Surf Air raises $200 million; hires former Virgin America CEO

Surf Air

Surf Air Mobility says it has received a commitment for $200 million in advance of plans to go public

Surf Air Mobility, the product of a recent merger between Surf Air and Blackbird, will announce next week it has secured a $200 million investment commitment from Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM). The company bills itself as “a $3.4 billion alternative investment group that manages a diverse set of investment vehicles focused on emerging markets across the world.”

Surf Air buys online private aviation marketplace BlackBird Air; Creates Surf Air Mobility Corporation

Surf Air

The new entity wants to ‘transform’ the 50-to-400-mile mobility market

50% of all flights are under 500 miles, it says

BlackBird was recently under FAA scrutiny

Surf Air has been trying to fly past liquidation of its European arm, a lawsuit with a former operator and IRS tax lien

Plans call for phasing out the BlackBird Air name

Los Angeles-based Surf Air said it has acquired BlackBird Air, an online aviation marketplace that has been under scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Authority.

FAA investigation of Uber for private flights Blackbird highlights serious problems

Fly BlackBird affordable private flights

In March, Private Jet Card Comparisons published an extensive report detailing potential legal risks for users

“Despite BlackBird’s assertion that the pilots are not transporting persons or property, it is clear that they are being hired for that very purpose.” – Federal Aviation Administration

BlackBird CEO Rudd Davis says the company “will pause” activity under FAA scrutiny. Calls it “a minority of our business.”

Read the full letter from the FAA to BlackBird

In a letter dated Dec. 17, 2019, obtained by Private Jet Card Comparisons, the Federal Aviation Administration tells Uber for private flight digital platform Blackbird it plans to continue an investigation into the company.

How to make sure you aren’t flying on an illegal charter, including a list of all Part 135 aircraft

Illegal private jet charter

We give you tips on how to avoid being sold an illegal charter, and better yet, the most current list of Part 135 aircraft and operators

There’s the old adage, you get what you pay for, and in private aviation, it can often be true. The cost of the pilots, their training, private jet maintenance and everything it takes to dispatch your flight in a timely and safe manner, including some profit for the operator and broker, needs to be baked into what you are paying.

Of course, just because you pay a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting what you pay and while you may get good pricing and have an enjoyable flight, you may be getting less than you paid for as well.

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