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Delta Air Lines · Merger · Private Aviation · Wheels Up
Wheels Up and Delta Private Jets have combined, creating one of the largest business aircraft operations in the USA with a combined fleet of 190 jets and turboprops, as Delta Air Lines acquires an undisclosed stake in Wheels Up.
The deal, announced in December 2019 and set to close in Q1 2020, integrates DPJ's 70 business jets with Wheels Up's 120 Textron Aviation types. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian states this partnership extends Delta's brand into a new space, fostering transparency and growth opportunities by "democratising air travel" and making private aviation more accessible.
Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter aims to develop a global digital charter marketplace, envisioning it as the "Uber of the private jet market," leveraging Delta's scale and customer base. Dichter notes that over 90% of Wheels Up's 7,700 members also fly commercially, driving business to Delta, while Wheels Up's King Airs provide a "logical last mile solution" for Delta customers.
Wheels Up, founded in 2013, has flown over 400,000 passengers and plans to exceed 10,000 members within two years.
