When planning a trip, do you find yourself sticking to major centres because they are the only locations reasonably serviced by the airlines?
Or if you want to explore the smaller regions, would you concede to driving hours on end each way?
This scenario was very real for our ACCESS by Airly card holder, Victoria.
Seeking to explore the alpine regions on weekends with her children, Victoria had to weigh up how to get there as the airlines provided very few options from Sydney.
Victoria could fly to Canberra spending at least two hours at the airport / in the air and then a further three hours driving to Thredbo. Alternatively, Victoria had the option of ‘just’ driving for five hours to avoid the multi-modal hassle.
But a near miss driving in poor weather at night led Victoria to researching travel via private jet, thanks to ACCESS by Airly.
Flying private opens the door to new opportunities and destinations.
We flew Victoria and her daughter from Sydney to Cooma, and had a chauffeur ready when the jet arrived to safely drive them up to Thredbo. The whole trip took just over one and half hours from their front door to arriving at their alpine hotel.
For card holders like Victoria, we open the door to 100+ airports, around 70 more than the commercial airlines.
Let’s say you need to visit a client in Bendigo, and also have a property you wish to view in Newcastle. Forget commercial, as at a minimum your planning will have you on the road and catching connecting flights over several days before you get back home.
With ACCESS by Airly, we connect those dots for you, at a palatable price point compared to charter.
The dark dots indicate airports serviced by the commercial airlines. ACCESS by Airly covers said dots as well as all of the gold dots as well.
And not only will we connect those dots, we’ll have you home in time for dinner.
Like any parent, we always want the best for our children. We want to keep them safe, we want them to experience as much as possible.
And for Victoria, she would make the most of every Winter by driving her daughter to the snowfields several times during the snow season.
But with school and a busy personal schedule during the week, Victoria would leave late Friday driving five hours in low light and bad weather to ensure that come Saturday morning they could maximise their time on the slopes.
The long drives took its toll, so Victoria sought to find a way to maximise the time spent on the slopes without the dangers of driving at night for long hours.
Victoria explored the option of flying by private jet to save time, and make for a stress-free trip. However, paying over $15,000 for a weekend away just didn’t make sense.
Thankfully, via social media, Victoria came across ACCESS by Airly.
Through the program, Victoria could now fly from Sydney to Cooma in 35 minutes and jump on the waiting Mercedes van to whisk her and the family to Thredbo.
ACCESS by Airly reduced the travel time from 5 hours to just 90 minutes.
The process to book was simple, the experience was seamless and the price point was also far more palatable: under $3,000 each way.
ACCESS has had a profound impact on Victoria and her family’s life.
Simple and seamless A to B at a far more reasonable price point gave Victoria her life back and alleviated her stress when it came to travel.
Back in June of 2021, in the midst of some pretty horrid market conditions we launched the first twenty five ACCESS cards in a stealth fashion.
We kept marketing to a minimum so those who followed us on our journey could be the first to experience the new offering.
The card program was the first of its kind in Australia, many have conceptualised and tried, but never managed to get the product operational.
In February we managed to effectively sell our initial release out, and prepare to launch the next 15 cards.
Fast forward to this morning, we had our card holder and her family arrive to some special treats and a nice chilled bottle of bubbly to celebrate our 100th demand hour.
An incredible way to start their long weekend in Tasmania.
We always knew ACCESS would be impactful – either by making private more affordable, easier to consume or understand. But it’s had a far greater impact than we first thought.
We are giving our card holders their lives back.
Appreciating how much time we have given back to card holders based in Regional Victoria who can now be on location at their farm in Central Queensland within 2 hours where it used to take a full day of road and commercial travel.
Or getting a father back to his children in time for dinner after a day on the ‘road’. Where in the past he used to spend several days travelling to achieve the same outcome.
We aren’t about transactions, we’re about people: our card holders.
Because when you have a true understanding of what impact you have on people, it makes all of our pain and hard work in building this product worth it.
We are so proud, so grateful and so excited for what’s to come.
