Mobile marketplace JetSmarter, which offers instant pricing and availability for private jets worldwide, says it is growing in popularity across the GCC.

The company, which seamlessly connects travellers to private jets from their smartphones through an app, says the secret to its success lies behind a thoughtful, resourceful plan that, combined with innovative technology and sound economies, offers convenience in exclusive and hassle-free private travel.

Sergey Petrossov, Founder and CEO of JetSmarter, says: “JetSmarter was developed to bridge the long-standing gap that existed between the commercial flight and private jet industries. Private travel, although perceived as a rather luxurious way of flying reserved only for A-list celebrities and influencers on the ‘richest’ power lists, can now be attained by travellers at the click of a button. We bring the exclusivity and luxury of flying private right to people’s fingertips, all through our user-friendly digital application making it a hassle-free and convenient way to travel.” 

JetSmarter, claims that prior to the inception of only 65 per cent of private flights globally flew occupied, and that it has successfully stepped in to fill this gap by buying excess capacity and underutilised air space from aircraft carriers and owners. 

This model has contributed greatly towards the brand’s soaring success; the brand does not incur fixed or variable costs such as employing pilots or maintenance charges, that aircraft operators usually face due to the fact that JetSmarter does not own any physical jets. 

“Our trusted partners efficiently carry out these responsibilities and subsequent expenses,” said Petrossov. Current partners include Jet Linx, Jet Edge and Air Hamburg, among others.

JetSmarter says is the fastest growing jet club in the sky. Over the last six months, the company has grown throughout North America, the Middle East, and Europe, and provides 52 per cent more flight options for its users through its three main amenities: JetDeals, JetShuttle and its JetCharter service. Over the last quarter, month-to-month growth in app downloads has increased by 240 per cent, and JetSmarter has seen a 135 per cent increase in memberships.

JetSmarter has raised $56 million since inception as funding from private sources including the royal family in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, A-league executives, music moguls, and more. The company had recently announced a new $26.1 million raise from its recent existing Series B investors and other prominent business executives. JetSmarter closed its recent $20-million Series B round in July of 2015. The funds are allocated towards expansion of offerings globally, as well as enriching member experiences. 

Annual membership is priced at $9,000 in addition to a $3,000 one-time initiation fee. JetSmarter members enjoy benefits such as unlimited free flights on scheduled JetShuttles and JetDeals. Members can also purchase additional companion seats, and in the event of any outstanding bookings, purchase additional outstanding single-seat reservations.

Members also have the option to create their own itinerary on demand via JetShuttle. Depending on the date and route, the app provides details including minimum number of seats and instant price to ensure a guaranteed flight. If purchased, the rest of the seats on the flight are offered to other members within the JetShuttle section of the app; the initial member who created the JetShuttle itinerary is always guaranteed a flight whether it’s booked out by other members or not.

JetSmarter’s app is said to democratises the private jet industry by decreasing the entry price for consumers, and helping air carriers gain more exposure within the market. By eliminating the middle man when it comes to booking a private jet, this app takes the process into the future with simplicity and ease. The JetSmarter app is available for iOS and Android.