DayJet founder Iacobucci has ambitious plans to launch a regional network servicing corporate travellers in the USA
Imagine regional networks of very light jets dispatched on an on-call basis for middle-management business travellers seeking short, direct flights between small and mid-sized US cities. That is the ambitious business model that was due to be publicly unveiled on 25 April by Dayjet founder and high-tech entrepreneur Ed Iacobucci, who founded the company in 2002.
Backed by a software-intensive operations system, $18.3 million raised so far in venture capital and a plan to buy at least 239 Eclipse 500s over the next 24 months, Iacobucci has his sights set on revolutionising the business travel market. DayJet is preparing to operate an on-demand travel service paid for by the seat, instead of by the aircraft. The operations will be focused strictly on serving secondary airport markets. The ideal scenario, says Iacobucci, would be to attract small-town middle managers travelling to another small town, coaxing them to pay more for a 4h, one-day round-trip on DayJet rather than a 20h, three-day round-trip by driving.
Using a proprietary operations system, DayJet intends to dispatch jets as calls for reservations come in. DayJet will operate as a US Part 135 on-demand carrier. Iacobucci has also outlined his funding strategy. The $18.3 million raised so far has financed the company's three-year effort to prepare for launch by year end. DayJet is hoping to raise a further $10-15 million to sustain operations through the launch phase.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
