Subscription-led business models are yet to disrupt the travel industry in the way that others, such as television, have been. But Californian-based Surf Air is showing promise in the airline industry with expansion via acquisition and route growth. We caught up with the company's Angela Vargo, director of communications to hear more.
Catch Surf Air's Europe CEO Simon Talling-Smith speaking on the CEO panel session at London Business Travel Summit (it's free for travel buyers to attend).
Sum up what your company/product does in one sentence.
Surf Air is an all-you-can-fly private membership airline offering unlimited air travel to businesses and consumers in California, Nevada, Texas and Europe for a monthly fee.
When were you launched?
Surf Air originally launched in California in 2013 as the country's first private membership airline. It has grown to accommodate more than 4,000 members who work in a variety of industries–most commonly technology, financial services, entertainment and healthcare. Surf Air members are frequent fliers and often identify as entrepreneurs, business executives, or leisure travellers.
How many people are working for the company?
We currently have more than 100 employees, but the number is expected to grow as we continue to consolidate RISE after its acquisition.
Why is it unique?
In the US, Surf Air has been nicknamed the 'Uber' or 'Netflix' of air travel due to the success of our disruptive model within the travel industry.
While we are different from commercial airline companies, we are also different from private charter and jet companies. Flying in a private charter or jet can be expensive, with much planning required well in advance. With Surf Air, travellers can book flights minutes before departure and have the experience of flying in a private aircraft without private jet pricing, and in the company of no more than seven other members–like-minded travellers who they will come to know by name. However, we do fly on a schedule so, unlike chartered service, travellers will need to choose from available flight times.
What problem does it solve?
Commercial air travellers are accustomed to the complicated, cumbersome and expensive processes of the current flying experience. From tedious comparison-shopping to flight traffic and congestion at commercial airports to endless delays and crowded lines, air travellers waste valuable time and money daily.
If a commuter or traveller drives two to six hours regularly or flies commercial for more than two round-trips in a region, a Surf Air membership will help implement a seamless travel experience and save up to hours of time. Members won't have to worry about wasted valuable work (or play) time while being stuck in long airport lines, on hold with call centres, or navigating through complicated online bookings.
What markets is it available in?
Our operations are currently available throughout 12 destinations in California, five cities in Texas and Las Vegas, as well as London, UK and Ibiza, Spain.
We're expanding quickly with additional domestic cities such as Seattle and Scottsdale in the queue, as well as international destinations not limited to Mexico's Cabo San Lucas; Milan, Italy and Paris, France.
Which companies are using it already?
Some of Surf Air's current members include employees from Procore Technologies, Tesla Motors, and Whilo. Members are part of a cultivated community where personal relationships are nurtured and fostered to benefit peoples' lives beyond everyday flying experiences.
What are your growth plans?
We recently announced new routes in Texas through acquiring RISE in early June 2017, as well as new routes to Las Vegas and Europe the same month. We plan to serve several new destinations including Orange County, San Diego, Mammoth Lakes, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Scottsdale, and other regions to be announced.