Interstate border restrictions are crumbling on the East Coast.
And there’s a growing number of travellers who don’t want to wear masks or be forced into isolation after a commercial flight is declared an exposure site.
This is why private aviation is the natural alternative.
But in the past deciding who to book with, what jet to select, confusing pricing options and inconsistent experience can really defeat the purpose of the ‘stress-free’ promise.
We’ve doubled our card holders in the last month, have seen a 500% jump in inbound interest and we are adding more value outside of the flying program.
Three reasons ACCESS will be the talk of the summer.
1. Palatable price point
After the annual membership fee, you only pay for the time you’re physically in the jet. This could be half the cost when compared to chartering with another broker.
Whether you’re flying one way, overnight or staying for five weeks it does not impact the fixed, all-inclusive, occupied hourly rate of $3,995 for the four seat Citation Mustang jet.
The way you book ACCESS flights is unmatched. You can utilise our app, WhatsApp, SMS or email.
Then there’s the experience. A streamlined fleet of jets that look and feel the same, the in-flight meals (included in hourly rate) available to/from major airports is clean and wholesome and caters to all dietary restrictions.
Finally, being able to plan your annual travel budget couldn’t be easier. The only variable you need to consider is the flight duration.
3. Additional value
Our card holders join ACCESS for the flying, but stay for the added value.
We’ve secured member-only rates for the best five star hotels in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Members can also receive discounts on our premium Sydney chauffeur as well.
ACCESS members will soon be able to take their card overseas – but more on that at a later date.
We have a huge vision for this program far beyond what you see today, so get in early and enjoy the offering at todays price point.
To maintain sound availability over the summer we will be capping our memberships so if you’re interested in joining the program please reach out via the link below, or apply via the app.
We’re pleased to inform you that the latest version of the Airly app is now available.
Less bugs, more features and better experience.
Let’s explore some of the new features.
ACCESS at your fingertips
We’ve added in all the functionality and features of the newly-launched and popular program, ACCESS.
You can request an ACCESS membership, book and manage ACCESS flights as well as manage prepaid hours.
Enhanced SHARED features
A flow on benefit from the ACCESS program is the reduction in seat prices along SHARED routes.
It’s also now easier to share your itinerary with others and we created preferred departure time selections (only available to SHARED members) to help group members together for the purpose of flight activation.
Improved charter flow
The development team have improved user experience, flow and visuals on the charter-specific sections as well.
To enjoy the new features please update your app or click here to be taken to the appropriate app store.
Did you know you can take your pets on private jets.
We’re extending our private jet membership programs to include your four legged family members.
2020 and 2021 have seen a large number of interstate relocations. And thanks to border restrictions the reduction in commercial flights have seen four legged family members get left behind.
We continue to hear heartbreaking stories of furry family members being stranded due to hotel quarantine requirements or the huge backlog experienced by animal transport providers.
So we’re in the process of enabling your pets to also be included into the SHARED and ACCESS program free of charge.
What does this mean?
It means you can now use your SHARED or ACCESS membership to transport your pet without the need for you to be on the aircraft.
How will this work?
Simply advise your member care team that it will be your pet travelling, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Airly will also send your dog or cat a luxury gift after the flight.
When can I book?
You can book using your SHARED or ACCESS membership now!
WE WANT TO HELP
If you, or someone you know, is currently separated from their dog or cat please contact us and we’ll work to put some flights together using our SHARED platform to help reunite family’s with their best friend.
Airly, Australia’s fastest growing private aviation company, announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire EmptyJets, a private jet empty leg booking platform.
Founded in 2003, EmptyJets was the first company in the country to provide members with a unique opportunity to fly on a private jet at a fraction of the cost. EmptyJets’ leading position in the empty leg space will be complimented by Airly’s membership success and product simplicity.
