The digital drive: Empowering buyers by harnessing the future

Jetcraft became the first business aviation company to establish a permanent presence in the Metaverse when we launched our virtual lounge in 2022. We’ve since announced our virtual hangar, providing a 24/7 immersive aircraft viewing experience via desktop or Oculus headset.

Additionally, at the General Aviation Terminal in the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, business aviation users can now effortlessly enter our virtual space through our interactive Jetcraft display - which begins with the clouds parting to reveal our virtual hangar through the use of motion sensor technology.

Bringing the Metaverse and VR technology into our operations isn’t simply innovation for the sake of it; while it’s still early days, and how and when the internet will evolve is yet to be determined, we know that it’s crucial we join up our full Beyond the Globe experience to learn how to meet the requirements of business aviation’s changing customer base. 

An evolving audience

The users of our industry are getting younger – with Jetcraft data showing the number of buyers under 45 has risen by 20% in the last five years. Business aviation companies need to adapt to meet the needs of these younger aircraft owners, accommodating their busy lives, while also providing the technology-driven experience they prefer.

Luxury retailers are leading the way in this area. Several fashion houses have embraced the Metaverse, with Prada creating its own virtual reality experience and Gucci having sold virtual handbags on Roblox. 

AI is also playing an important role in delivering a superior retail offer, with brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Dior and Estee Lauder implementing AI chatbots to provide personalized fashion advice and respond to questions on social media in real time. 

The business case

Technology is serving as a catalyst for aspiration and brand loyalty. By reaching out to younger individuals, these companies are futureproofing their success, developing a relationship with those who may not be customers yet, but could be in years to come.

In business aviation, where the pool of aircraft buyers is even smaller than that of luxury brands, building awareness and understanding within the next generation is key. The Metaverse and AI are tools we’re only just beginning to harness for opening a window into our world.

Ultimately, if our sector is to truly continue to meet customer requirements tomorrow, it must evidence its role as a technology trailblazer today. That means implementing digital solutions to make the buying process smoother than ever, breaking down barriers and maximizing convenience.

To go Beyond the Globe with Jetcraft and explore our virtual hangar visit: www.jetcraft.com/metaverse/

By Peter Antonenko, President, Jetcraft