The travel industry has taken the biggest hit when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
Just recently, major U.S. airline companies collectively laid off tens of thousands of workers as air travel plummeted due to travel restrictions nationwide.
But there are some businesses in the travel industry that have witnessed a demand in business, including private jet companies as those who can afford it look for a safer mans to travel.
Glenn Gonzales, the owner of Jet It, a business jet fractional ownership company, is reaping the benefits from its clientele of wealthy travelers.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, Gonzales told Black Enterprise that he has seen a dramatic increase demand which has allowed him to invest $60 million to expand his company including his private charter company Jet Club.
“We have seen our business grow 300% in the 2nd and 3rd quarter of this year,” he told Black Enterprise. “While the private jet travel industry has not increased in total volume, Jet It has seen exponential interest in prospective customers actively seeking a solution to their travel needs.”
Gonzalez has created a business model that is based on “owning a jet” that allows clients to travel to multiple destinations in one day at only $1,600 per hour per flight, according to the company website.
“We are blessed that business is strong and we believe we will continue to set new records as the year proceeds,” he added.
This good news for Gonzales as Black-owned businesses continue to struggle during the pandemic.
Only 3% of commercial pilots are African American, which means there is far less representation when it comes to Black-owned businesses in the charter industry.