While starting your own airline may not be the most lucrative idea, there are a number of ways you can start your own business in the aviation industry and be successful. You just need to find a niche that needs to be filled in your area. And if you are worried about your own flying abilities, you don’t need to be.
Not all businesses in the aviation industry actually involve flying, so you don’t have to be concerned with getting your pilot’s license. However, you do need to have knowledge that is specific to the industry, particularly in the niche you are trying to fill. And if you are looking for a little bit of inspiration, here are some of the best ideas for small businesses in the aviation industry:
Aviation Fueling Service (AEG Fuels)
Because everyone plane needs fuel, this is a necessary, and subsequently successful service for any airline or airport, and it caters to commercial and private airlines alike. All you need is some experience in this airline industry and enough capital to get it off the ground, and you’ll be able to make a killing on this necessity.
2) FBO Sales and Advisory Services (FBO Advisors)
If you have a little bit of experience in the industry, you can help others trying to do the same by becoming an FBO advisor. As a specialist serving specialized aviation businesses, airports, professional organizations, and fixed base operators, you will be providing solutions that will assist with sales and acquisitions, marketing, and more.
3) Consulting Service (IATA)
Experience clearly goes a long way in the aviation industry, as consulting would be a great career choice for someone that has the knowledge to do so. You can offer services to others in the industry, and help them grow their own businesses.
4) Aircraft Wash Service (ImmaculateFlight)
Customers equate a clean plane with a well-running plane, and that makes them feel safer. But, washing a plane isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. That is where you come in! You’ll be able to turn profits fast with this simple startup. Plus, you won’t need an prior experience to be successful.
5) Aircraft Maintenance Service (Aircraft Maintenance Services, Inc)
If you have the training, you can make a lot of money by offering an aircraft maintenance service. Planes must be in tip-top condition, and there is a lot of money in keeping them safe. Plus, people are quite wary of malfunctioning airplanes (for obvious reasons) so the market need will be substantial no matter where you are.
6) Airport Catering Service (CLS Catering Services Ltd)
What’s the deal with airplane food? It makes a great startup idea, that’s what! In smaller areas, airports may not be large enough to have restaurants or snack bars. But, this doesn’t mean that passengers waiting for flights don’t get hungry. Satisfy their appetites with an airport catering service.
7) Aircraft Parts Sales (Skytech, Inc)
Planes need parts. In fact, aircraft maintenance happens quite regularly, and you can put a big markup on the prices of those parts as a distributor to airlines. You will need to have great business skills, the right contacts, and a good amount of startup capital to make this dream a reality.
8) Flight School (ATP)
If you have a pilot’s license, you can offer your knowledge and skills to others, for a price. Open your own flight school and teach others how to fly. You will need to go through special licensing processes, but it will be worth it in the long run. In time, you may even find that you can hire others to do the teaching, and you can concentrate on running the business.
9) Airport Currency Exchange (Travelex)
When traveling to a foreign country, people are going to need money. And with exchange rates constantly on the move, it can be a bit of a hassle. You can set up a small business in an airport and do currency exchanges for weary passengers. This is particularly handy on weekends when tourists can’t get to banks to switch their money over.
10) Private Jet Charter (JetSuite)
Here is another great idea for anyone with a pilot’s license (or if you can hire someone who does). Start your own private charter company. This is a huge industry that is growing by leaps and bounds. More and more people are willing to pay extra for a comfortable, private trip, and you can get in on this action.