Draft:Aero (semi-private airline)

= Aero = Aero (also known as Aero Technologies Inc.) is a semi-private 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, Aero's website listed flights operate to Aspen (ASE), Sun Valley (SUN), and San José del Cabo (SJD) departing from their private terminal in Van Nuys Airport (VNY). A charter service is also available through a request form on site.

The company holds an AR/GUS Gold Certification, and 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 offer semi-private flights in European.

In 2021, Aero launched in North America, connecting Los Angeles and Aspen, Colorado. Other destinations include: San José del Cabo and Sun Valley.

Aero has flown to specific destinations for events such as Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, and Thermal Airport in Indio, California for the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.

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’s flagship private terminal is located at the Van Nuys Airport.

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 16 seats in a 1x1 configuration and have Starlink Wi-Fi installed.

For charter operations, Aero utilizes its Embraer Legacy 600 business jet, which has seating for up to 13 guests with both single and bench seating.

Partnerships
In 2022, Aero added the Los Angeles-based grocer Erewhon Market to its in-flight servicer.

In 2023, Aero partnered with the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in Mexico.

In 2024, Aero partnered with Hotel Jerome in Aspen.