US software company WingTips has formed strategic partnerships that it hopes will propel it into the European, Middle Eastern and African markets with Gleam and Bluxe Global.

"This is a case of the market timing being perfect for a completely new air service that addresses a huge pain point. WingTips has a stellar team with decades of experience in advanced flight systems and strategies, and what they have designed will make short-distance travel on business aircraft a reality for a large part of the population. Additionally, WingTips thought ahead and has relationships with electrified aircraft companies to deliver their service while reducing emissions. In fact, based on what it is hearing from some of its partners, a WingTips flight with eight passengers on a hybrid-electric aircraft will produce fewer emissions than if the passengers drove themselves," says Gleam executive director RJ Mollen.

Alongside this, WingTips will add executive positions in the US, Europe and UK while adding to its board. RJ Mollen becomes vice president, strategic investments with responsibilities to formulate business development and the creation of a WingTips aircraft investment fund for the US and EMEA. Joseph Farodoye, CEO of Bluxe Global, becomes commercial director with a focus on shaping WingTips' commercial operations, investment structure, marketing and communications.

The combined team is working on a seed funding round of $10 million to continue development of the platform and launch service in EMEA. These seasoned professionals will play a crucial role in shaping strategic direction and ensuring continued growth trajectory.

WingTips' software platform is positioned to address the growing demand for short-haul shared flights, a market projected to reach a staggering $30 billion by 2030. The platform seamlessly connects passengers with private aircraft, enabling them to book and manage flights with ease.

"Normally a company at WingTips' young stage would stay focused on its home market for another couple of years. But the partnership potential with Gleam and Bluxe is amazing. And the EMEA markets have unique characteristics that make them attractive to WingTips' flight service. This includes a much greater focus on reducing CO2 emissions, the use of electrified aircraft and providing air services to underserved communities, bringing value to the residents and businesses in these areas," says CEO and founder Mike Azzarello.

WingTips is also venturing into the electric aircraft and eVTOL industries, driven by the demand for seamless air-to-ground integration and a more sustainable travel experience. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics will showcase the world's first commercial eVTOL flights and serve as a clear testament to the future of aviation and the use of software platforms. Its expansion into Europe and the broader EMEA region aligns perfectly with this vision for a more interconnected and sustainable travel experience.

"Success witnessed in the US region has paved the way for a substantial opportunity in the EMEA area, strategically capitalising on the growing demand for private aviation in underserved regions. WingTips, underpinned by significant strides in sustainable flight and coupled with astute local intelligence, is primed to solidify its position as a market leader," says Farodoye.