Wheels Up Making Tech Acquisition

Wheels Up has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire some of the assets of flight management systems provider Avianis Systems. The move is expected to accelerate development of the private aviation membership company’s next-generation digital services, including its charter marketplace. Specifically, Wheels Up is creating technology to help private aircraft operators move their business to a streamlined, digital platform that will offer post-booking automation; calculate real-time pricing, feasibility, and availability; and create new revenue streams through access to additional demand for flights.

The acquisition also will enable Wheels Up to move faster in developing a charter marketplace that aims to connect a real-time supply of verified aircraft that are safety vetted with its more than 6,000 members, who will benefit from the access to additional lift and competitive pricing.

“The talented team at Avianis will be a formidable addition to our expanding organization as we build out the most advanced digital platform in private aviation,” Wheels Up chief information officer and executive v-p for digital Dan Crowe said. “Avianis will further help us tech-enable operators in the running of their businesses.”

The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close by the end of this month.