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Earlier this year, New York City based private jet charter Apollo Jets partnered with Wheels Up to pioneer the first of these sort of apps, releasing their 8760 program, which is downloadable directly from the App Store. Since December of 2008, Apollo Jets has become one of the most respected private jet charters in the country. And while they boast a large portfolio of celebrity clients, the company itself did not grow from a barrage of advertising or promotions, but rather by word of mouth. The company's organic growth is attributed to its fundamental principle of relationship building. When Apollo Jets President Dean Giasi co-founded the company eight years ago after leaving Wall Street, his goal wasn't to sell planes, but rather to create a next level concierge service that is personal, tailored to the unique needs of each unique client. Giasi explained, "We know our clients. We anticipate what they want before they know they want it. We build their trust, and trust comes with anonymity. When I fly a celebrity, they know that paparazzi won't meet them on the tarmac. There is no service desk with an 800 number, it's just us speaking directly to the client." In addition, unlike commercial airlines, Apollo charges no upfront fees. Clients know the cost of their flight and are invoiced after the fact. Much like the way they've built the company, 8760 was crafted to give clients the same level of exclusivity and service. While users can book private flights, check past flight itineraries, and estimated travel times with the swipe of a finger, 8760 is much more than just an app. Unlike the Lyfts and Ubers of the world, 8760 is a unique membership program that is about accessibility. In addition, to having access to the luxurious Wheels Up private fleet of brand new King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircrafts, members gain admission to Apollo's luxury suites at concerts and sporting events, as well as access to Wheels Down events at the Super Bowl, The Masters and Art Basel. 8760 Members also have access to unique "meet and greet" opportunities with pro athletes and entertainers. Apollo Jets may be well equipped to serve high profile individuals but 8760 isn't just for celebrities, it's also for the local professional. Members pay an annual fee of $5,950, which grants them access to all of the program's perks, including its Hot Flights feature. Users can choose to be alerted (in real-time) when hot flights "empty leg" routes become available (40 percent of all charter flights are empty every day). These one way empty jet charters, which are usually on a return flight, can be purchased or shared at a sizeable discount. Empty leg opportunities have massive appeal for last minute travel plans or when commercial airlines have canceled flights. Apollo Jets' Aircraft Charter Consultant, and former corporate pilot, Brian Hillen explained, "There are times that all VUE ON LIFESTYLE V U E N J . C O M 75

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