What's the connection between AeroVanti and BrixleyXchange?

BrixleyXchange, a new entity selling charter flights and memberships, lists a phone number associated with Troy Britton-Harr, the brother of indicted AeroVanti Founder Patrick Britton-Harr.

BrixleyXchange offers “award-winning software designed for aviation and jet card industry,” according to the company.

A presentation states it offers “The only multi-currency accounting software, with a fully integrated BrixleyXchange Prepaid Mastercard and FX Payment Platform, created specifically for the aviation and JetCard industry.”

Records from Delaware show that BrixleyXchange was registered in that state on Jan. 25, 2024.

Troy Britton-Harr was listed as president of AeroVanti Brokerage, Inc. in an Oct. 2, 2023, filing with the State of Florida Division of Corporations.

Promoting its services, the Brixley presentation stated:

Discover the quintessence of luxury travel with our meticulously curated selection of private aviation memberships and jetcard offers. Each offering is a beacon of elite status, designed for discerning individuals who seek more than just travel; they seek an experience. Indulge in the comfort of private terminals, the convenience of on-demand flight hours, and the assurance of impeccable service. Our bespoke collection promises not only a journey defined by opulence but also the flexibility to suit your discerning lifestyle

In a separate email to members from the AeroVanti founder in late October, Patrick Britton-Harr wrote of his restart:

Pay After you Fly – Access to Fintech Boutique Banking Account specifically designed for the Private Aviation and JetCard Industry. Upload of new funds, escrow services, Prepaid BankCard issued on the Mastercard Network for access to funds at all times. With this account, flight funds will be fully secured and only deducted from members account after successful completion of trip. Use BankCard and account for all transactions that accept MasterCard, convert funds into 26 different currencies and ACH/Wire transfers to alternative flight operators. Full Reporting and Management of JetCard or any related Aviation related financial services. Protected from Financial Fraud – ISO 27001.

Britton-Harr didn’t state the specific relationship between AeroVanti and Brixley.

However, in one later email exchange, he wrote in part, “All other parties are independent and have only collaborated to provide this assistance. Absolutely zero funds are going to AeroVanti from this structure.”

$26.3 million judgment

Last July 18, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland entered default judgments for the United States totaling $26.3 million against Patrick Britton-Harr and multiple laboratory companies he owned for violations of the False Claims Act.

The court entered these judgments after Patrick Britton-Harr and his companies failed to defend against the United States’ allegations.

The U.S. Justice Department alleged that money gained from medical fraud was used to launch AeroVanti in 2021.

After failing to pay employees and facing multiple lawsuits, it grounded its fleet in June 2023.

During its launch, AeroVanti boasted that it had secured $100 million in financing and signed sponsorships with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Patrick Britton-Harr exited to be replaced by an outsider and then his brother Todd before returning to control.

Scott Hopes, the short-serving CEO, estimated that AeroVanti had up to $50 million in liabilities between vendors and members.

Hopes estimated that around $31 million in flight credits were owed to members.

AeroVanti restart

Since last Fall, Patrick Britton-Harr has been emailing members promising a restart, which he says took place at the end of November.

The new flights are being marketed via BrixleyXchange, which lists a Delaware corporate registry as its business address.

However, a contact phone number on the Brixley website is identified as belonging to Troy Britton-Harr.

The phone number is identified as being located in Bradenton, Florida.

Aerovanti operated between Maryland and the Tampa, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas.

The private jet membership provider initially promised members cheap flights on a fleet of Piaggio turboprops for under $2,000 per hour.

The flights did not guarantee availability, just the price.

At launch, membership fees started at $18,000 per year.

However, it then started selling memberships for $75,000 and $150,000 and the ability to join several groups to expand the fleet by financing the lease and purchasing more P.180s.

During its brief time in the skies, AeroVanti attracted over 400 members, according to various filings.

Lawsuits allege those funds were misappropriated and disappeared.

One attorney alleged AeroVanti had “hallmarks of a Ponzi scheme.”

AeroVanti and BrixleyXchange

On Jan. 2, 2025, Patrick Britton-Harr emailed Aerovanti members with the subject line: “New Year Aircraft Fleet Update.”

He wrote:

Over the last two months we have successfully completed 100% of flights that have been requested and booked by members including brokerage aircraft. Thankfully due to the recent performance, we are adding three additional aircrafts that are available now for AeroVanti Member trip requests. These aircrafts allow the application of $1,500 per hour out of your Top Gun Balance.

Rates:

Pilatus PC-12 Turbo Prop @ $3,495hr ($4,995hr Retail) The PC-12 will be able to accommodate those of you who require turboprop aircraft for certain Private airports or Caribbean destinations.

Citation M2 – Light Jet @ $4,495hr ($5,995hr Retail) The Citation M2 is comparable with the Phenom 100.

Citation X – Mid Size Jet @ $6,495hr ($7,995 Retail) For long-range trips or high passenger count, this Fast Mid-Size Aircraft will be best suited.

BrixleyXchange is the contact for booking the trips.

There was no response to requests for comment to Patrick Britton-Harr, Troy Britton-Harr, and the BrixleyXchange website email address.

READ: Caveat Emptor: Avoiding private jet scams, bankruptcies, and shutdowns