In California, Ukrainian developers have launched the startup JetMe, a service which allows users to reserve and pay for flights on private jets to any point around the globe.
One of the startup’s founders is Yuriy Romanyukha, an associate for Russia-based fund Imperious Group. Almost immediately after the project launched, JetMe obtained $400,000 in funding from this fund and several angels.
The JetMe concept is based on the fact that the aircraft used in the flights have returned to their “native” airfields empty (“empty legs”), carrying out a chartered flight in one direction, for example.
Thus, it is possible to order a return flight at a much lower price than you normally would be able to, with the user indicating his preferred price and the airline services deciding whether or not to take on the passenger for that amount. JetMe intends to generate revenues through commissions.
The minimum amount for an order is roughly $3,500. According to Romanyukh, this is slightly more expensive than business class, but far more comfortable and prestigious. For example, on a private flight, you may easily take pets, as well as avoid passport controls as ordinary passengers do (this only applies to flights within California). The project has attracted attention from the Western press after journalists noticed it on ProductHunt, the largest resource for press releases from startups in the United States.
The startup has already launched an app for iOS and intends to release a web-based version in the near future. More than 3,000 people have already registered for the service, the startup claims.
JetMe initially launched in Russia, but the team soon decided to develop it in the United States. In the near future, they are planning to enter Southeast Asia.
With its development center located in Kyiv (Kiev), the startup has a team of four people with significant experience in the aviation industry.
This story was first published on Ukraine Digital News (UADN.NET)
