Colorado’s AspenJet eyes 1Q21 launch

AspenJet (Aspen) is a start-up carrier planning to launch during the first quarter of 2021, selling charter flights to Aspen from key markets around the United States on board a VIP-configured E175 chartered from Jet Aviation Flight Services (Teterboro). “I believe we’ve identified the perfect solution at just the right time. The current trend of consumers crowd-sourcing semi-private air travel is not just about COVID-distancing or saving money. Rather, it’s more about enjoying an elevated travel experience that begins the minute you hand the valet your keys, bypass TSA lines and quickly get on-board a private jet,” founder, President, and Chief Executive Patrick Dial said in a press release. AspenJet said its tentative list of points of origin includes New York City (likely Teterboro airport), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago (Chicago Midway), Fort Lauderdale, and select Texan markets. The virtual carrier plans to operate non-stop services from Aspen. The Embraer aircraft would be configured for just 30 passengers to combine the semi-private configuration of a business jet with adequately distributed trip costs. AspenJet said it would also charter aircraft from other operators besides Jet Aviation Flight Services, without detailing whether the entire fleet would consist of E175s in the same configuration or whether it would add other types as well. AspenJet plans to create a separate ground transportation unit to facilitate transfers between Aspen airport and other Coloradoan resorts.