Slate Aviation, XO continue by-the-seat membership transition

Vista Global’s XO and Slate Aviation are continuing the transition of the XO by-the-seat shuttle flights to Slate, announced in January.

XO Shared Membership clients received a notification earlier this week stating, “We wanted to inform you that we have begun our new partnership with Slate Aviation to strengthen and expand shuttle flight service in North America.”

The notice continued, “You can book Slate shuttle flights through the XO app and website or Slate Aviation directly.”

It stated, “Your XO Shared Membership will be active until its expiration and will not be renewed.”

The notification concluded, “Slate will contact you regarding new membership with their program, or you can visit their website to learn more.”

Slate Aviation Vice President Anthony Karpinski tells Private Jet Card Comparisons that what’s old is new.

The former XO executive says the new membership carries the same terms and benefits as the previous membership.

Slate Aviation assumed operations of the by-the-seat shuttle flights last month.

It has already added routes from New York and South Florida to Nantucket.

Karpinski says the company is looking for more by-the-seat routes.

Like the XO shuttles, Slate Aviation uses private terminals and FBOs, so customers avoid crowded airports.

One change flyers will notice is the seating.

Slate Aviation will have the former XO layout, which had nine rows in a 1×1 configuration, and a new 2×1 layout with just six rows.

The six-row configuration will feature more legroom and also legrests.

Karpinski says a formal announcement is expected next week.

However, Slate Aviation and XO officials say customers can book via either website, and benefits and pricing have not changed.