Delta Private Jets To Combine with Wheels Up
The transaction will create one of the industry’s largest fleets of owned and managed bizjets, according to the companies.
Delta Air Lines will acquire a stake in Wheels Up and combine its Delta Private Jets charter-management arm with the private aviation provider.
After expected closure early next year, the companies said, the transaction will create one of the industry’s largest owned and managed fleets of private aircraft. Delta Private Jets has a fleet of more than 70 managed business aircraft, while Wheels Up has an owned fleet of more than 115 Textron Aviation turboprop twins and jets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed and Delta said more details will be announced after the transaction is completed.
“This groundbreaking partnership will democratize private aviation, making the convenience of private jet travel accessible to more consumers,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Wheels Up’s lifestyle experiences and innovative digital platform, combined with the scale and service of Delta Private Jets, helps further Delta’s mission of connecting people and communities worldwide through travel.”
Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter will continue to lead the Wheels Up management team as the partnership grows between the two companies.