November 12, 2024
If it’s Thursday, Wheels Up must be announcing a new partnership. Or we should say Wheels Up Experience, the new official name for the publicly traded private aviation provider.
Its new offering is with luxury travel provider Abercrombie & Kent. It promises to offer Wheels Up members customized private jet touring and exclusive trips open only to members.
“Our Wheels Up members are eager to explore new destinations, and this unique partnership with Abercrombie & Kent allows us to offer extraordinary private adventures,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Wheels Up.
He adds, “This is the first time we will offer members-only curated trips, and we are excited to do so with a world-class partner like A&K. We will continue to elevate our member benefits and partners for our loyal members, delivering exceptional experiences and value for their Wheels Up membership.”
“Our partnership with Wheels Up sets a new standard in private luxury travel,” said Geoffrey Kent, Founder, Co-Chairman & CEO at Abercrombie & Kent.
He adds, “Working with A&K’s network of offices around the world, Wheels Up Members will enjoy privileged access to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, customized exclusively for them.”
The partnership will be launched with two domestic Abercrombie & Kent curated and customized journeys. Itineraries include America’s National Parks and the Pacific coast.
The trips can be booked on an individual basis at any time. Both domestic itineraries will utilize the Wheels Up fleet to fly between destinations, with private A&K guides.
Departing January 17 and February 14, 2022, Wheels Up and Abercrombie & Kent will offer members-only journeys to East Africa. The Great Migration excursions combine game viewing and luxury accommodations. Participants visit the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.
Members-only itineraries to destinations such as Morocco, Southeast Asia, and more will be announced later this year, according to a press release.
The Tailor-Made Pacific Coast Adventure by Wheels Up begins with a Big Sur road trip. There are private tastings in two of America’s premier wine regions. You will float over the Napa Valley in a hot air balloon at sunrise and walk among the redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The trip includes whale-watching in the San Juan Islands. You’ll see orcas, sea lions, seals, and birds under the guidance of your expert captain. The 10-day private itinerary uses a King Air 350i. It can be booked at any time for up to eight guests.
The company has been seeking to increase the utilization of its turboprops, which currently average 30 flight hours per month.
A second customizable itinerary revolves around national parks. The nine-day trip visits Yosemite, Grand Canyon, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. Highlights include access to historic buildings in the Grand Canyon with a private float around Horseshoe Bend, an off-road 4 x 4 adventure in Antelope Valley, and a float down the Snake River in a traditional wooden McKenzie River dory.
Wheels Up members will also receive benefits when traveling with A&K. At the same time, A&K’s Marco Polo Club members receive preferred membership options to join Wheels Up.
In recent weeks, Wheels Up has announced partnerships with American Express, Landry’s Inc., and Porsche. It also broadened its existing relationships with ESPN and Inspirato. The company has long sought to expand its network, including selling membership through Costco.
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