Adam Twidell plans marketing investment to boost PrivateFly’s international footprint

PrivateFly seeks funds for further expansion and launches helicopter ski transfer service

PrivateFly, the online marketplace for private jet flights, is to raise global growth capital in early 2015 to accelerate its international footprint. It is also launching its new helicopter ski transfer service in Europe. The company is planning to raise up to $9m second round funding for US expansion, marketing and technology developments. First round investment of $3m, secured in November 2011, allowed it to grow its team, launch multiple language platforms across European markets and develop its market-leading technology. The company says it will also use the funds to accelerate its business in North America (which represents around 72% of the global charter market). PrivateFly was launched in March 2008 by former RAF and private jet pilot Adam Twidell, and claims it was the first online booking platform for private jet charter. The business has grown quickly, showing more than 80% annual growth each year, and is expected to generate $16.5m turnover this year. 

PrivateFly chairman Richard Carrick says: “This is the right time for a significant step up for PrivateFly. We are considering acquisitions and organic growth by capitalising the business, which will allow us to scale up our expansion. Since we launched in 2008, the industry has decisively moved online, and PrivateFly will continue to lead the technology race in the growing global private jet marketplace.”

Independent, bespoke software developed by PrivateFly connects customers with a global network of over 7,000 aircraft. Its web platform allows end-to-end booking, and is fully integrated with aircraft scheduling and quoting software. This is said to give PrivateFly cost and speed advantages, to best match customer and aircraft. It also offers instant real-time pricing on a growing number of aircraft. The company's technology-driven business model is matched with a vip flight team, with multi-language and regional expertise.

The business says it was the first to market with a private jet pricing app in February 2010, which it has developed to offer empty leg discounted flights and post-booking features. Further investment in mobile technology is under way, which 
PrivateFly says will help to underpin its dominant market-leading position. 

Twidell says: “PrivateFly is now a leading, visible online private jet brand. We have attracted over 1.4 million unique users to our website this year, and now have a current global membership of more than 25,000 business and high net worth private jet travellers. The existing business has been built from a low cost base with return on investment central to the model; further marketing investment will be used to enhance our respected brand proposition.” 

Helicopter ski transfer service offered in Europe

Its new helicopter service offers exclusive fixed pricing on helicopter transfers to popular European ski resorts. The company says it offers market-leading price and service, and is available to new customers who want to book a helicopter flight only, in addition to its existing private jet clients.

Helicopter flights from 14 airports in France and Switzerland are offered, directly into popular ski resorts such as Meribel, Courchevel, Val D'Isere and Val Thorens. There is a choice of helicopter type from a single engine AS350 (seats five or six) to an EC155 twin engine helicopter, which offers a faster journey, spacious vip club seating for six people and a bigger luggage capacity. Several of the helicopter models also offer additional secure storage for skis under-eath the aircraft. Prices are fixed and instant.

Twidell comments: “With the popularity of short ski breaks on the rise, it's never been more of a priority to maximise time on the slopes – and minimise the time to get there. “Our existing private jet clients know how many hours can be saved by landing as close as possible to the resort, by using smaller airports. Helicopter transfers make the journey even faster, and can be combined with a private jet flight or an airline flight.”  Twidell offers an example: “A helicopter transfer from Grenoble to Courchevel takes just 25 minutes, compared to a drive time of between two and three hours – even longer in busy traffic. For a return journey this can gain an extra half day on the slopes. “Our private charter helicopter service is fast, transparent and easy to arrange. We have secured preferred fixed rates with local helicopter operators, so there is no waiting around for a quote. Of course the luxury of a helicopter transfer can add considerably to the enjoyment of a ski trip, but it is the compelling time-saving benefits that attract many customers.”