Draft:Aero (aviation company)

= Aero = Aero (also known as Aero Technologies Inc.) is an American air carrier based in Los Angeles, CA. Aero operates nonstop flights between and within California, Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho in the United States and Baja California Sur in Mexico.

The company is a public charter operator that does not directly operate aircraft. It charters jets operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, USAC Airways 695 LLC, dba Aero, and sells seats on those aircraft to the public under DOT Part 380.

As of May 2024, the company website shows scheduled flights operate to Aspen (ASE), Sun Valley (SUN), and San José del Cabo (SJD) departing from their private terminal in Van Nuys Airport (VNY). In addition to its scheduled service, Aero offers an on-demand charter service.

Aero offers complimentary in-flight dining by Erewhon Market and an open bar. The cost of a ticket on Aero also includes a 24/7 concierge service. Additionally, Aero allows pets of all sizes on board.

The company holds an AR/GUS Gold Certification, representing their safety management practices and compliance with national and international safety standards. Additionally, Aero is a member of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) and Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF).

History
Aero was founded by Uber’s co-founder, Garrett Camp. The company initially started as a software platform to book private jets, taking advantage of empty legs and aircraft spare capacity, aiming to become the “Uber for jets.”

In 2019, Aero changed its business model to bridge the price gap between fully private charter flights and first-class airfare with “semi-private flights” between the European islands of Ibiza and Mykonos. Routes between London to Ibiza, Mykonos and Nice soon followed, with Aero eventually serving Geneva and Sion. Pop-up routes to Milan, Naples and Malaga were also tested.

Aero launched its first North American scheduled operation, connecting Los Angeles to Aspen, Colorado in 2021. Subsequently, Aero opened year-round and seasonal flights to San José del Cabo and Sun Valley, and has offered seasonal routes and flights to Jackson Hole, Las Vegas, Napa Valley, Dallas, and San Francisco.

Aero became one of the first air carriers to have Starlink Wi-Fi installed on their aircraft in September 2023. The Wi-Fi is powered by SpaceX satellites to provide a low-latency, high-bandwidth internet for streaming, browsing, and communication.

In January 2024, Aero announced flights to Las Vegas for guests attending the Super Bowl. Aero also offered flights to the Thermal Airport in Indio, California for the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals. The company has announced plans for additional pop-up event flights.

Private Terminals
Aero flights depart from private jet terminals, commonly referred to as FBOs, which are separate from the passenger terminals used by Part 121 and some Part 135 carriers. Aero guests can arrive 20 minutes before departure due to the reduced volume of travelers and dedicated staff on site.

Aero’s flagship private terminal is located at the Van Nuys Airport. This private terminal features a branded lounge for guests. Erewhon Market stocks a variety of fresh juices, pastries, and snacks for departures and arrivals.

In other destinations, Aero uses existing FBO facilities operated by Signature Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, and PrimeSky.

Fleet
Aero operates a fleet of four Embraer ERJ-135 that have been retrofitted with hand-stitched Italian leather seats, state-of-the-art lighting, a custom sound system, in-seat power, and Starlink Wi-Fi internet. The jets feature 16 seats in a 1x1 configuration, 150-degree recline, and a 43-inch seat pitch.

For charter operations, Aero utilizes its Embraer Legacy 600 business jet, which has traditional private jet, club-style seating for up to 13 guests.

Partnerships
Aero signed the Los Angeles-based grocer Erewhon Market as its in-flight dining partner, and Wally’s, the Los Angeles-based wine and spirits shop, curated its in-flight beverage offerings in 2022. The company also had a wellness in-flight initiative in partnership with Dr. Barbara Strum.

In 2023, Aero launched a travel package with Mexico’s Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, offering guests round-trip flights, a resort stay, and various travel perks at a discounted rate.

Aero added the historic Hotel Jerome of Auberge Resorts Collection in Aspen to its list of resort partners in 2024. In addition to offering reduced rates for roundtrip flights and hotel nights, Aero’s travel package with Hotel Jerome includes complimentary ski-shuttle service and preferred seating at Hotel Jerome’s bars and restaurants.