Wheels Up Expands Choices to Meet Demand of Members' Needs

Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up, and Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite, leaders of two fast-growing private aviation companies, announced a partnership to include JetSuite’s Embraer Phenom 100 and JetSuite Edition Cessna CJ3 aircraft as light-jet options for Wheels Up members. Adding these aircraft from JetSuite fills the Wheels Up gap for light-jet service, as the company continues to build and offer a total aviation solution to its members with "mission-appropriate" flight options to cater to all members' needs. Wheels Up, the newly-launched revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that lowers the cost of entry to private aviation and provides unparalleled flexibility, will include the additional aircraft options beginning in November 2013. The announcement was made Thursday at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas.

Wheels Up members will enjoy priority access booking and preferred pricing equivalent to that of JetSuite’s $50K SuiteKey Members, while JetSuite’s $100K-level and up SuiteKey Members will gain access to Wheels Down, an exclusive lifestyle and event service, which offers access to invitation-only events and unique networking opportunities. Wheels Up members will only pay occupied hours at a predetermined hourly rate on JetSuite’s light-jet fleet as defined within the unique membership model. The companies will also collaborate to develop the latest mobile applications to post open legs for JetSuite flights, as well as offer customized member solutions.

JetSuite’s four-passenger Phenom 100s offer best in class performance, with speeds up to 450 miles per hour, an operating ceiling of 41,000 feet, and the largest baggage compartment in its category. Its JetSuite Edition Citation CJ3s offer speeds up to 480 miles per hour, an operating ceiling of 45,000 feet and an interior cabin that seats six with two aft-facing and four forward-facing leather seats (plus an additional 7th side ways facing seat). Phenom trips are priced best in the west and Texas, while JetSuite Edition CJ3 trips are priced best east of the Mississippi. JetSuite exclusively operates every aircraft in its fleet, and is best known for its unprecedented level of transparency and consumer-friendliness. JetSuite, a FAA certificated and DOT registered air carrier, was the first private aviation company in history to quote and guarantee a price online.

“JetSuite has great synergy with Wheels Up, including top-notch customer service and industry-leading safety practices,” said Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up. “This relationship with JetSuite enhances what Wheels Up provides our members by making access available to the most spacious, fuel-efficient jets, while maintaining the luxury and affordability of private air travel.”

"We are impressed with the Wheels Up membership model and look forward to working with Kenny Dichter and his team,” said Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite. “This type of partnership will help JetSuite continue to be the nation’s fastest growing private jet company. Wheels Up has a lot of buzz here at NBAA and within the market already. We look forward to enhancing our SuiteKey Member benefits with the Wheels Down perks.”

(Pictured L-R: David Baxt, Co-Founder and President of Wheels Up, Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite, Keith Rubin, President and CFO of JetSuite and Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up)

FMI: www.wheelsup.com