Moviation launches private jet service for Asian nations

A private jet for Moviation's new Vonaer Jet service / Courtesy of Moviation

Moviation has launched a private jet service for those departing from local airports in Korea and heading to select countries across Asia, according to the country’s first urban air mobility (UAM) service provider, Monday.

Moviation’s latest service using its online booking platform Vonaer is the company’s bid to expand the country’s general aviation market that is still at its fledgling phase. Majority of the public has been largely relying on seats provided by airliners for most long-distance travels, domestic or abroad.

Vonaer Jet transports customers between a local airport in Korea, including Gimpo International Airport, and those in Hong Kong, Japan, China and Singapore. Moviation has partnered with a private jet operator based outside Korea, making the service available at all the airports the company operates.

The service is available whenever customers want, a strength allowing the company to place itself apart from conventional airline companies that strictly follow preset time schedules to coordinate constantly crowding passengers at airports.

Users can also use reserved security path and customs check window at airports, avoiding queues and saving hours before boarding. Their flight, a 12-seat luxurious jet, is attended by a cabin crew who provide premium services including luxurious dining.

Moviation has launched Vonaer Jet less than two weeks away from Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holiday. To promote its new service with one of the country's biggest traditional holidays around the corner, the company is offering a 70 percent discount for those who book their departure dates between Sept. 14 and 20 .

Moviation CEO Shin Min said that the country’s general aviation market has a very high potential.

“I’ve repeatedly seen the needs for premium air mobility service,” Shin said. “As the country’s first UAM service provider, we’ll lead the country’s air mobility market, making it more attractive to more people.”

Moviation in June launched Vonaer and introduced its UAM service in Seoul. Using chartered helicopters between established Von Ports, existing helipads or upcoming vertiports, Vonaer began providing rides to passengers who book online through the platform's smartphone app. Reservations can be made for unoccupied slot in every hour.

The service platform carries passengers from Jamsil in southern Seoul to Incheon International Airport in 20 minutes, a trip taking about two hours by road. From Jamsil to Yangjae in southern Seoul, a high-congestion route requiring around an hour of driving during rush hour, it takes just five minutes.