Crypto payment methods: Aviation company Intelli.Jet partners with Swapin
Founded in 2023 by Paul Turner, Intelli.Jet was created with a simple vision: to build a private jet charter brokerage that puts clients first. Specialising in charters across the UK and Europe, they offer seamless access to destinations worldwide.
The company specialises in more than just flights, providing smooth, personalised travel experiences with expert guidance at every step. Intelli.Jet partners only with the best operators, ensuring aircraft, crew training, maintenance, and safety meet the highest standards.
In this exclusive interview with Swapin, Paul talks about his journey in aviation so far, the market trends, and his decision to add crypto payment methods to his website for the global clientele.
Behind the brand: Intelli.Jet
Q: Paul, you launched Intelli.Jet in 2023 after a long career across aviation and luxury automotive. What gap in the market convinced you to start your own company?
A: Having completed a significant amount of research, I found there were many brokers that were seemingly being less than transparent with their pricing, and in some cases, misleading clients. My aim is to change that by being 100% transparent, by genuinely putting the client first, not just telling them I do.
Q: You’ve spoken about your early love of aviation. How has that lifelong passion influenced the way Intelli.Jet operates today?
A: Many clients are not so called frequent fliers, and those without the knowledge benefit from my experience in aviation when it comes to aircraft types. This means I can find the correct jet for their needs for every charter.
Q: Having worked with premium automotive, how does that luxury-sector experience shape your approach in aviation?
A: People who fly privately also tend to buy premium cars. These are the clients I’m ultimately aiming my business at. However, they are not foolish with their finances, and know when something brings value. Knowing the difference between cost, and value, is a big part of their decision making process, and I’ve seen this approach to purchasing throughout my automotive career.
Differentiation in a crowded and competitive market
Q: The charter industry is crowded. What’s Intelli.Jet’s edge, differentiating you from others?
A: As previously mentioned, Intelli.Jet brings a more personal approach to the charter brokerage market. Many brokerage companies see clients as a way to make money, and not much more. Intelli.Jet sees them as people, human beings, with a particular problem they are looking to solve in the best way that suits them, but also in a way that doesn’t take up too much of their precious time.
I also try to get to know my clients on a more personal level, so finding out what they like and dislike over time can really enhance their overall chartering experience.
Q: Intelli.Jet is the founding member of the Air Charter Bridge Alliance. Why was it important to align with a vetted network so quickly?
A: Quite simply, the need to be an authority in the private jet charter space. There are a whole array of people out there just pretending to be legitimate brokers, and frankly, it’s obvious they don’t really know what they’re doing.
There are many scammers too. Being part of a vetted network immediately brings trust, which cannot be underestimated when people are talking about spending 100’s of thousands of pounds, dollars, or euro’s.
Managing customer expectations
Q: How has the demand for private jet charters grown? What’s changed most about the client base you’re serving?
A: Prior to the pandemic, private jet charter was beyond the reach of all but the 1%’ers. However, during the pandemic it reached new highs in terms of demand, mainly because people realised they could fly, without having to fly with other passengers, and reduce their own risk of potential infection.
Since Covid, many of those people continue to fly private because they found it was a way to gain time, and navigate away from crowded airport terminals and have a more relaxing experience overall. Those who found they could justify at least one or two private charters a year, decided they didn’t want to return to commercial flights, even in 1st class.
So while the client base has changed in terms of size, the demands they bring haven’t changed anything like as much. They can tailor their flight however they desire, that’s the exclusivity of flying at the pinnacle of the air transport market.
Q: Shared charters are becoming more common. Do you see that as a gateway for new customers into private aviation, or just a niche offering?
A: Certainly it’s a gateway into the private charter market, but it’s a lot more complex than people realise. I fully understand why anyone would love to fly privately without the ‘large’ price tag, but it also kind of reduces the whole ‘flying private’ aspect – it’s not private if you’re sharing.
Crypto payments entering the field
Q: What led you to make that decision behind accepting crypto payments?
A: Having been trading for a few years now, I’ve had a number of clients ask me if I accept crypto payments. Clearly this is something that will increase over time, and being able to accept multiple payment solutions has to make sense moving forward. If we don’t change and adapt then we become stale and irrelevant.
Q: Luxury clients are often early adopters of alternative payments. How has the feedback or demand been from your customer base regarding crypto payment methods been so far?
A: I’ve not had much feedback yet, as I have been able to accept crypto for only a couple of months. The clients I’ve advised of the changes, have said it’s something they might consider in the future, should their need arise. It’s great to have the option right now though as some clients could decide to book simply because you accept that form of payment.
Q: What role do you see crypto payment methods playing in broadening access to private jet charter? Is it mainly about convenience for existing clients, or could it attract a new demographic of flyers?
A: I feel it’s the convenience side of things. Anything that saves time and effort for a private jet client is a good way to go. They do spend time looking for ways to streamline their booking process and ‘cut to the chase’. We’ve all heard the saying; “Time is Money” – never more appropriate than in the private jet sector.
Q: How has your experience been with Swapin? What does working with a specialist partner like us add to Intelli.Jet’s offering?
A: So far it’s been superb, although I’m still to book a flight from a client wishing to pay with crypto. Ask me again in 12 months!
Future plans for Intelli.Jet
Q: What’s next in line for Intelli.Jet in the coming years?
A: The business is always looking to evolve. I’ll keep an eye on new technology, systems, and further my connections with operators and brokers alike. Watch this space.
Q: What advice would you give to businesses in private aviation who are considering crypto payment methods but aren’t sure how to approach it?
A: Get in touch with Swapin. They make the process as easy and straightforward as possible, and the best bit is they don’t charge anything for the crypto transactions. How many banks offer the same?
A word from Swapin CEO & Founder
Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO of Swapin, shared his thoughts on the partnership with Intelli.jet
When companies like Intelli.Jet decide to future-proof their businesses, it’s a signal that brands are not only catching on to the increasing demands but they also understand that it’s more than just a trend.
Paul was ready to tap into the growing market and offer his future clients the option to pay with crypto. Such a business strategy is always fascinating to see when companies debate whether or not to accept crypto payments.
The regulations are shifting and so is the attitude when it comes to cryptocurrencies. In such cases, businesses that position themselves as tech-forward will be rewarded with scaling international markets and global clientele.
Now is the time to enter the eager crypto market space and set yourself apart from your competition.
Crypto payment method that takes minutes to launch
Swapin’s crypto payment methods allow businesses to settle payments in real-time and offer their clients the payment option they need. Businesses can now accept crypto payments from clients and receive direct EUR payouts to their bank account.
No wallets, no complex integration, no volatility.
Curious about how your business can access a global client base?
Chat with our team or book a demo here to explore the possibilities.
