Will Private Flights Chip Away at the First Class Market?

Sarah
Sarah Dandashy
Jul 22, 2021
Learn more
Aviation Business travel charter jets hospitality Luxury Travel private aviation Rick Sitomer Sarah Dandashy Say Yes To Travel Star Jets International travel

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.

 

Flying private was once inaccessible to most, but the industry has changed, boasting flexibility and convenience for work and leisure. A veteran of the business, Rick Sitomer, CEO of Star Jets International, spoke with Say Yes to Travel host Sarah Dandashy about the changing environment.

Sitomer started the first private jet brokerage firm in 2001 after witnessing the inefficiency in the marketplace. He ran that business for 15 years before selling up but started back again in 2016. The company just announced its highest revenues to date in Q1 2021, which is the result of tremendous demand.

“In any disaster, aviation thrives. Many people were scared to fly commercial. The business did change when COVID hit. We made a few big trips for clients in the beginning with cargo jets moving over 14 million masks,” Sitomer said.

Sitomer noted that he thinks revenue gains will continue. He expects his business to reach $200-300 million in revenue a year. So, who are private jet clients?

“Flying first-class costs a fortune. You might as well fly private and get the convenience and flexibility that comes with it.” – Rick Sitomer

“It’s a lot of referrals. We look for clients that fly all the time for business or leisure. We do use marketing tactics like pay per click and are looking to do more TV ads to create brand awareness on business channels,” Sitomer added.

Experts agree that the private aviation industry is booming, with projections for it to hit $100 billion in five years. “The growth in the industry and business is exponential,” Sitomer said.

Now that countries are opening back up, Sitomer is witnessing a huge demand for luxury travel. It’s more convenient for travelers, and if they were going to fly first class, they might as well take a private jet.

Say Yes To Travel has a New Episode Every Thursday!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly Bridges Cultures and Markets to Power U.S.–China Business Growth
November 14, 2025

Baker Tilly’s U.S.–based China practice supports Chinese enterprises operating in the United States as well as U.S. companies with Chinese-heritage leadership. Team members such as Beverly Bian, Terry Dickens, and Lucy Ni work with clients ranging from early-stage ventures to major multinational organizations navigating cross-border growth. The practice distinguishes itself through its bilingual capabilities…

Read More
construction
Empowering Excellence: How Rick Ward Elevates Southwest Construction Services
November 13, 2025

In an industry where timelines tighten and jobsite complexities grow by the day, quality assurance has become one of construction’s most defining—and differentiating—disciplines. At its core, QA isn’t just about correcting mistakes; it’s about building systems and people capable of preventing them in the first place. This is especially true in specialized sectors…

Read More
training
Empowering Teams Through a Modern Training Culture
November 13, 2025

Training may be the backbone of any skilled trade, but in waterproofing—where mistakes can compromise entire structures—it becomes a defining competitive advantage. At Southwest Construction Services, the evolution of training reflects a larger industry shift: seasoned crews now rely less on formal classroom sessions and more on hyper-focused, on-site guidance tailored to the…

Read More
quality assurance
Ensuring Excellence: How Quality Assurance Shapes Every Successful Project
November 13, 2025

In an era of rising climate volatility and tighter construction tolerances, waterproofing has quietly become one of the most consequential guardians of a building’s long-term health. Too often, the industry treats it as an afterthought—something buried behind walls, beneath slabs, or under layers of finish—but the truth is that its success or failure can…

Read More
Related
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
Software & Technology
How Hotels Bounce Back From the Unexpected
September 4, 2025
sustainability
Healthcare
From Green Initiatives to Guest Loyalty: Building the Future of Hospitality Through Tree Planting and Plastic Cleanup Programs
August 27, 2025

Sustainability is no longer optional in hospitality—it’s the expectation. A recent Booking.com report found that 84 percent of global travelers now prioritize making their trips more sustainable, raising the bar for hotels worldwide. Yet too many properties are still relying on the basics—like towel reuse cards or energy-saving reminders—that guests increasingly see as table stakes….

Read More
youtube marketing
Healthcare
Rank, Reach, and Revenue: Unlock YouTube Marketing Strategies That Drive Hospitality Growth
August 13, 2025

The hospitality industry has weathered enormous shifts in the last five years, from pandemic‑era shutdowns to evolving guest expectations. Although hotels are projected to add over 14,000 employees in 2025, staffing levels are still well below pre‑pandemic (2019) figures. For hotel professionals, visibility and adaptability are critical, not only in operations but in how they…

Read More