Skift Take

Private Jet service as a complement to VIP commercial flights is not a new concept, but what makes this unique is Etihad's choice of Victor, which has a strong network of operator partners and uses a booking app that is similar to a well-know ride sharing app.

Etihad Airways has announced a new partnership with on-demand private jet service Victor to give its The Residence and First Apartment customers a flashier way to connect to their luxury long-haul A380 flights.

The airline says it has “seen strong interest and demand within the private jet market for its ultra-exclusive A380 cabins, and is using the charter distribution network to reach this important customer segment.”

On-demand jet service Victor based in London, New York, and California, is an end-to-end charter booking service which does not require membership, and provides real-time jet availability via a handy mobile app, which works on smartphones, tablets and computers, listing transaction fees, and specific operator and aircraft details.

Customers can book service on a variety of jets ranging from light jet aircraft to longer range private jets, with no upfront commitments or contracts. Using Victor’s mobile app travelers can search, compare, book, and board a private jet on-the-go. The company reports that 50 per cent of all Victor bookings are made through the mobile app.

“With the A380, Etihad Airways has designed innovative and luxurious interiors, products and services which match the sophisticated needs of the private jet customer,” said Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing. “Our unique agreement with Victor will give those customers wanting the ultimate luxury private jet experience a simplified end-to-end journey combining our magnificent A380 with a private jet by simply using their laptop, smartphone or tablet.”

“Victor has revolutionized the private jet charter space by giving full control and transparency to the customer, so they can expedite their travel themselves by using the latest technology, at any time, removing the lengthier booking procedures and processes associated with many private jet bookings.”

Victor is the first jet charter company to disclose specifics about the aircraft and crew, with side-by-side comparisons of more than 7,000 jets at 40,000 airports worldwide. It relies on a network of 131 partner operators.

“Discerning travelers will enjoy a truly seamless, door-to-door flying experience through our new partnership with Etihad Airways,” said Victor founder and CEO, Clive Jackson.

Victor and Etihad will integrate their reservations technologies allowing Etihad Airways guests to book The Residence, or First Apartments, together with private jet charter flights directly, from the Victor mobile app.

Members of Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ frequent flyer program, get a Victor discount card valued at USD $1,500 to use towards their first private jet charter booked with the Victor app.

Etihad can’t claim to be the first carrier to mix private and commercial flights on the same itinerary. In August Delta Air Lines began offering connections using its massive private jet fleet for its most loyal customers.

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Tags: etihad, loyalty, private jets

Photo credit: A butler on Etihad Airways The Residence service/Etihad Airways Etihad Airways

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