Summary

  • BARK Air’s white paw Experience welcomed dogs onboard with dog-friendly treats and a dogs-first mindset for a comfortable flight.
  • CEO Matt Meeker’s vision for an airline catering to dogs led to this innovative pet-friendly charter service.
  • Despite competition from private jet companies allowing pets onboard their jets, BARK Air is the first airline designed explicitly for dog passengers.

As Fox Business reported, a private, up-and-coming dog charter airline completed its first flight from Westchester County Airport in New York City to Los Angeles’ Van Nuys airport on Thursday. Several breeds and their people were onboard. The flight was reported to have been operated using a chartered Gulfstream G500.

Gulfstream G500

Photo: Gulfstream

The online publication reports the flight was ten years in the making; the operator reportedly said

we are finally confident that we can provide all dogs with the air travel experience they deserve: one that puts them first. We could not be more excited to finally be able to welcome your dog (and you) onboard.

She added that BARK’s Chief of Staff Katharine Enos reportedly told FOX Business the flight was successful.

“There were a mix of breeds onboard including chihuahuas, a golden retriever and dachshunds,” she continued. “Happy to report there was no dog drama; some dogs played in the aisle while the smaller dogs took nice long naps. All dogs snacked on BARK cereal treats for dogs, dog-friendly cupcakes, chicken-flavored cappuccinos, and doggie champagne (chicken broth). The humans onboard all got along as well and felt connected in their shared obsession with their dogs.””Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight filled with dogs,”

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Photo: BARK Air

The company wrote on Instagram on Thursday, commemorating the first flight.

“Unlike any flight before it, these dogs are not merely an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and fellow travelers. Here, dogs are the foremost priority. Every single detail of this flight experience has been crafted with a ‘dogs-first’ mindset.”

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K9 Jets To Begin Flying Pets Between Dubai & London In September

The service starts at nearly $10,000 for one passenger and a furry friend.

Why BARK Air?

The CEO of BARK, Matt Meeker, reportedly told FOX,

I was unable to travel with him long distances and had the idea that there should be an airline that caters to dogs,” he revealed. “We cater everything to the dog, trying to lower their anxiety and their stress, so they have the most comfortable, fear-free experience on an airplane.

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Photo: BARK Air

This particular leg was reported to have cost owners some $6,000 for one dog and its owner. Like VIP charters, this service doesn’t require TSA checkpoints. An added benefit for dog owners is that no cress is needed, allowing pets to roam freely in the cabin.

Related

BARK Air To Launch First-Ever Puppy Jet Service From Westchester County Airport In May

The carrier is set to become the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs.

What will the competitive landscape look like for the provider?

While BARK Air is the first private charter company to offer a service specially tailored for man’s best friend, most premier private jet companies also offer pet services. BARK Air will face competition from other operators, such as VistaJet, which currently offers services that make dogs fly comfortably.

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Private Jets For Hire: Inside VistaJet & XO With President Leona Qi

The two brands make up synergistic arms of Vista’s operation worldwide and offer passengers a variety of choices.

VistaJet ensures the safety of animal passengers by training each Cabin Host in pet first aid. The operators claim that their cabin attendants have completed an extensive training program, including education on the latest health and safety standards for pet care and air travel, pet CPR procedures, better understanding of behaviors, and reading canine body language. VistaJet operates as a charter service, allowing you to bring your dog anywhere.

What do you think of this new charter operator? Let us know in the comments

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