Leading private jet charter
marketplace leader Victor has announced an $18m co-investment from BBA Aviation,
BP Ventures and existing shareholders to help form the newly-created Alyssum
Group. The formation of
Alyssum Group is the beginning of a significant, long-term initiative with
backing from key strategic players in the aviation industry. Led by Clive
Jackson, who entered the private jet charter market with Victor in 2011, the
group will create a ‘connected’ ecosystem enabling stakeholders across the
aviation industry to boost efficiency and maximise profitability by sharing data
and business intelligence, and developing a robust set of commercial and
business standards that ensures the general aviation sector continue to advance.
Booking transparency, underpinned
by smart technology and ‘high touch’ customer service, have been at Victor’s
industry disrupting core since its launch. Disclosing operator tail numbers and
capped booking fees has enabled the company to build customer trust and become a
leading provider of on-demand jet charter. The same ethos of transparency will
underpin Alyssum Group. In connecting proven, forward-thinking industry players
willing to support change, the company aims to improve the end-to-end charter
quotation, booking and transction processes between operators and charter
re-sellers (brokers) and, in doing so, create greater consistency of charter
service and delivery.
BBA Aviation (market cap value
$3.73bn) is a market leading, global aviation support and aftermarket services
provider. BBA’s Signature Flight Support business operates the world’s largest
fixed base operation network for business & general aviation users, and the
investment in Victor will enable it to explore cutting edge ways to better serve
passengers, operators and aircraft owners as well as develop a broader set of
partnerships across the business & general aviation industry.
BP Ventures’ further investment
reinforces its commitment to identify and invest in private, high-growth,
game-changing technology companies, accelerating cutting edge innovations and
supporting the wider BP business.
Clive Jackson,
Alyssum Group, Founder & CEO, said: “Victor’s first fundraising in 2012, was the
start of a 10-year plan that has helped the company become the number one
consumer brand and underlying e-commerce platform for the general aviation
industry, and paved the way for Alyssum Group’s creation. I’m excited about
facilitating further change across the general aviation industry, as well as
working with an expanded team of talented managers and partners for the next
phase of our journey.”
Mark Johnstone,
BBA Aviation, CEO designate, said: “We remain committed to delivering value in
business & general aviation, and bringing the best possible service to our many
discerning customers. Partnering with Victor and the broader Alyssum team allows
us to remain at the forefront of the most cutting edge digital advances in the
industry.”
Akira Kirton,
BP Ventures, Managing Director, said: “This latest investment reinforces our
commitment to Victor, and Alyssum Group, as a long-term strategic investor and
partner. We are keen to support Alyssum Group in its vision to create a digital
marketplace that services the entire private aviation industry, from customers
to suppliers. The creation of the group further demonstrates our pledge to
helping advance early-stage businesses whose technologies complement the wider
BP business, whilst also driving carbon reductions through BP’s Target Neutral
programme.”
Alyssum Group will be
headquartered in London, alongside the head office of its lead brand Victor. |