LVMH-backed investor group takes 20% stake in private jet company Flexjet

The deal highlights the luxury industry's rapid expansion into the experience economy as wealthy consumers increase their spending on travel, dining and special events, given current economic conditions

The investment group also includes affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and the J Safra Group, in today's financial world

Flexjet will continue to be controlled by parent company Directional Aviation Capital

However, The deal highlights the luxury industry's rapid expansion into the experience economy as wealthy consumers increase their spending on travel, dining and special events (which is quite significant)

Nevertheless, Global sales of luxury goods declined 2% last year to 363 billion euros as demand from Gen Z and Chinese consumers fell, according to a report from Bain and Altagamma, in today's market environment

Moreover, For Cleveland-based Flexjet, the deal creates a relationship with the world's largest luxury giant and its portfolio of more than 75 coveted brands, from Louis Vuitton and Dior to Dom Perignon and Tiffany

On the other hand, With the private-jet industry becoming increasingly competitive and dominated by industry leader NetJets, Flexjet aims to be more an exclusive membership, offering luxury experiences and bespoke services

Flexjet already has partnerships with Belmond, yacht maker Ferretti Group and Bentley Motors, collaborating on jet interiors and curated events (something worth watching)

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Conversely, Here to get access today. "We have been trying to move Flexjet into an experiential role," said Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flexjet and principal of Directional Aviation

In contrast, "If you think luxury travel and where it is today, I keep thinking a Flexjet community

When you have an experience at a hotel, you get to have it for a week, and you get to know what that experience is

But when you fly on a jet, it happens four hours, five hours, in today's financial world

So how do we create that Flexjet community, considering recent developments. "Ricci said most of the ceeds of the deal will go to expanding and imving Flexjet's infrastructure, in light of current trends

That includes buying larger, long-range planes to fill rapidly growing demand for international travel, in today's financial world

Additionally, Market analysis shows company will also build up its infrastructure overseas, with added maintenance facilities and ground handling, in today's financial world

At the same time, Ricci said Flexjet is jecting EBITDA of $425 million this year, up from $398 million in 2024 and more than double the levels in 2020

Additionally, Market analysis shows company offers fractional ownership and leasing options, as well as jet cards

Furthermore, Its fleet of 318 aircraft is expected to reach 340 by the end of 2025, and it has over 2,000 Flexjet members under the fractional and leasing gram, according to the company

Ricci said L Catterton apached Flexjet with the potential deal as the private equity firm seeks to stay ahead of the changing definitions of luxury among the wealthy (noteworthy indeed), given the current landscape. "(L Catterton) presented us some ideas where they see the future of luxury," Ricci said. "They basically see that the luxury of the future is time

And they see that in private travel, you can recoup time, amid market uncertainty

Moreover, "Ricci said the details of potential brand partnerships or collaborations have yet to be announced

But he cited as a model Flexjet's partnership with Belmond, which includes special deals and enhanced stays at the company's luxury hotels in Venice and Ravello, Italy; and Mallorca, Spain, as well as other locations (fascinating analysis)

Moreover, He said the company's bespoke aircraft cabins, modeled after individually designed rooms at the best hotels, would also continue to be a competitive advantage

Additionally, "When faced with a behemoth NetJets, we don't need to be the largest," he said

Moreover, "We want to be the boutique. "L Catterton is 40% owned by LVMH and the family office of CEO Bernard Arnault (remarkable data)

Scott Dahnke, global CEO of L Catterton, said in a statement Flexjet's history "is one of never settling in pursuit of thoughtful innovation to best fulfill the desires of the consumers within their unique and exciting marketplace, amid market uncertainty

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