In an interesting bit of cross promotion, private aviation provider Wheels Up is offering a yearly membership that can be purchased at warehouse club retailer Costco (in-store or online). The annual membership price is $17,499.99.
“It means we are officially democratizing private aviation,” Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter speaking of the partnership. “We want to bring private aviation to a much larger base of customers than has ever been done.”
When Costco members purchase the Wheels Up membership (1 year) they receive a $3,500 Costco Cash Card after agreements are received by Wheels Up and account is activated.
The deal opens Wheels Up to a massive market: Costco has 698 stores in the U.S. and eight other countries with a staggering 81.3 million members. Wheels Up closed 2015 by signing up its 2,000th member and have brought in over an additional 100 signups since the beginning of the year.
Wheels Up fleet currently consists of 40 King Air 350is and 15 Citation Excels/XLS business jets. An additional nine King Air 350i are on schedule to be delivered in the first half of 2016. Wheels Up made history in 2013 with its massive 105 King Air 350i order.
Wheels Up describes itself as a revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that significantly reduces the upfront cost to fly privately, while providing unparalleled flexibility, service and safety. Wheels Up offers aircraft with guaranteed availability on its private fleet of new Beechcraft King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircraft. Flights can be scheduled through its app and allow its members to participate in ride-share opportunities.