Smart TVs. French roast coffee. A one-year Wheels Up private aviation membership. All are available through warehouse retailer Costco.
Through its relationship with Costco, Wheels Up is bringing private aviation to the general public, said Kenny Dichter, founder and CEO of New York-based Wheels Up, a membership-based private aviation company.
“Bringing private aviation to a larger audience, that’s what we want to do,” Dichter said. “Our partnership with Costco allows us to do that.”
The program has been well-received, he said.
“We’ve had lots of leads and lots of interest in the program,” Dichter said. “Wheels Up is really democratizing private aviation. That’s what we’ve been saying since day one.”
Costco members who buy a one-year Wheels Up membership also receive $3,500 in credit to spend at the store, Dichter said.
A Wheels Up membership offers two ways to fly, the company said on Costco’s website. Members can pay as they fly, meaning they pay hourly rates for occupied flight hours. Or they can pre-purchase flight hours in advance.
Wheels Up’s fleet includes Beechcraft King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircraft. A mobile app lets Wheels Up members book flights, manage their accounts and participate in ride-share opportunities.
The Wheels Up membership is available online through Costco’s website or through Costco retail outlets in southern California.
Aviation Week Network
Costco to offer private aviation to its members
