Earthjet Franchise Opportunity
Pilots at the controls of the airplane and in control of the business
Here's What's In It for you:
1- a large existing, untapped market ready for this service
2- you will be proud to offer comfortable travel at a tremendous value
3- a system and equipment that leads to financial success
4- advantageous financing
Background
As an industry insider you've likely noticed the exaggeration and hype in recent news releases about "new" and "revolutionary" air taxi services coming to market. Looking past the smoke and mirrors, you probably asked yourself:
"With roughly 10,000 planes flying millions of passengers a year in a segment the FAA has been calling Air Taxi for decades, what is really new or revolutionary about these air taxi businesses?"
After looking at the "revolutionary" business plans for new air taxi operations, we found that claims regarding aircraft management computer systems, and high tech manufacturing processes, are not going to create a revolutionary "new" air taxi business. Computers have been in use for route optimization and vehicle positioning for a long time, in this industry as well as in many others. Also, the low prices advertised by some jet manufacturers depends more on economies of scale and higher rate production than the application of new manufacturing technology. The jury is still out on the real production rate available for the microjets, with Cessna and Embraer admitting are not banking on much higher production volume for their planes, because they did not design them for the air taxi market... they are private pilot planes.
There is a Large Existing Untapped Market Waiting for an Evolution
Earthjet is the "evolution" - we are taking the air taxi business as it exisits today, and improving it. We took a hard look at the current air taxi industry as our first step. We asked: What would it take to make air taxi service more profitable, more efficient, and more affordable so that millions more passengers can use this service? The answer became apparent as we looked at customer requirements, competing business models, the effect of fuel prices, reservation systems, communications and technology, airport infrastructure, stakeholder requirements and supply chain strategies.
A System Designed to Deliver What the Market Demands
Earthjet has taken a systems approach, and designed a better way of providing air taxi service. This is not just a new aircraft or a computer reservation system, it is a comprehensive business designed to deliver air travel in a better way. In looking at the main business drivers we found that:
- The right aircraft for the air taxi mission is required. The ownership and operating economics (CASM), cabin comfort, and duty cycle requirements need to be addressed specifically for this market.
- A "network" is required for consistent and reliable cost effective service. The independent small business structure of today's charter/air taxi industry lacks critical mass and common operating systems for cost effectiveness, and reliable service.
- Small local airports remain a mystery for most passengers, so an elaborate awareness program is required.
- The business has to be the most attractive alternative for pilots, including compensation, self actualization opportunities, and quality of life.
- Current air taxi prices limit the market size. Prices need to be in line with what millions of passengers are already paying for airline travel.
- Aircraft support in General Aviation is not responsive enough and generally prohibitively expensive. More rapid response support is required to keep the airplanes flying and generating revenue.
- A new financial model is required to develop and finance a large common fleet.
- Some of the developing countries around the world are prime markets for this business due to the lack of road infrastructure. This model should be transportable to many markets to increase scale.
- Smaller and lighter is not the answer to lower cost jets. Lower cost comes mostly from efficiencies related to manufacturing at higher rate. The right aircraft for the air taxi market is available at affordable prices because this market is sufficiently large.
Addressing these critical elements led us to designing a system, including the aircraft, for this market. By tailoring the air taxi system for efficiency and affordability, Earthjet is able to offer business jet service at previously unimaginable prices, which is what a large percentage of the traveling public wants. Our system is the result of looking within the aviation industry as well as outside aviation for solutions. We started with the key, the pilots.
Pilots are at the Center of the Business, and at the Controls of the Aircraft
We are creating a win, win, win situation, for the customer, franchisee, and Earthjet. The pilot - the stakeholder who is in closest contact with customers and directly in control of service delivery - owns the business.
Earthjet concentrates on expanding the network, and focuses on what the franchisor does best - back-office support, brand development, and supply chain management. Customers enjoy increased value because of owner-operator service levels, reliability available through a large common fleet, and overall affordable prices due to economies of scale and network efficiencies. Passengers receive unprecedented value - this is the Earthjet evolution - the next step for millions of passengers, and a new future for select pilots.
The Earthjet System - Greater than the Sum of its Parts
Earthjet has developed a comprehensive system that delivers the key value drivers and addresses operational risks inherent in this business. The system works to provide customers with unprecedented value in air travel. The Earthjet System is:
- A business structure that rewards pilots - Because pilots directly control safety, efficiency, and customer service, they are the key to the business. The network, service reliability, operating cost, and profitability is fundamentally in the hands of pilots. Earthjet has ensured that in this business structure pilots can make the most money, because they in fact add the most value.