Luke Hampshire, CEO of Airly.com says: “EmptyJets was the first in the country to challenge accessibility and affordability in the private aviation industry. We have always been inspired by them and perhaps considered ourselves healthy competitors a few years ago. But as we transitioned into innovative membership products we felt the need to feed the empty capacity being generated by us into a reputable independent platform. We cannot wait to add our touches to the EmptyJets product and continue its success into the future.”
What does that mean for EmptyJets members? EmptyJets will continue to operate as its own entity. We are planning technology improvements as will as simplifying how members consume our product including the membership structure.
Will anything change at Airly? Over the next few months we will transfer the empty leg facets of the business over to EmptyJets. Airly will then focus on premium private jet charter solutions along with its SHARED and ACCESS Programs.
More importantly, members will gain access to exclusive Airly generated empty legs that cannot be found on any other platform. Airly’s operations team are also engaging with every possible operator in the country to ensure we can build a reputable supply of empty legs to cover every budget.
Lee Teirney, Airly’s VP of Membership will assume the General Manager role of EmptyJets and lead it into an exciting phase of rejuvenation.
The former team of EmptyJets have showed an enormous appreciation of their members’ loyalty and cannot wait to see what lies ahead.
We look forward to bringing a touch of Airly to the EmptyJets brand, but most importantly provide the best possible value to the EmptyJets membership.
Private jet brokers don’t own aircraft and simply sit in between you and the private jet operator.
It’s no secret that there’s been a considerable uptick in private jet charter in Australia. Customers new and existing are making the most of increased availability of jets.
For new customers, it can be quite exciting to book your first private jet charter. The feeling of finally ‘making it’, or giving in to the utility and benefits of flying private.
While some private jet brokers have closed down during the pandemic, others are making the most of this uptick. However they can get a little greedy when it comes to pricing your trip. Let us explain.
How do private jet brokers price a charter?
When you provide your itinerary to the broker, they’ll try to get some further information from you such as preferred cabin size, budget and any other requirements outside of the normal to help make a decision on what operator to approach.
Operators will provide the broker with a price to facilitate your trip. The broker will then add a margin (5-20%) and present you with some options.
All of the process so far is very common, ethical and standard practice.
But what if you only fly one way, or the jet returns empty back to its home base during your stay at the destination? Empty capacity is then generated, in which brokers will then attempt to sell the newly created ‘empty leg’. This is when some brokers get a little greedy.
Should the broker sell the empty leg, they’ll keep all that revenue for themselves. There’s a fair chance you’ll have no idea about it. So what’s the problem with that?
You are paying full price for that empty leg to be created and sold. The broker has added their fee to your price (their profit), and are now making thousands of dollars on top of that thanks to you. We call it the double dip. So what can you do about it?
Negotiate a revenue share deal with brokers
In the name of fairness, you should ask your broker if any empty legs are attached to your flight. If that answer is yes, ask for a share of that empty leg revenue. There is no reason for the broker to not work out a deal to make everyone happy.
If they say no, it may be time to thank them for their efforts and find a more transparent company to work with.
How does Airly share empty leg revenue?
In the past few months we have credited or refunded tens of thousands of dollars back to our charter customers from the sale of empty legs, or combining their itinerary with another customer’s saving on empty positioning fees.
When pricing your flight, we will advise if empty flights are going to be marketed, and how much of a potential refund you will receive on the successful sale of said empty flight. We refund or credit at least 80% of empty leg revenue back to you.
Here’s some recent examples.
On the 17th of April we refunded or credited a total of $9,100 to two separate customers by selling their attached empty legs on a one-way trip.
On the 2nd of May we were able to sell three empty legs attached to a one-way charter. A total of $10,000 was credited to the customer’s next flight.
On the 8th of May we combined two itineraries onto the one jet saving both of our customers $4,000 each.
On the 11th of May we combined two itineraries onto the one jet saving both of our customers $3,000 each.
In summary, a good private jet broker can help guide you through the confusing world that is private aviation. But in order to find a good broker you need to keep them honest.
Look out Forbes and AFR, here’s Airly’s submission of JetList – the top 10 celebrities who own their own private jet.
