Inside Aero: The Uber Co-Founder’s Vision for High-End Air Travel

Aero stands out in the world of commercial aviation with a unique proposition: it’s not quite private aviation, nor is it a traditional airline. Instead, the California-based air carrier calls itself a “semi-private jet service.”

As Mikael Pelet, Aero’s Chief Operations Officer, explained to Business Traveler, “We offer the luxury, exclusivity, and efficiency of flying private for a cost similar to flying first class on commercial airlines.”

Photo: COO and CFO, Mikael Pelet. Courtesy of Aero

The experience begins with private terminals, allowing passengers to arrive just 20 minutes before departure. Booking a seat is as simple as visiting Aero’s website, and passengers benefit from access to dedicated lounges, onboard cabin attendants, and a 24/7 concierge service that provides assistance from booking to boarding.

This blend of convenience and exclusivity is Aero’s hallmark.

Origins: From the Mediterranean to California

The brainchild of Uber co-founder Garrett Camp, Aero’s concept emerged during a Mediterranean sojourn. In 2019, Camp launched a route connecting Mykonos and Ibiza, two exclusive destinations previously linked only by private jets. At the time, no commercial airlines serviced this route.

Recognizing an untapped market, Camp and his team began operating public charters between the two islands.

Photo: Courtesy of Aero

“The experiment was a success, and Garrett started to consider where this business and operational model could thrive in the U.S.,” Pelet recalled. The answer was Los Angeles, with its affluent community and proximity to luxury destinations like Aspen, Sun Valley, and Los Cabos.

Van Nuys Airport became Aero’s U.S. base for its convenience to Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and other wealthy neighborhoods. Crucially, it also offered the capability for international operations while maintaining a private, non-commercial atmosphere that aligned with Aero’s European model.

The Aero Fleet

Aero’s fleet is built on the Embraer ERJ-135 regional jet, typically configured to carry 37 passengers. However, Aero’s version accommodates just 16 guests in a bespoke cabin designed for ultimate comfort.

Photo: Courtesy of Aero

Features include a 1-1 cross-section seating layout with a spacious 43-inch pitch, hand-stitched Italian leather seats, dynamic mood lighting, suede walls, and a flat floor.

The absence of overhead bins adds to the sense of space and exclusivity.

Photo: Courtesy of Aero

The all-black exterior livery, along with Aero’s branding, was personally selected by Camp, making the airline’s fleet instantly recognizable.

The complete cabin conversion took nine months per aircraft, ensuring that every detail met the highest standards of luxury.

Building a Luxury Ecosystem

Since its inception, Aero has strategically aligned with high-end hospitality brands. Passengers traveling to Aspen, Sun Valley, and Los Cabos often enjoy stays at prestigious properties like Auberge Resorts Collection, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and Aspen’s Jerome Hotel.

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Costa Palmas

In Los Cabos, for instance, the airline has teamed up with the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Costa Palmas, blending luxurious resort offerings with private terminal flights. Guests traveling from Van Nuys to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) with Aero can enjoy preferred airline ticket pricing as well as seamless transfers to and from the airport.

These partnerships enhance the seamless luxury experience that Aero aims to deliver.

Expanding Horizons: New Destinations

Aero’s hybrid model is gaining traction, which is underscored by the addition of several new routes in late 2024:

• Napa Valley: From September to November, Aero offered flights to the heart of North America’s wine country.

• Palm Springs: Launched on November 1, this route offers a quick alternative to the congested three- to four-hour drive from Los Angeles, especially popular during peak travel weekends.

• Las Vegas: Initially introduced as a weekend service for the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix in November, the route became a scheduled operation starting December 27.

• Park City: Beginning in January 2025, flights cater to ski enthusiasts and attendees of the Sundance Film Festival, cementing Aero’s position as a go-to carrier for luxury ski destinations.

Graphic: Aero’s route map. Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund

“These four new routes are just the beginning,” Pelet said. “We have many more on the horizon, and 2025 will be a big year for Aero.”

A Model for the Future

Aero has carved out a distinct niche in the aviation market, combining the convenience of commercial booking with the exclusivity of private travel. With its meticulously designed cabins, strategic partnerships, and focus on premium destinations, Aero continues to attract elite travelers.

Photo: Courtesy of Aero

As the airline expands, particularly in the U.S., its “semi-private” concept promises to reshape the travel experience, offering a sophisticated alternative for those seeking efficiency, luxury, and personalized service.

With a growing list of destinations and plans for further growth in 2025, Aero’s future is as bold as its striking black jets.