Wheels Up, with new management in place and strengthened financial backing from Delta Air Lines, has shifted its market focus towards small and medium-size businesses. This move is aimed at complementing its existing service for private travelers. The company’s recently announced “Up for Business” initiative caters to businesses that spend a minimum of $250,000 on private travel annually. By leveraging its economy of scale, Wheels Up expects to provide attractive financial options to such customers.

The introduction of the “Up for Business” initiative targets a previously underserved portion of the market. Robert Bourrier, Wheels Up executive vice president for Global Sales, believes that smaller to medium-size businesses were previously restricted to either individual-focused products or solutions designed for large corporations. The company aims to deliver a tailored product for its members, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategy allows Wheels Up to optimize fleet utility and capture operational and financial benefits throughout the week by pursuing corporate customers with weekday business travel schedules.

Wheels Up has recently introduced two programs catering to corporate travelers. Its existing Custom Enterprise Solutions program is designed for larger businesses and high-volume individual fliers who invest at least $500,000 annually. The new program, Up for Business, targets small and medium-size corporate customers with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $300,000 per year. This program offers lower deposit requirements, initiation fees, and annual dues. It also boasts an 18-month contract term, round-trip discounts, and the benefit of same-day access to a second aircraft once per quarter.

Interestingly, with the backing of Delta Air Lines, Up for Business customers will receive frequent flyer benefits from the airline and can even use their Wheels Up deposit funds towards Delta tickets. This partnership enhances the value proposition for Wheels Up’s corporate customers.

Bob Somers, Delta senior vice president of Global Sales, recognizes the significance of the Up for Business customer segment in the overall business travel market. He expresses enthusiasm about working closely with the Wheels Up team to provide unparalleled service as leaders in commercial and private aviation.