Latin America-based private aviation marketplace Flapper is to expand into Europe under the leadership of senior partner Manoel Assunção, who says the company has already been testing its business model in Europe since January of this year. It has so far commercialised more than 100 charter flights and empty leg deals together with local operators in southern Europe and will initially be operating out of Lisbon, Portugal.

“We see southern Europe as a natural extension of our business expansion, especially considering our Brazilian roots. We have recurring clients from Latin America, and our research demonstrated less competition in the region compared to other parts of the continent,” says Assunção.

Flapper boasts a proprietary air charter inventory of more than 1,000 general aviation aircraft in Latin America and allows real-time charter quotes and, upon owner's approval, the sale of individual seats. It also commercialises two fixed routes in Brazil, including Pilatus PC-12-based flights between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In 2021 the company reported two and a half times growth of its year-on-year revenues, having accrued 300,000 users of its mobile app.

Its plans for 2022 include local hirings in Spain, Italy and Switzerland. To boost its European footprint, Flapper will continue registering new business jets and helicopters on its platform, while looking to integrate local flight procurement providers. High-season flights between Mallorca and Algarve will likely be offered on a by-the-seat basis, including frequent departures from London.