- Aircraft designed to generate profits from frequent short and medium range flights- Franchisees will have access to the purpose-built Earthjet aircraft - a distinctively unfair advantage over competitors equipped with business jets or small, light-duty, uncomfortable-by-comparison, microjets, for example. The Earthjet aircraft has been designed for the mission. Acquisition and operating economics enable franchisee success. Performance is matched to the realities of air taxi, and the economic requirements inherent in appealing to a large market. Earthjet focuses on Cost per Available Seat Mile as our key metric. Payload/range is tailored to the market requirement, as well as the profit model. Reliability, ease of maintenance, and maintenance costs are significantly improved making this aircraft especially well-suited for this business. The cabin, amenities, and luggage capacity will delight the passenger.
- Rapid response parts and support systems to enable mission readiness - Earthjet has not forgotten the support side of keeping aircraft flying and generating revenue. Support systems have been designed with the appropriate inventory levels and response times and to ensure dispatch reliability.
- Shared back office systems - Earthjet supports the network with centralized, cost-effective, and seamless back office systems, freeing pilots to concentrate on doing what they do best - fly customers.
- The easiest reservation systems - Customers can locate the most convenient airport, review airport facilities and service amenities, establish itineraries, and book seat in seconds, all at a price that is both easy to understand and affordable.
- Integrated supply chain - Rather than ad-hoc arrangements with third-party organizations, Earthjet's supply chain is more of an integrated value network, designed for effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The Earthjet integrated supply chain will be a key innovation for air taxi, and a unique tool for delivering on our promises to customers and franchisees.
Franchising Provides a Competitive Advantage
- Pilots - Earthjet understands that pilots are the most important element in the business, and, franchising provides them with the greatest opportunity to earn rewards matched to the value they add. Franchising provides the ideal opportunity to balance the equation of gain for value added.
- Scale - It's a simple concept: larger scale equals lower cost. Franchising is a proven method for achieving scale in a service business. Earthjet's large network facilitates volume pricing and economies of scale for nearly all purchases, including aircraft, equipment, fuel, maintenance, flight support services and virtually everything else. Affordability for the passenger is built into the system, and based upon Earthjet's franchise structure. Reaching ever greater numbers of passengers requires growing the network. Area Developments and Master Franchises' are strategic tools which facilitate growth, as well.
- Branding - Franchising allows the business owner to leverage national branding and advertising. Mom and Pop charter companies, and regional charter businesses cannot afford national awareness programs. This limitation has been an important barrier to attracting many passengers. Traditionally structured air taxi companies will be unable to compete against this important competitive advantage.
- Quality control - Standardization and strategies for assuring consistent, superior service are built into the Earthjet franchise system. Standardizing these elements is critical for safety, service reliability, and ultimately customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction results in repeat business and strong referral business, which are the secrets to success for almost any service business.
- Financing - Franchising offers advantageous financing arrangements, where up to 100% financing can be available for the franchise including the equipment and other costs associated with the franchise. To learn about our financing options, click here.
A Brand Built on Your Success
Franchise owners license the Earthjet brand, including trademark rights, service marks, logos, the operating systems, and advertising. Instead of having to scratch out a niche, you will be part of an evolutionary market force, with the momentum of a well-planned network behind it. Best of all, it's in your chosen profession, aviation. Of fundamental importance is alignment - it's in our best interest to see you succeed, because Earthjet only does well, when you succeed.
A Complete Business System
The Earthjet system includes specially-designed equipment, training, operating processes, reservations and back-office systems, branding, advertising, and promotional campaigns - all working together to deliver the highest possible levels of customer service and profitability. Unlike starting a new business on your own, you'll have the advantage of the Earthjet network, providing guidance at every step while you establish operations from your exclusive territory. Our goal is for you to focus on profitable flight operations and great customer service, while we anticipate your needs, meet them, and eliminate all the back office hassles.
A Select Few
An Earthjet franchise is designed for the accomplished pilot who loves to fly and understands our target client - the frequent traveler. Our criteria for a potential franchisee includes superior piloting skills, an excellent record and a strong desire to provide superior customer service. In short, we're looking for like-minded individuals with the drive to leverage the Earthjet System for the success of their own business, and the good sense to recognize the advantage of not having to go at it alone.
For Further information on Franchise Opportunities click here or call or 1-866-4-EARTHJET (432-7845)
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