Airly’s inaugural JetList
The JetList ranks private jets owned by celebs ordered by price at the time of purchase.
10. Tom Cruise – Gulfstream GIV ($36m)
We like this entry for the fact it’s a little old school. Mr Cruise’s 1998 Gulfstream is still a beautiful jet in its own right. Combined with his classic P-51 Mustang you can tell Maverick loves the nostalgia of aviation.
9. Jay Z – Challenger 850 ($40m)
Beyonce reportedly paid $40m USD in 2012 for the Challenger as a Father’s Day present. What a present!
The 850 is the largest of the Challenger range, seating up to 19 passengers with some of the seats converting to beds for longer flights. The jet also features two bathrooms in the cabin.
8. Jackie Chan – Embraer Legacy 650 & 500 ($50m)
It’s no secret that Jackie Chan is an avid Embraer fan. He purchased his Legacy 650 for $30m USD in 2012. In 2016, Chan added a brand new Legacy 500 to take care of shorter trips for $20m USD.
We’re yet to see Jackie buy into the new Embraer Praetor range, so watch this space.
7. Jim Carrey – Gulfstream V ($59m)
One of the greatest comedians is the proud owner of this Gulfstream V purchased for $59m USD.
Carrey makes his 1998 jet available for rent when he’s not using it, for around $8,000 an hour.
6. Oprah Winfrey – Gulfstream 650 ($70m)
Ms Winfrey joins other celebrities who have upgraded their jets to the latest and greatest.
Oprah’s previous aircraft was a Bombardier Global Express XRS, showing no loyalty towards her jet manufacturer.
5. Kylie Jenner – Bombardier Global 7500 ($72m)
This is a perfect ‘top-shelf’ purchase in the Global 7500. The pink-branded jet is capable of flying 14,260km non-stop.
Reaching a three-comma status via her makeup brand, ‘Sky Ky’ was just one of Ms Jenner’s big ticket items during a spending spree in 2020.
4. Donald Trump – Boeing 757 ($100m)
Purchased from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011 the ‘T-bird’ has become an iconic jet in the sky’s.
Normally a jet liner, the Boeing 757 was refurbished to accommodate 43 passengers with bathrooms featuring 24 carat gold fixtures!
Having spent the last 4 years on Air Force One we’re not quite sure where Mr Trump sits following reports of him flying on a Citation X ($4m USD) in recent weeks.
3. Bill Gates – Gulfstream 650ER x 2 ($140m)
As we researched on our JetList, we were surprised to see the Microsfoft founder owns a single Global Express ($40m).
However, after further digging, we learned that Mr Gates and his foundation also own 2 x Gulfstream 650ER private jets, valued at $70m USD each. The Bill & Melinder Gates Foundation also owns 2 x Challenger 350’s via NetJets, and other smaller aircraft.
2. Mark Cuban – Various ($280m+)
The popular internet billionaire broke records in 1999 paying $40m USD for his Gulfstream V. It was the largest internet transaction at the time!
Since then Cuban has also added two Boeing Business Jets to his hangar. One of which is used by his NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, and the other his Boeing 767 which he also makes available to charter.
1. John Travolta – Various
Taking our inaugural number one place is John Travolta and his fleet of jets. When you can land your jet in the backyard and park it out the front of your mansion, it’s hard to not give him top billing.
It’s difficult to get a combined value of his fleet. With a vintage Boeing 707, Challenger 601 and EA500 being just 3 of his 6-11 aircraft.
The changes come along with price increases to the entire network. These were necessary to help combat rising costs, less-predictable demand and to help activate more private jet flights in a shared environment.
Fly to Adelaide by private jet
As a result of the changes we have included Adelaide and Cooma as new destinations.
Adelaide will be accessible from Melbourne and Sydney airports.
Cooma will be a seasonal option from Sydney perfect for Winter.
To take advantage of these changes you need to be part of Airly’s SHARED program.
First of all download and register the Airly private jet app. Then you can apply for membership.
