Private aviation has long been considered a valuable tool for business leaders and entrepreneurs, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. And with time often seen as the most valuable commodity, many high-net-worth individuals attribute some of their success to the ability to travel swiftly and directly, unhindered by the delays and limitations of commercial airlines. From saving hours in travel time to facilitating crucial meetings across multiple cities in a single day, private jets provide the competitive edge necessary for managing a global enterprise.
To learn more about the industry, we sat down with the founder of Jetvia, Lyle Byrum, to learn about the journey behind building a new force in private aviation. The interview delves into Jetvia’s origin, which is deeply rooted in its extensive history in the private aviation industry. In fact, Jetvia emerged as a response to the rapid shifts in the aviation landscape, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic, which exposed the vulnerabilities in commercial aviation and created an increased demand for reliable private aviation solutions.
Recognizing a gap for cost-effective services in the midsize jet category, Jetvia set out to offer a value-driven, customer-centric alternative that combines affordability, operational excellence, and innovative financing options to meet the needs of today’s discerning private aviation clients. So, join us in delving into the story and vision that led to the creation of this dynamic company.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Jetvia? What gap in the market did you see that led you to start this company?
The inspiration behind Jetvia comes from our long history in the aviation industry and our understanding of the evolving market dynamics. While Jetvia is a recent DBA of ATI Jet, our experience in private aviation spans decades, allowing us to identify and respond to emerging trends and needs.
In recent years, we have witnessed significant shifts in the aviation landscape, particularly since the pandemic. Commercial airlines have struggled to fully recover, canceling unprofitable routes and facing persistent issues like pilot shortages. The airline industry has been further burdened by OEM lawsuits and aircraft groundings. These challenges have created a surge in demand for private aviation solutions among families and executives seeking reliable travel options.
We recognized the gap in the market for reliable, cost-effective private aviation services, specifically in the midsize jet category; the midsize business jet market is the largest group of potential clients who could afford to charter a business jet at least once a year if the price point was right.
Over the past six months in particular, we have seen a softening in the charter aircraft supply, especially impacting brokers who don’t operate their own aircraft. This shift has exposed the vulnerabilities of the broker model, with end consumers facing frustrations due to supply delays, cancellations, and mechanical issues. We saw an opportunity to address these pain points by offering direct operator services, ensuring greater reliability, customer satisfaction, lower prices for the customer, and increased profits for ATI.
Our recently launched fractional program also fulfills a market need that we saw. While NetJets, FlexJet, Fly Exclusive, and Airshare are fractional providers that offer ownership in newer aircraft, their downfall is their aircraft manufacturers have lagged on delivery times, which means their customers with deposits are waiting longer (one to two years) to actually purchase a fractional share. There has been a new demand entering the market to offer a pre-owned aircraft fractional program, which offers a pricing of 30 to 40% lower. Jetvia currently has thirty 1/16 shares available for sale.
At Jetvia, we understand that the current market demands accessibility, reliability, longevity, and superior customer service. As operators grow their customer base through jet cards and fractional ownership products, we’re positioned to offer compelling solutions that lock in favorable terms for our clients, even as the industry increasingly grapples with inflationary pressures and supply constraints.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the early stages of Jetvia, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges Jetvia faced in its early stages was differentiating itself in the highly competitive luxury aviation industry. With well-established players dominating the market, the company needed to carve out a unique position and build trust and credibility with potential clients.
Jetvia was able to overcome this obstacle by leveraging its 40+ years of experience in the aviation industry. The company’s long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and excellent service under its previous brand, ATI Jet, provided a strong foundation. Jetvia’s accident-free safety record throughout its history has been a significant factor in building trust with clients.
Another significant challenge was helping the existing customer base understand the need for the rebrand and how it aligns with our company’s vision for the future. Jetvia wanted to remain relevant in today’s modern aviation world, and the new name represents the potential for growth and innovation.
In order to address this, Jetvia has focused on clear communication with clients, emphasizing that while the name changed, the commitment to exceptional service remained the same. We’ve also introduced innovative offerings, such as the new fractional ownership financing program and flexible pricing models, to demonstrate its forward-thinking approach.
