Kenny Dichter, one of the biggest personalities in the business aviation industry, is back at NBAA showcasing a new venture, Real Jet, which he expects to become “the most important brand in the business aircraft brokerage business”.
Officially launched in early August, Real Jet has been “incredibly well received with hundreds of flights performed so far from a growing customer base”, says company president Robert Withers.
Withers and Dichter, who is Real Jet’s chair, have decades of experience in the business aviation market. Their paths crossed in 2003 when Withers joined card-based block charter operator Marquis Jet, launched by Dichter a year earlier and later sold to fractional ownership company NetJets.
Dichter launched membership programme Wheels Up in 2013 and exited the company two years ago.
“Between us, we have built a wealth of expertise and many strong connections with operators, end users and manufacturers across the industry which are helping to grow this new business,” says Withers.
Those connections are likely to prove indispensable given the fierce competition within the crowded brokerage sector.
“Real Jet is setting itself apart from the other players with our emphasis on trust, top levels of safety and customer service,” says Dichter.
Dichter forecasts the firm will hit turnover of up to $750 million within five years from a 10,000-strong customer base, ranging from high-net-worth individuals to large groups and corporations.
“We want to be seen as a back-up for company flight departments during their busiest periods,” he says.
He suggests there is a huge, untapped demand for private charter in the USA with young entrepreneurs a growing demographic.
“Nearly 90% of very wealthy individuals who have the means to fly on a business aircraft do not, and we are seeking to change all that,” Dichter adds.
International expansion is also planned. “Aviation is a global business so Real Jet will eventually be a presence in all the key markets.”
