Private jet booking service PrivateFly has taken over US charter broker Bird Dog Jet as part of its continuing expansion program in the USA. The Bird Dog Jet team has industry experience of on-demand charter, fractional and card programs from companies including NetJets, Flight Options and Sentient Jets.
Bird Dog Jet’s founder and president Chris Early, COO Ryan Folkening, and sales advisor Zach Rankin will all join PrivateFly, and will be based at its US head office at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Florida.
Adam Twidell, CEO and co-founder of PrivateFly, commented, “We’re delighted to be bringing across the experienced team from Bird Dog Jet, who have established some excellent client and corporate relationships. This business combination helps us strengthen our geographic reach in the USA, and represents the next step in PrivateFly’s continued growth strategy.
“We have been looking for opportunities to accelerate PrivateFly’s US growth for some time, and continue to do so. This includes joining forces with companies that will help us grow faster than we could do in an organic way. We also remain profitable, which sets us apart from any other new business model in our sector.”
PrivateFly opened its first US office in Fort Lauderdale in April 2016 and has since seen rapid growth of its on-demand private jet charter business. In 2017, PrivateFly saw annual sales growth of 51%, with over two thirds of sales outside the UK largely driven by its rapid growth in the USA.
Chris Early, Bird Dog Jet founder and president, added, “We have been committed to delivering the best combination of technology and service, and this move will help us deliver even greater advantages for our clients. We’re excited about becoming part of the PrivateFly group, a well-respected and fast-growing brand, with an impressive international team.”