By combining decades of experience with a fresh, modern outlook, Jetvia is showing both new and existing clients that it’s poised to lead the private aviation industry into the future. Our rebranding isn’t just about a new name — it’s about evolving to meet clients’ changing needs while maintaining the core values that have made the company successful for over four decades!
How has Jetvia evolved since its inception, and what are some key milestones you are most proud of?
Jetvia has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the private aviation industry. We’re proud of numerous key milestones that have marked our growth and innovation, but arguably, none are more significant than our commitment to safety and operational excellence.
ATI Jet’s remarkable 30-year record of zero incidents, accidents, or operator violations is a testament to our conservative approach to operations. This incredible achievement is deeply ingrained in our standard operating procedures and rigorous training programs designed to protect both our customers and employees. It’s this foundation of safety and reliability that underpins everything we do at Jetvia.
We’re particularly proud of some recent key milestones that have marked our growth and innovation. These include successfully launching our new website, which enhances the digital experience for our clients, and creating relationships with luxury companies like Cabo Jet Club, expanding our offerings to provide more value.
However, our most significant recent milestone is the introduction of our new fractional ownership program. This innovative program, which includes financing options, has revolutionized access to private aviation. By offering a 25% down payment option, competitive 5% interest rates, and a daily rate alternative to traditional monthly management fees, we’ve made private jet ownership more accessible than ever before. This program represents a major step forward in our mission to expand access to private aviation, and it’s the achievement we’re most proud of as it allows more people to experience the benefits of private jet travel.
What makes Jetvia stand out in the competitive landscape of private aviation? How do you ensure a unique experience for your clients?
Jetvia’s exclusive focus on the Learjet 60 sets us apart. As the world’s largest operator of Lear Jets, which includes this largest operator of Lear 60s, we’ve developed unparalleled expertise in maintaining and operating these jets. This specialization allows us to offer consistent, high-quality service while keeping costs competitive.
Our business model, inspired by Southwest Airlines’ single fleet type approach, allows us to streamline operations, maintenance, and training. This efficiency translates to cost savings and reliability for our clients.
Through our fleet of Learjet 60s, we are committed to providing exceptional value and comfort in private aviation. With 20 of these remarkable aircraft in our fleet, we’ve established ourselves as a major player in the Learjet 60 space.
We’re not just maintaining these aircraft but transforming them. Our ongoing investment in upgrades ensures that each Learjet 60 in our fleet offers a modern, luxurious experience. We’ve implemented a comprehensive refurbishment program that includes:
- Installation of high-speed WiFi for seamless connectivity
- Addition of K-cup coffee makers for premium in-flight refreshments
- New flooring and comfortable seating for enhanced cabin comfort
- Upgraded air-conditioning systems and liners to ensure a cool, comfortable cabin even in the hottest summer conditions
- Continuous updates to operational components to maintain peak performance and safety
These enhancements, combined with the Learjet 60’s renowned speed and efficiency, provide our clients with a private aviation experience that rivals or exceeds that of newer aircraft models, all at a more attractive price point. Our approach demonstrates our commitment to innovation, value, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that our Learjet 60 fleet remains at the forefront of private aviation excellence.
Jetvia’s significant market presence also allows us to offer a pre-owned aircraft fractional program that’s 30-40% less expensive than programs using newer aircraft without compromising on quality or performance.
Our deep understanding of the midsize jet market and our ability to serve a wide range of customers — from individual charters to fractional owners — allows us to provide a more comprehensive and adaptable service than many of our competitors. By combining the reliability and performance of the Learjet 60 with innovative business practices and a customer-centric approach, we offer a unique value proposition in the private aviation market.
Can you share the inspiration behind Jetvia’s new fractional ownership financing program? What market needs did you identify that led to this innovation?
Jetvia’s new fractional ownership financing program represents a groundbreaking approach to private aviation, designed to increase accessibility while offering a more competitive option than existing market alternatives. The company identified two key market needs: lower financial barriers to entry in private jet ownership and greater clarity on the true costs of fractional ownership.
