A new pet-focused airline has taken off with private transcontinental charters to select locations. K9 Jets, a sister company of G6 Aviation, now offers private and affordable travel solutions for pet owners.
G6 Aviation is a first-class private jet service based in Birmingham, England. Until July 2022, G6 only transported multiple human travelers. However, when a grassroots pet group leader sent a price inquiry for a private jet to transport 10 dogs from New Jersey to London, they realized there was a market for furry friend travel.
According to Fox Business, G6 Aviation co-founders Kirsty and Adam Golder aim to keep K9 Jets a “boutique” experience. The pet-friendly airline offers room on select flight routes for dogs and cats. Fur babies can catch a ride from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Lisbon, London, Paris, and London to Dubai and Nice.
Kirsty Golder shared the price format with Fox Business. A seat on a flight from New Jersey to London costs $8,925 and allows for one large dog over 51 pounds or two small dogs. The price is fixed and inclusive of taxes, snacks, refreshments, personalized gifts, and pet handling costs that do not require cages, muzzles, or lines.
These private prices are in comparison to commercial airline prices for flying pets. American Express reports that in-cabin costs can range from $50 to $250 per flight, while in-cargo expenses can range from $200 to $400 for animals weighing 75 pounds. Additional costs, such as bag fees, cabin carriers or cargo crates, and higher-priced seats, may apply when traveling with pets.
Golder told Fox Business that K9 Jets customers “are not wealthy business executives, [they’re] middle-class people who want their fur family members next to them for a big journey,” such as relocation for work, retirement or a major trip.
“The cost is comparable to the cost of flying pets by cargo across the Atlantic,” Golder continued.
K9 Jets collaborates with other luxurious private jet companies or licensed U.S. air carriers to operate as public charter operators. Its sister brand serves high-net-worth families, music moguls, professional athletes, and royals. K9 Jets are not only transporting canines and cats, but they are giving back, too. The airline contributes a portion of its profits to Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a registered U.K. charity that provides lifesaving veterinary care, rehabilitation, and refuge to stray animals.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at [email protected].
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