Summary

  • Bark Air is facing a lawsuit in New York for violating airport regulations with their Gulfstream aircraft.
  • The company connects Westchester County to Los Angeles and plans to expand to London with aircraft carrying more than a dozen dogs.
  • Bark is a company that mainly focuses on quality dog food and treats, having ventured into aviation in April 2024.

A recent CBS News report revealed that local authorities in New York have taken legal action against Bark Air, asserting that the company’s Gulfstream aircraft violate airport usage regulations in Westchester County.

What happened?

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Photo: BARK Air

The lawsuit outlines that aircraft transporting more than nine passengers in chartered flights must adhere to commercial terminal operating protocols. In response, Bark Air stated that its aircraft are designed to accommodate 15 dogs alongside their human companions. Still, the company sells, at most, ten tickets for a single flight.

A Bark spokesperson told CBS News the charter provider would not comment on this specific issue but reassured customers that they didn’t believe this lawsuit would impact their operations.

A few weeks ago, Bark Air, a startup private jet charter broker focused on transporting dogs and their owners in exclusive aircraft, celebrated its first flight. It connects Westchester County near New York to Los Angeles and will soon launch international flights to London in the UK.

The aircraft used to operate these flights are Gulfstream G5s, typically designed to accommodate 12 to 15 passengers.

Simple Flying reached out to Bark but has not received an immediate response.

What are private terminals or FBOs?

Inside Sheltair FBO in Tampa, Florida.

Photo: Sheltair

The term “Fixed Base Operator,” or FBO, refers to a designated area and facility within an airport that caters exclusively to private and business aviation. An FBO functions as a commercial entity authorized by the airport to offer a range of services to its clientele, including passenger amenities, aircraft refueling, maintenance, parking, tie-down, and hangar space for aircraft. They are colloquially known as private terminals and are often used by VVIP charters.

Although smaller publicly owned airports might offer fueling services and house basic FBO facilities, most FBOs located at larger airports are operated by private companies. Despite providing functionalities similar to those of a standard airport terminal, FBOs distinguish themselves by delivering a more personalized service experience to their passengers.

Related

What Is A Private Jet FBO?

FBOs are airport facilities for business aircraft.

What is BARK Air all about?

During the launch event of their first-ever flight, CEO of BARK, Matt Meeker, reportedly told Fox about the reasons for starting the company:

“I could not travel long distances with him, and I thought there should be an airline that caters to dogs,” he revealed. “We cater everything to the dog, trying to lower their anxiety and stress, so they have the most comfortable, fear-free experience on an airplane.”

Initially, BARK did not venture into the air transport market; it focused on selling quality dog food through a subscription service.

Their most popular product is BarkBox, a box containing toys, treats, and snacks delivered monthly through the subscription above.

Related

Luxury Flights For Dogs: US’ Bark Air Commences Gulfstream G5 Operations

The dog-centered charter company now offers latest-generation jets.

TLDR

Bark Air is being sued in New York for violating airport regulations. The startup connects Westchester County to Los Angeles and plans to launch flights to London. The company’s Gulfstream aircraft allegedly transported more than nine passengers on chartered flights, which is against the commercial terminal operating protocols. The lawsuit is still ongoing despite Bark Air’s statement that their flights only accommodate at most ten passengers.

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