Aero Launches Semi-Private Jet Service Between Los Angeles and Napa

Large and overtly hairy, the two non-verbal passengers retreated to the back of the aircraft, one choosing to spread out on the floor rather than remain seated after takeoff, and both blatantly disinterested in the onboard wine-tasting emprise. Yet these were no ordinary travelers but oversized designer dogs, and this was no ordinary flight. Welcome to Aero‘s new nonstop to Napa.

A semi-private jet service, Aero was the brainchild of Garrett Camp, one of the cofounders of Uber, and started as an island hopper between Mykonos and Ibiza only three years ago. Now, though, it solely operates in the U.S., specializing in tony vacation destinations favored by residents on the West Coast, beginning with regular trips to Aspen, Colo.; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Los Cabos, Mexico—all from its base of operations at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. Then, at the end of September, Aero went wheels up on its first flight to Northern California’s renowned wine region in time for harvest season.

“We’re bringing something to Napa that didn’t exist—direct service from Los Angeles,” says Ben Klein, CEO of Aero. “Before we launched our route, vacationing in Napa from LA meant having to fly into an airport that is one to two hours away, more if there is traffic, not to mention the hassle and time spent waiting at a commercial airport.”

The luxury of time is certainly one of Aero’s primary selling points, as the ease of embarkation rivals that of having your own private jet. Drive to the front entrance of the Aero lounge and give your name to the curbside concierge while the valet takes your luggage and parks your car. Then, simply enjoy some Champagne—or a selection of healthy elixirs from Erewhon—until it’s time to walk a hundred yards or so to the awaiting 16-passenger Embraer ERJ-135. Once on board, you’ll find that every ample aisle and window seat is one and the same, guaranteeing personal space for all.

As we taxi down the runway, escaping the city’s congestion both in traffic and air quality, the smooth acceleration and hushed power are on par with that experienced in a Rolls-Royce automobile and its near-silent glide of thrust at full throttle. That is, of course, until the sound of the wheels retracting informs you of being airborne.

“Aero is committed to making the journey just as memorable and luxurious as the ultimate destination,” says Klein, though he adds that the carrier also enhances the latter with “the perks we are offering from our hotel and winery partners that are exclusive to Aero guests.”

Those perks begin almost immediately after the cruising altitude is reached, as a sampling from Sullivan Rutherford Estate Winery is served along with a selection of charcuterie and cheese. On our flight, glassware is filled with the vintner’s 2021 Estate Chardonnay, the 2018 Estate Merlot, and the 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; an ideal way to prime the palate before landing at Napa County Airport after a total flying time clocked at 57 minutes.

Once on the ground, our chauffeured Mercedes awaits to transport us to the Auberge Stanly Ranch, located right in the town of Napa with 135 standalone bungalows set amidst 715 vineyard-ensconced acres. The accommodations are arranged through Aero as part of its collaboration with Auberge. Opened in 2022, the property—defined by a modern-rustic aesthetic—joins its sibling Solage as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection in the region.

The following morning, after departing our 610-square-foot cottage—with indoor and outdoor showers, a large bathtub, and private veranda—we dine at Bear, featuring chef Anthony Stagnaro’s seasonal menu, before venturing forth to Frank Family Vineyards in neighboring Calistoga; a specialty tasting arranged by the resort’s concierge. Next on the pour procession comes Sullivan Rutherford in St. Helena, where owner Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla is intent on creating a renaissance for Merlot, followed by sipping some intriguing blends just down the road at Alpha Omega before calling it a sybaritic day.

As all weekend getaways go, this one ends before the mind can fully unpack, but the return trip proves just as effortless. Arriving at the tarmac 10 minutes before takeoff—our cadre of wine bottles in hand as perfectly acceptable carry ons—we board, buckle up, and are back in the air before our driver has likely left the drop-off area. A few more passengers this time, but still enough room for those same charismatic fur balls from before to recline in comfort alongside their owners.

Is there a drawback to Aero? Only that it doesn’t offer the same bespoke itinerary as a private jet. Flights to Napa are limited to Friday and Sunday departures from Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m. PT and 9:30 a.m. PT, respectively. Return flights are at 5:40 p.m. PT on Fridays and Noon PT on Sundays. As for Aero’s niche, it “fills the gap between commercial first-class travel and chartering a private jet,” according to Klein—a position substantiated by the starting fare of $725 roundtrip.

Aero’s rolling the dice that the success of its airline model continues as it has since announced the expansion to Palm Springs and Las Vegas from its Van Nuys hub. To launch the latter, Aero was offering its Jet In, Jet Out package for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23. Motorsport fans could fly from Los Angeles at 5:05 p.m. PT the night of the race, and return from Las Vegas at 2:20 a.m. PT, after the competition concluded. It was obviously a winning idea since the flight has sold out, though regular service begins on December 27.

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“In the next five years, Aero aims to expand its routes and origin markets and we will be looking at new aircraft to add to our fleet and expand the range of flights we can offer,” says Klein. “Our charter side of the business, limited-edition event flights, and hotel brand partnerships are expected to grow as well.” Southern California’s jet set, including designer dogs, should be delighted.

Click here for more photos of Aero’s Napa Experience.