Private jet demand could benefit from United, American route cuts

photography of airplane during sunrise

Travelers headed from and to over a dozen cities where United Airlines and American Airlines are stopping flights could turn to private aviation

While demand continues at a record level for private jets in the U.S., United Airlines and American Airlines cited a lack of demand in cutting flights to over a dozen smaller and midsize cities.

JetSuite burned through at least $100 million in cash before filing for Chapter 11

JetSuite bankruptcy

In addition to over $50 million in jet card deposits, grounded private jet charter operator JetSuite received over $57 million from affiliates since 2016

Flight delays caused by President Trump, stolen silverware, broken coffee makers and ‘race to the bottom’ pricing’ increased the losses

Is a JetSuite 2.0 in the works?

Court documents from the bankruptcy proceedings of Superior Air Charter, LLC, better known as JetSuite, show a company that was burning through cash since at least 2016.

During that time both JetBlue Airways and Qatar Airways made investments into the parent company JetSuiteX, Inc. Additionally, JetSuite used $50 million in unredeemed deposits from jet card customers towards operations, something its contracts permitted. The company, like other key players in the market, did not offer an escrow account.

Wheels Up, Delta Air Lines to combine their private jet businesses

Delta Private Jets and Wheels Up will have over 190 private aircraft

The deal is expected to close in early 2020, subject to closing conditions and required governmental and regulatory approvals 

Delta will take an equity stake in Wheels Up becoming its largest shareholder

Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed

The transaction sets up a three-horse race with Directional Aviation and Vista Global as they battle market leader NetJets

Wheels Up’s busy 2019 included raising more money, acquiring light jet operator TMC Jets, tech platform Avianis, expanding its jet sharing membership, plus launching fixed-rate programs for light and super-midsize jets

Last week it announced a major revamp of its own jet membership programs

Is Wheels Up now poised for international expansion?

Wheels Up and Delta Air Lines this morning are announcing they have reached a definitive agreement to combine their private jet businesses.

“This groundbreaking partnership will democratize private aviation – making the convenience of private jet travel accessible to more consumers,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

As Surf Air Struggles In Europe, What’s The Future For Private Jet Seat Sharing?

private jet membership comes to Europe

Surf Air’s growth in Europe has been tepid so far, however, it and others continue to pursue a by the seat private aviation model against a backdrop of mixed results

 

Seat sharing, where travelers buy single seats on private aircraft, either via memberships or on individual flights, is considered a growth area for business aviation getting plenty of play in consumer media. The major benefit is saving time at airports by using private aviation facilities while paying prices at or near what the commercial airlines charge. For short hops, it can cut total travel time significantly. However, the model may be in trouble once again. Two sources tell Private Jet Card Comparisons that upstart Surf Air Europe has recently pared back its marketing and sales team there. 

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