associated with private jets, and officials from the airlines say the flexibility is worth the cost. 

Executives said they have been in talks with gaming companies about ferrying their customers, but agreements haven’t been formalized.

“With all the big events coming to Las Vegas this year, we’ve had a few private discussions about partnership opportunities,” said Tom Smith, CEO of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Set Jet.

Ben Kaufman, director of…