Startup Spotlight: Airly brings flat-fee unlimited private flying to business travelers in Australia
The private aviation sector in the U.S. experienced some huge innovations in 2015, from instant-booking private jet apps to relatively budget-friendly UberPool-like programs for these luxe aircraft. In 2016, business travelers in Australia will also have the chance to discover the joys of not having someone kick your seat-back in coach. Airly allows members to pay one flat rate of $2,550+ (plus $1,000 signup fee) for a month of all-you-can-fly travel.
We caught up with Airly Co-Founder Luke Hampshire -- who founded the startup with Alexander Robinson -- to learn more about how the company plans to disrupt the industry (and cater to travelers who value their time and may want to network in the sky).
RWV: What problem does Airly solve?
Luke Hampshire: By addressing the inefficiencies and pain points of air travel experienced by frequent commuters, Airly will save members around two hours per round trip. Airly will fly 8-seat executive aircraft along some of Australia's busiest routes; however, by operating out of the smaller neighboring airports and smaller private terminals many of the inefficiencies such as large crowds, congestion and carparks, can be eliminated.
RWV: What changes to travel does Airly seek to create?
LH: Security pre-screened members will step from car to plane within minutes, avoiding congested and stressful carparks and queues. From stepping on board Airly's luxury aircraft, members will travel in comfort and privacy, with opportunities to network, maintain productivity or just relax. Airly makes frequent air travel financially viable while offering service levels on par with VIP & corporate jet experiences. Airly’s monthly membership fee provides premium service -- concierge service, luggage, snacks, drinks -- all personalized, private and safe. Airly’s technology platform is user-centric and customized to each member. A seat can be reserved in less than 30 seconds. In short, we bring the benefits of having your own private plane at a more commercial price tag, without the maintenance concerns.
RWV: Who's your target market?
LH: Airly makes sense for anyone who values their time and travels two-to-four times a month. We're looking for those who want to join a unique and growing community of CEOs, Directors, Founders, entrepreneurs and other intelligent and passionate individuals, who work hard but also enjoy living and time away from work.
RWV: How are you able to offer unlimited flights for one price and still be a profitable company?
LH: By improving inefficiencies in air travel, Airly cuts out the some of the unnecessary costs incurred by standard commercial airlines, passing these improvements on to members. Additionally, through member profiling and targeting key niche demographics — chiefly those that travel regularly and are able to make commercial decisions relating to travel — we subsequently have a strong understanding of prospective members’ travel preferences.
Airly’s target members travel regularly, but also value their time, so we don’t expect members to travel for the sake of travel. By restricting membership levels, Airly also ensures availability of flights to members, providing a positive experience for all members.
RWV: What are the future goals for Airly?
LH: There are roughly 15 routes in Australia that suit our business model. Once Airly is running smoothly in Australia with a firm membership base, we will be looking at New Zealand, with it’s limited business services, and Asia, where 11 of the top 15 global routes by seat capacity lie. As with Australia, all opportunities present tremendous potential for positive disruptive innovation.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.