PRIVATEFLY.COM SEEKS £1.5M SECOND ROUND INVESTMENT FUNDING TO ACCELERATE GROWTH

PrivateFly.com, Europe's leading online aggregator for private jet charter, today announces it is seeking second round investment funding to accelerate its expansion into international markets. The business was recently voted Website Of The Year by Flight International, which described it as the "iTunes of aviation", recognising its unique, purpose-built technology for the private charter market.

PrivateFly, which has relationships with over 2,700 accredited private jet operators globally, raised £510,000 in first round fundraising in June 2010, allowing development of its UK proposition and entry into other English-language markets. The company is now seeking a further £1.5 million, with EIS relief available to investors

The second fundraising round comes as PrivateFly announced another year of sales growth. It reported a 50 per cent increase to its year end 31 May 2011, its third consecutive year of growth - outstripping overall market trends. PrivateFly was also ranked as the fastest growing company in the UK aircraft charter industry by Plimsoll Business Intelligence, 2011.

PrivateFly's chairman, Richard Carrick, comments: "This represents an exciting opportunity for new investors. PrivateFly is a proven online business model with three years of trading and fulfils a significant market need. The private aviation industry is growing again, yet it is still highly fragmented and dominated by legacy business practices - it has yet to see the major online shift experienced by other travel sectors. The adhoc charter segment also holds strong appeal post-recession, rather than the upfront commitment and price premium of fractional ownership or jet card schemes.

"PrivateFly is poised to take superb advantage with a disruptive business model that mirrors the online success stories of other travel products. It is far more scalable than the traditional brokerage, giving transparent pricing and greater response speeds to the customer - combined with expert VIP service offline. The online platform is also a highly attractive free marketing opportunity for aircraft operators and facilitates distribution partnerships with the broader travel trade.

"The business already has traction in the UK and a highly-skilled senior management team. The additional funding now sought will drive a well-considered growth strategy through accelerated expansion, marketing and translation into new markets. Further software developments will also allow greater operational efficiencies".

Those seeking further information on the second round investment fundraising should contact Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly on +44 1747 642777.

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PrivateFly.com: Business profile - Adam Twidell (CEO)

PrivateFly was launched in 2007 by Adam Twidell, who had previously served 10 years as an RAF pilot and three years at NetJets. Prior to founding PrivateFly, Adam successfully managed London City Airport's bid to start a private jet hub at RAF Northolt and today he continues some flying as a private jet pilot. With this all-round understanding from every perspective (pilot, passenger, airport, handling agent), he saw the opportunity presented by the inefficiency of the private charter market.

Through his years of market analysis and canvassing industry and customer opinions, he understood the urgent requirement for a transparent online network, linking passengers directly to available aircraft. He also established that there was nothing in the European market that exploited the brokering power of the internet, to allow customers to search and compare private charter options. This idea was developed into the early business model for PrivateFly, and he began to develop the bespoke software in early 2007.

Adam is passionate about the private jet industry and has strong views about the challenges that it faces, with ideas and insight on the changes required to take the industry forward. In addition to Adam, the senior team of PrivateFly boasts impressive credentials:

Carol Cork (sales & marketing director) has worked with luxury brands for 14 years at Condé Nast, Emap, Arcadia Group and Value Retail Plc.
Richard Carrick (non-executive chairman) has over 30 years experience in the leisure sector with Forte Hotels, Airtours/MyTravel; most recently he was CEO of PE-backed Hoseasons, driving the business to a very successful exit.
John Bevan (non-executive director) has 20+ years travel industry experience, including Emap Digital, Online Travel Corporation and as UK MD at lastminute.com.

Notes to editors:

A case study of a first round investor in PrivateFly is available on request.