The aviation industry is thriving, as it is, in fact, one of the active industries worldwide. This is because almost every country has several airports in their major cities across the globe.
Despite today’s travel restrictions due to the global pandemic, airline companies scale up their businesses and continue to operate. Aircraft continues to travel in and out of the country, albeit with some precautions and safety measures. It only goes to show that the aviation industry is still one profitable industry.
For aspiring pilot entrepreneurs, the aviation industry offers plenty of business opportunities. If you’re looking to start a business in this industry, here are top business ideas to consider:
1. Airplane Brokerage and Consulting
Starting an airplane brokerage is a good idea. Whether you’re a retired pilot or still actively working in the industry, you can leverage your knowledge, skills, and expertise in aviation to launch this kind of business. As an airplane broker, your job is to serve as an intermediary between aircraft sellers and buyers.
While you’re at it, consider offering business consulting in aviation. You can work with various clientele, from big corporations to government agencies, and from individuals to businesses. You can help them find an aircraft and save up on sales pricing, fuel costs, and maintenance fees.
2. Private Charter and Flight Tour Business
The travel industry is thriving anywhere in the world. Sure, it may have subsided due to the COVID-19 crisis, but it will continue to operate and flourish in the long run. In fact, the National Business Aviation Association reveals that aircraft can travel to and from over 5,000 airports in the US.
If you’re a pilot, leverage your aviation knowledge and flight skills to offer a private charter. You can provide business tycoons, celebrities, and other personalities with private flights. Also, consider offering sightseeing tours, particularly if you live in a geographical hotspot. Be sure to work with local hotels and commercial establishments to assist clients with their accommodation needs.
3. Flight School
Another relevant aviation business is launching a flight school that provides flight programs and pilot training. You can offer professional flying lessons and training courses to aspiring pilots who want to learn how to fly an aircraft. As a pilot yourself, you can work as a teacher and mentor the students yourself.
Apart from offering classes on navigation, consider renting these planes to your students who need to complete their flight time. That way, you can help them obtain their licenses and become full-fledged pilots themselves.
4. Travel Agency
If you are a pilot, you know the ins and outs of the aviation industry. As such, leverage your industry knowledge and expertise to open a travel agency. This is one great way to make money from this industry with minimal startup capital.
As a travel agency, your business primarily provides flight ticketing and reservation services. However, you can go beyond these services. Be sure to help clients in securing visas, booking hotels, and connecting with taxi cabs and bus shuttle services. You’ll be surprised at how profitable this business is, and how you’ll eventually have many high returns in time.
5. Skydiving Company
Aside from traveling, a lot of individuals are into extreme sports and adventures. Some enjoy the thrill, excitement, and adrenaline rush that come with skydiving. As a pilot, you may want to give in to these individuals’ adventure needs.
That said, consider launching a skydiving company. You can offer world-class diving experiences, skydive training programs, and sport jumping. Just be sure to hire highly qualified instructors, offer reliable gear and facilities, and ensure the utmost safety of your clients. In the end, this can be such a lucrative business to venture into.
6. Motivational Speaking Enterprise
Did you know that some pilots in the military have ended up becoming motivational speakers? Most of these pilots had experiences in combat situations. These experiences led them to become motivational speakers, as they would relate their flying experiences with life lessons.
Surprisingly, you can get into this field of endeavor. Consider taking this path less traveled, particularly if you have great communication skills and are very comfortable with public speaking. This motivational speaking career can be a prosperous business. Not only is this career profitable, but it is also very fulfilling.
There are no signs of stopping for the aviation industry. Sure, it has slowed down a bit due to the global pandemic. However, it is still thriving and will continue to thrive in the next few years to come. So what better way to do as an aspiring pilot entrepreneur than to consider the top aviation business ideas above and soon start your own business?
