NetJets and Aerion are to explore NetJets becoming the exclusive business jet operator for the global mobility platform, Aerion Connect. A vision for a future global mobility ecosystem, Aerion Connect is expected to integrate multiple, currently siloed urban and regional networks and provide a point-to-point travel experience, optimised for speed and luxury across multiple modes of transportation.

“As the leader in private aviation, we constantly look for ways to be on the cutting-edge, and expanding our fleet to become the exclusive business jet operator for Aerion Connect is a thrilling next step,” says Adam Johnson, chairman and CEO of NetJets. “Together, we will be exploring the integration of the AS2 supersonic business jet into NetJets' global network, and we are honoured to be its chosen partner to enable the Aerion Connect vision.”

“At Aerion our vision is to build a future where humanity can travel between any two points on our planet within three hours, and this new partnership is a significant step towards realising that vision,” says Aerion's chairman, president and CEO Tom Vice. “Our strategy is to connect the very best partners in the world within a new mobility ecosystem optimised for speed and founded on sustainability. In NetJets and FlightSafety International we have two such partners; both globally recognised leaders in their fields who share our passion for a new era of mobility that is both fast and at the same time kind to our planet.”

In collaboration with FlightSafety International, Aerion will also develop a supersonic flight training academy for civil, commercial, and military supersonic aircraft. The Aerion-branded facility will channel FSI's comprehensive global training expertise to provide a centre of excellence for supersonic flight training and education, shaping the flight crews of the future.

“We're excited to bring FSI's signature passion for safety to Aerion's training academy,” comments Brad Thress, CEO of FlightSafety International. “This partnership marries Aerion's innovation and our long-established experience, opening up new opportunities in the supersonic aircraft space and the future of the industry as a whole.”

Underlining the long-term focus of the partnership, NetJets has also obtained purchase rights for 20 AS2 supersonic business jets, which start production at Aerion Park in Melbourne, Florida in 2023. With significant growth achieved through 2020 and 2021, Aerion's global order backlog for the AS2 is now valued at more than USD $10 billion. The new AS2, the first supersonic aircraft to enter commercial service in 51 years and the world's first supersonic business aircraft, continues to advance toward its manufacturing start after concluding wind tunnel validation late last year.

Aerion has also appointed Sean McGeough as VP of sales, supporting the company's effort to grow a global market presence ahead of the AS2 supersonic business jet commencing production in 2023.

McGeough brings over 20 years of extensive industry experience, joining Aerion's global sales team from Wheels Up where he was the executive VP of corporate sales. His expertise will be directed towards accelerating Aerion's growing fleet sales and international footprint, supported by a growing AS2 order backlog.

“Sean is an incredibly well-respected sales leader with an in-depth knowledge of our industry and the expectations of our customers,” remarks Matt Cram, chief commercial officer and executive VP of sales and marketing. “We are excited to welcome him to the team and have him represent Aerion in delivering exceptional service to our international customer base as we bring the AS2 to market.”

McGeough has held senior sales and general management positions with industry leaders including Hawker Beechcraft, Nextant Aerospace and most recently Wheels Up. He says “The AS2 is about more than just saving time; it is about creating a new era in air travel. The world is about to become a whole lot smaller, and I'm very excited to be part the journey with the Aerion team.”