To address the first need, Jetvia offers in-house financing with just a 25% down payment and a fixed 5% interest rate over three years. This approach significantly reduces the initial investment required, making it more accessible than competitors like SkyShare, which requires 35% down through a third party.
Jetvia has also solved a long-standing issue in fractional ownership: the uncertainty of the true hourly rate. Traditionally, fractional owners couldn’t determine their actual hourly rate until selling their share and deducting the residual value from the initial purchase price. Jetvia eliminates this guesswork with its guaranteed buyback program, offering a 50% repurchase price of the original purchase price. This innovative feature provides owners with unprecedented financial clarity from the outset.
Additionally, Jetvia recognized a new demand in the market for pre-owned aircraft fractional programs. By focusing on a fleet of well-maintained and upgraded Learjet 60s, Jetvia offers pricing that is 30-40% lower than programs with newer aircraft. This approach not only provides cost benefits but also allows Jetvia to avoid the delivery delays (1-2 years) that competitors using newer aircraft are facing.
Jetvia is not just making private aviation more accessible; it’s also making it more transparent and predictable! The combination of competitive financing, guaranteed buyback, and the use of pre-owned aircraft positions Jetvia as a leader in providing value and clarity in the fractional ownership market.
What makes Jetvia’s fractional ownership program stand out in the competitive landscape of private aviation? How does the new financing option enhance your unique value proposition?
ATI began its fractional program in the year 2000, and Jetvia’s new fractional ownership program stands out in several ways over the competition:
- Guaranteed availability with 72-hour notice
- No repositioning or overnight charges
- An industry-first guaranteed buyback program with a 50% repurchase price of the original purchase price, which is more definitive than competitors’ offers
- New daily rate option of $6,000 instead of a traditional monthly management fee of $12,500 for a 1/16th share.
- In-house financing program with a 25% down payment and 5% fixed interest rate over three years
- Immediate availability of thirty 1/16 shares, avoiding the long wait times of competitors
The new financing and pricing options enhance Jetvia’s value proposition by reducing financial barriers to entry and offering more flexible cost structures tailored to different flying habits.
How does Jetvia’s exclusive use of Learjet 60s contribute to the overall value proposition of your fractional ownership program?
Jetvia’s exclusive use of Learjet 60s contributes to their fractional ownership program’s value proposition in several ways:
- Standardization: By operating the world’s largest fleet of Learjet 60s (currently 20, with plans to expand to 50 by 2028), Jetvia can ensure consistency in service and maintenance.
- Efficiency: Following the Southwest Airlines business model of using one type of aircraft allows for optimized operations and potentially lower costs.
- Immediate Availability: Unlike competitors facing delivery delays with newer aircraft, Jetvia can offer immediate access to their fleet.
- Performance and Comfort: The Learjet 60 outperforms all other mid-size jets, whether new models or legacy aircraft, in range, payload, take-off performance, time to climb, and fuel efficiency with a spacious cabin with refurbished interiors including upgraded flooring, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi, including ground WiFi and airtext capability even over international waters.
- Cost-Effectiveness: As a pre-owned aircraft program, Jetvia can offer pricing 30-40% lower than programs using newer aircraft.
This focused approach allows Jetvia to optimize its operations, maintenance, and training, potentially leading to better service and value for fractional owners. The company is also considering adding three large aircraft by 2026 based on customer demand, showing a willingness to adapt while maintaining its core fleet strategy.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for Jetvia? Are there any new services or innovations on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
Jetvia has several exciting plans and innovations on the horizon. We’re aiming to triple our fleet in the coming years, expanding from our current 20 Learjet 60s to 50. This growth will enable us to better serve the midsize market,
Additionally, we’re expanding our cross-border services to Mexico through our subsidiary, Cabo Jet Club. We’ve partnered with local luxury real estate businesses with the goal of seamlessly integrating high-end property ownership and private jet travel. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive luxury lifestyle experience, combining the best of resort living in Cabo San Lucas with the convenience and exclusivity of private aviation.
These plans and innovations reflect our commitment to growth, operational excellence, and meeting the evolving needs of our customers in the private aviation market.
