Caroline Cresp, Managing Director, LunaJets
In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, the pursuit of efficient, comfortable, and luxurious air travel has become more than a mere indulgence. In this era, where time is the ultimate luxury, discerning travelers seek more than just a means of transportation—they crave an experience that seamlessly blends opulence with efficiency. Private aviation has long offered unparalleled convenience and comfort, but the traditional models of ownership or standard charter services often fall short of delivering the ideal mix of exclusivity, flexibility, and optimal value. This is where Lunajets, a leading global provider of private jet charter solutions based in Geneva steps in.
Founded in 2007 by visionary entrepreneur, Eymeric Segard, LunaJets set out with a clear mission: to revolutionize access to private jet travel without compromising on luxury or service. At the core of LunaJets’ revolutionary approach was the concept of “empty leg” flights which enabled clients to book return flights on jets traveling empty to their next destination, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional charters. This created a win-win scenario: aircraft owners could offset costs on necessary repositioning flights, while clients gained access to private jet travel at a fraction of the usual price. This innovative model quickly gained traction, and LunaJets’ growth over the next 15 years was nothing short of meteoric. From its Swiss roots, the company expanded strategically by opening offices in key locations such as Monaco, Paris, and Dubai to cater to an increasingly global clientele. By 2018, barely a decade after its inception, LunaJets had established itself as the largest independent private jet booking platform in Continental Europe and the fastest-growing in the region, achieving impressive sales of CHF 60 million. Over the years, LunaJets has successfully flown more than 170,000 passengers, covering over 42 million kilometers worldwide. Today, with a team of 85 professionals spread across its international offices, it continues to embody Segard’s founding vision, consistently pushing boundaries in the private aviation industry.
A Closer Look at LunaJets’ Winning Approach
LunaJets has carved out a distinctive niche in the competitive private aviation market through a combination of innovative technology, strategic optimization, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. “As an independent broker, LunaJets is not tied to any specific fleet or aircraft operator. This allows the company to offer an extensive range of aircraft options tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client, ensuring flexibility and personalization that few competitors can match,” elucidates Segard.
Such versatility is rare in the industry and positions LunaJets as a go-to solution for discerning travelers with varied needs. This personalized service is further enhanced by the company’s strategic global presence, with offices in key cities worldwide that combine international reach with local expertise, ensuring swift and knowledgeable service regardless of a client’s location. Moreover, LunaJets is also committed to sustainability. Acknowledging the environmental impact of private aviation, the company has introduced carbon offset programs, offering clients the option to mitigate their carbon footprint. Underpinning all these innovations and strategies is LunaJets’ unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. It offers round-the-clock access to a team of dedicated aviation advisors to ensure that clients receive personalized attention and support at every stage of their journey, whether they’re booking a last-minute flight or planning a complex multi-leg itinerary. The availability of expert assistance at any time adds an extra layer of reassurance and luxury to the LunaJets experience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to exceeding client expectations.
Thriving Against All the Odds
Like any successful venture, LunaJets’ journey to prominence was not without challenges. It had to steer through significant economic downturns, including the 2008 global financial crisis and more recently, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In these turbulent times, where many struggled to stay afloat, LunaJets adapted swiftly by refining its business model and continuing to offer cost-effective, flexible solutions to its clients. The company also successfully navigated the complex regulatory environments of multiple countries, ensuring compliance with varying aviation laws. “The private aviation industry is subject to stringent regulations that vary across different countries and regions. LunaJets has had to continuously adapt to these changing regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance while maintaining its high standards of service. This includes navigating complex aviation laws, taxation issues, and safety regulations, which require constant vigilance and expertise,” asserts Segard.
