Directional’s Tuvoli acquires B2B platform FlyEasy.co

Flyeasy.com

Map-based business aviation search platform FlyEasy.co allows users the ability to search and request trip pricing from aircraft operators worldwide

Directional Aviation’s Tuvoli has added FlyEasy.co in an acquisition expected to be announced later today. It is a sister company to Flexjet, Sentient Jet, FXAIR, PrivateFly, and Associated Aircraft Group, a helicopter operator acquired last week.

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.

Wheels Up adds camouflage King Air 350i to its fleet

Wheels Up

It’s the fourth King Air to be painted as part of philanthropic initiatives from Wheels Up Cares

Wheels Up yesterday unveiled a camouflage-painted Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft as part of its Wheels Up Cares philanthropic initiative.

The Wheels Up Camouflage Plane has a custom livery that was created and painted by Textron Aviation Inc. and honors those in the military who bravely served and continue to serve our country, while benefiting the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a non-profit organization that offers compassionate care to those grieving the loss of a military loved one.

The Camouflage Beechcraft King Air 350i will remain indefinitely in the Wheels Up fleet to serve as a flying symbol of TAPS’ mission.

Arbitrator approves $6 million JetSmarter Class Arbitration Settlement; Court date to confirm settlement scheduled

A dozen lawsuits brought by unhappy members have recently been referred to arbitration in separate actions

Ellen Leesfield, the arbitrator overseeing the class action settlement between JetSmarter and its members, approved the agreement on July 11, 2019. The next step will take place on Aug. 22 when a judge in Miami-Dade County will need to decide whether or not to confirm the arbitrator’s decision.

In her ruling, Leesfield, a former judge, overruled several objections writing, “Plaintiffs and the class faced a multitude of serious, substantive defenses, any one of which could have precluded or drastically reduced prospects of recovery.” She also noted JetSmarter has “consistently denied liability and indicated an intention to vigorously pursue its potential defenses.”

JetSmarter

As of June 27, settlement administrators received 1,567 claim forms and 101 requests for exclusion. Previous reports had indicated close to 12,000 current or former members of the jet sharing service could be eligible.

Cash payments are expected to range between $250 and $21,000 with nearly $3 million to be split between the class and a similar amount going to the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs.

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