Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

Left Bombardier Challenger 3500

elite traveler WINTER 2024/25 151

FLYEXCLUSIVE The fi fth-largest operator by hours fl own (2024 Argus TRAQPak data), FlyExclusive has grown at the same time that it has streamlined its fl eet and other areas of its business. That’s a delicate balance, but the company has navigated the challenging middle of 2024 and appears set for continued growth into2025. By slimming down its super-midsize and large cabin (including the Gulfstream GIV-SP) fl eet by roughly 40%, FlyExclusive has increased hours fl own on its better-performing ( fi nancially) and more heavily utilized light and midsize jets, including the recent addition of the Bombardier Challenger 350 and the second-largest Cessna Citation fl eet in theUS. Based in Kinston, North Carolina, FlyExclusive was founded in 2015 and went public in late 2023 with a mission to expand its fl eet north of 100 aircraft — which it has now achieved. Using a ‘ fl oating fl eet’ concept, FlyExclusive keeps close control of its aircraft while retaining its bases within two hours’ fl ight time of 70% of its customers’ missions. In a further move to add to its portfolio, the company announced in September that it would take on management services for Volato’s mostly HondaJet fl eet. In the agreement, FlyExclusive will execute fl ights for Volato customers using its operating certi fi cate and team. The company will also grant access to its empty legs for Volato’s Vaunt customers. “FlyExclusive has already started managing fl ight operations for Volato’s fl eet andhas converted several Volato customers into FlyExclusive fractional owners,” the company told Elite Traveler . “FlyExclusive expects to take in an additional $75m of revenue as a result of this transaction.” FlyExclusive is expanding its daily rate and hourly rate concept, according to the company: “Instead of paying a monthly fee, fractional owners only pay for the aircraft when they need the access. FlyExclusive expects to have 20 Challenger 350s in its fl eet by the end of 2025.” Also, earlier this year, FlyExclusive launched a partnership with Inspirato, a premier luxury vacation club, to provide its members the opportunity to activate one six-month complimentary Jet Club membership — with a fl ight credit of $100,000 for any Inspirato member who becomes a FlyExclusive fractional owner. Eligible FlyExclusive members receive a one-year complimentary membership to Inspirato. fl yexclusive.com JETLINX Jet Linx, based in Omaha, Nebraska, works as a top provider to the largest wholesale charter operations, giving it access to a nationwide fl eet of more than 100 aircraft. Jet Linx’s o ff erings to its 1,700 card holders have grown modestly but steadily over the

company’s 25 years in the personal aviation industry. With 21 private-access locations where a client can work with their personal concierge and locally based teamto fi t their needs, Jet Linx provides the fl exibility of a larger operation with the intimacy of one more closely held. A national operations center and centrally trained crews elevate the level of professionalism. For those who fl y private in order to take their furry children along, Jet Linx guarantees that pets always fl y for free throughout its jet card network. Plus, the company doesn’t impose a surcharge for travel during peak periods, such as the holidays and major sporting or cultural events. Want to expand your horizons with vetted travel partners at your destination? Jet Linx’s Elevated Lifestyle o ff ersa seamless transition from the jet to the places where you want to spend your time. jetlinx.com AIRSHARE Now backed by private investment company Kompass Kapital, Airshare is setting its course for new heights in the years to come. With nearly 20% growth in fl ight hours according to the latest data, the business appears to be on track for that trajectory. The Kansas City-based company also acquired the aircraft management segment from Wheels Up in September 2023, which doubled its employee base to more than 600 team members — anda fl eet that nears 150 aircraft. With the recent expansion into the Upper Midwest, Southeast and Northeast US, Airshare can now serve customers across the country. That fl eet includes the super midsize Bombardier Challenger 350/3500 and Embraer Phenom 300 light jet. From a dozen bases, Airshare clients can reach across North America into the Caribbean and Central and South America, o ff ering fl exibility balanced with cost-e ff ective operations. The company’s Embark jet card program seems to work for those clients fl ying fewer than 20 days each year, while fractional ownership makes sense for those with greater needs — or the desire for exclusive use of their asset on a given day. With the Embark card, a customer doesn’t pay the balance up-front — otherwise common in the industry — and has 10 travel days to use over the course of two years, not one. For both Embark and fractional customers, Airshare operates using a days-based model, with unlimited fl ight hours (up to crew maximum duty times) on that day. For example, a 1/16th fractional share gives the client 20 full days of use in a year. That’s great particularly for executives who like to minimize days on the road and maximize the number of locations they can visit on those days. fl yairshare.com

Photo Chad Slattery