In addition to these economic and regulatory hurdles, LunaJets faced fierce competition within its market. The private jet charter market is crowded with numerous brokers and operators, all vying for a limited pool of high-net-worth clients. To differentiate itself in this saturated market, LunaJets focused on three key areas: competitive pricing, exceptional service quality, and an unparalleled client experience. LunaJets invested heavily in training its staff, developing a deep understanding of client needs, and creating a corporate culture centered on exceeding client expectations. This client-centric approach has been instrumental in building a loyal customer base and positive word-of-mouth referrals, crucial for standing out in a crowded marketplace.
Additionally, Lunajets’ ARG/US certifications, which they have maintained continuously since 2015, reflect an unwavering commitment to safety, service quality, and operational excellence. ARG/US is one of the most respected and rigorous safety auditing systems in the aviation industry, and LunaJets was proud to be the first in Europe to earn this prestigious certification. This recognition highlights our adherence to high safety standards and best practices in the industry, providing our clients with confidence and peace of mind. As LunaJets expanded globally, it encountered the complex challenge of maintaining consistent service quality across diverse markets. Segar reflects, “Each new region brought its own set of client expectations, operational norms, and cultural nuances. To address this, we strategically selected local partners and deepened our understanding of regional dynamics. This approach enabled us to tailor our services to meet local demands while maintaining the high standards of quality that define LunaJets.”
Unlocking the Best Deals in Private Jet Charter
LunaJets always strives to offer the best deals in the market to its clients, whether through on-demand flights at discounted rates or securing unbeatable prices on empty-leg flights. “Our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions means clients can enjoy savings of up to 70% compared to traditional 25-hour card programs. Available around the clock, LunaJets ensures global access to any aircraft from any destination, including last-minute flights, medical evacuations, and pet-friendly journeys,” opines Segard.
This round-the-clock service is complemented by a simple pricing model, which guarantees no hidden fees and includes all necessary amenities, eliminating the unpredictability often associated with private jet charters. For those aiming to optimize travel expenses, LunaJets offers three different price schemes depending on the availability of a private jet for an itinerary and date of travel.
- Empty Legs
For those seeking the highest level of savings, LunaJets offers empty-leg flights, where clients can enjoy substantial discounts on one-way journeys. An empty leg, or ferry flight, refers to a private jet flying “empty” after dropping off passengers, or en route to pick up passengers. Since the cost of these flights is already covered, LunaJets can provide substantial discounts. These savings are available when the timing and route of an empty leg align perfectly with a traveler’s needs.
- Rerouting of Empty legs
If there are no empty leg flights for a specific itinerary and timing, LunaJets will search its proprietary database to group/ reroute an empty leg. This means the private jet might make an additional stop to pick up or drop off passengers at their desired locations. Although these additional stops incur extra costs for landing fees and fuel, LunaJets negotiates these details to secure the best possible deal.
- On-demand Charters
For on-demand private jet charters, if no empty leg flights or rerouting options are available, the company negotiates the best possible price through its network of partner operators. Clients are provided with a selection of aircraft and only pay the fixed pre-agreed price for their flight, with no minimum flying time required and no upfront deposit.
Soaring Into New Horizons
Looking ahead, LunaJets is gearing up for an ambitious global expansion, with plans to establish a strong foothold in three of the world’s most dynamic regions: KSA, Asia, and the United States. In Riyadh, the economic heart of Saudi Arabia, LunaJets plans to cater to the rising demand for luxury travel by providing customized private aviation services. By establishing a local office in Riyadh, LunaJets aims to provide local expertise, aligning with the cultural and business needs of the region. Asia presents another lucrative frontier, with its diverse markets and rising demand for private aviation. LunaJets aspires to solidify its presence in Asia by focusing on key hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The company plans to leverage its innovative technology and sustainability-focused services to meet the rising demand for efficient, eco-conscious travel across the continent.
In the United States, LunaJets intends to target major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. By offering cost-effective charters, optimizing empty leg routes, and utilizing a cutting-edge digital platform, the company aims to stand out in the highly competitive U.S. market. As LunaJets expands its wings into these new territories, the company remains focused on its core mission of revolutionizing access to private jet travel while maintaining its commitment to luxury, efficiency, and personalized service.