When it comes to flying, nothing rivals the comfort and convenience of private aviation. After all, practically anything is an upgrade from long TSA lines, run-of-the-mill airport lounges, and the lackluster on-board “amenities” touted by commercial airlines.
Though budget, plane availability, and access to owners, operators and existing flights already making the trip can often make this luxury seemingly unattainable, Eye In The Sky has streamlined the process of finding private flights with a business model and tool that is equal parts state-of-the-art and simplified.
Ridesharing for the Sky
Much like popular ridesharing and home rental companies such as Uber and Airbnb, Eye In The Sky connects existing supply with real-time demand.
Through the platform, which is mutually beneficial for operators and flyers, empty seats on scheduled routes are listed by Hosts so that members can find an upscale alternative to mainstream carriers. Best of all, Eye In The Sky doesn’t take a share or percentage of any trip. Instead, the service charges a nominal membership fee to connect plane owners and operators to potential travelers. This not only offsets operation and fuel costs for each journey, but also provides consumers the opportunity to travel privately for significantly less than a typical fare.
Memberships are invitation-only to ensure a dynamic and professional network. In order to join, Hosts (aircraft owners, operators, charter customers, or brokers) and Flyers (those looking to purchase a seat or empty leg) must receive a direct invite from Eye In The Sky or submit an application on the company website, www.eyeinthesky.com, and subsequently pass all biometrics and background verification before gaining access to the platform.
A $10 verification fee is required upfront, as well as the completion of a biometric verification and background check process to ensure safety. If the applicant passes and is subsequently accepted, membership dues are only $65/month to use the platform and interact with an already-robust community.
Eye In The Sky’s search and contact tools could also not be easier to navigate. Hosts post upcoming flight information with purchasable vacancies. The Flyer then logs in and searches their desired route. All flights within 100 miles of the selected departure and arrival airports will populate, often providing multiple options to choose from. Flyers can then review aircraft details, seat pricing, departure windows, and any provided amenities before moving forward.
Should they decide if an open seat (or seats) is a fit, the user sends a message to the Host, requests a reservation, confirms flight information, and pays. The Host then provides plane and FBO info prior to boarding and the Flyer is officially ready for take off. This quick process cuts out a third party to open direct communication and to ultimately prevent astronomically high service charges.
If they can’t find what they’re looking for within the posted flights, Flyers can also utilize Eye In The Sky’s proprietary Flight Interest feature. This service allows members to create an interest post detailing specific requests and journeys, which becomes searchable and forms a group chat within the interest itself on the platform. It’s an effective way to find other travelers who may want to charter an entire plane and, ultimately, split the cost. Or, for Hosts looking to fly from (or near/around) the posted interest destination and date, a flight can be created to accommodate the posted demand.
The benefits of using Eye In The Sky speak for themselves. For jet owners and operators, full flights curb operating fees, increase yield, and improve efficiency. For travelers, private aviation becomes more accessible and allows for them to avoid the common snafus associated with major airlines. From a sustainability standpoint, emissions are more justified when they’re the result of full flights—a whopping 42 percent (approximately 84,000 flights per month) fly completely empty in North America alone as they pick up charters or make their way back to a home hangar.
In-flight privacy is also never compromised. Most private jet models ensure spacious seats with more than enough room to stretch legs, sleep, and do work. Hosts also have the option to not fill a plane entirely, should they want or need the extra space to accommodate specific demands.
Eye In The Sky has also proven to be a unique networking opportunity, as many members have formed business relationships and friendships after meeting and flying together.
The Future of Private Air Travel
As commercial carriers roll back long-standing perks and make the flying experience less enjoyable, Eye In The Sky provides a much-needed, efficient alternative to conventional modes of travel. Whether it’s slashing costs for plane owners or enabling access to private air travel at a lower entry point, Eye In The Sky supports everyone by fostering a living ecosystem within the private aviation industry.
