In the world of private aviation, Wheels Up is the new kid on the tarmac—but the company is already shaking up the industry. That’s largely thanks to co-founder Kenny Dichter, who launched Wheels Up in August 2013 with the intent of providing a “jets-on-demand” service similar to that of its competitors, while operating like an exclusive club. Members pay a one-time fee of $15,750 and then a flat rate of $3,950 per hour of flying time—significantly cheaper than fractional ownership alternatives. And now, Wheels Up is sweetening the deal for its 1,000-plus members with 8760 Concierge, a partnership with the luxury-lifestyle management firm Four Hundred.
The initiative gives members complimentary access to Four Hundred’s team of personal concierges, which means that Wheels Up won’t just handle your jet to Arizona for this year’s Super Bowl—they’ll also make sure you have field-level tickets, five-star hotel accommodations and reservations at every top restaurant. And as for the genesis of the name “8760”? Says Dichter, “Our average member might only fly 20 to 25 hours annually, but we’re committed to giving them the experience all 8,760 hours of the year.”
