Jettly, a new app set up by a Canadian entrepreneur, is already being described as “Uber for business jets” as it enables pilots to offer their empty seats to members of the public, sharing expenses such as fuel, oil or aircraft rental, and helping freelance instructors and flight schools by listing their services by the hour.
To use Jettly, pilots set up a profile and list their flight, operating costs, and whether it’s one-way, a round trip or for sightseeing. Passengers can then browse the available flights, submit a booking and liaise further with the pilot. Payments are only released to the pilot once the flight is marked as complete, and should it be canceled due to poor weather or another reason, the passenger is reimbursed in full.
There is a feedback system, so passengers can rate the flight, and pilots can only sign up if they have all of the necessary qualifications and licenses. Available in the USA and Canada initially, only short flights under 1,000 nautical miles will be offered to begin with. Jettly is also offering to donate $1 (US or Canadian) from each flight to support general aviation.
Jettly founder and CEO Justin Crabbe said, “It’s the ultimate win-win. General aviation is the primary training ground for most commercial pilots, private pilots save money while building their hours and exercising their passion, and passengers experience the luxury of flying private with an experienced pilot already going to their destination, usually getting them there in minutes, instead of hours, and avoiding high taxes, expensive air fares and long airport line-ups.”
