Delta is taking control of Wheels Up

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09-13-2023 | 08:45 PM

#11

Aviato

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Joined: May 2018

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirBear;3696531>

The WU members get Delta miles for what they spend on WU. And they have prepaid hours that Delta would have to convert into FF miles if WU ceased operations.
I think this is a major reason Delta is propping up WU.

Interesting. That would seemingly make sense.

09-14-2023 | 04:51 AM

#12

AA717driver

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Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 331

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirBear

My memory is foggy but that sounds about right. I just did a quick Google search and here's what it said:

What is the Wheels Up Delta relationship?
The relationship dates to 2020, when Delta Private Jets combined with Wheels Up. Delta provides Wheels Up members with an array of benefits, including access to Delta flights, the opportunity to earn Delta SkyMiles and the ability to earn toward Medallion Status through spend on Wheels Up flights.Aug 15, 2023

The WU members get Delta miles for what they spend on WU. And they have prepaid hours that Delta would have to convert into FF miles if WU ceased operations.
I think this is a major reason Delta is propping up WU.

Yikes! Combined with the multitudes of Delta’s regular FF’s, that would be a mess. Imagine if you had dropped big bucks to buy a chunk of a Citation and lost out on a First Class seat to an engineer who goes to Shanghai twice a month…

09-15-2023 | 09:15 AM

#13

BuddhaPilot73

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Joined: Nov 2014

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From: Phenom

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirBear

I spent 12 years at NetJets before giving up my medical in 2017. The original CEO at WU was Kenny Dichter who used to run "Marquis Jet" which used NetJet's aircraft. He used to send us all kinds of cool free stuff. I've still got a cooler with Marquis Jet on the side and some baseball caps and other items.
I have a lot of time on my hands so I keep an eye on aviation news and post anything that might be of interest to APC users. I post about a lot of other airlines too, and as a former Military Aircraft Accident Investigator I stay up to date on the accidents/incidents.

I have who knows how many WU tshirts, hats, etc in my closet from the short time we were under their management following the DPJ buyout. I think this is where their financial problems stem from…jk. In all honesty, I’m not surprised they’ve taken this big of a fall as I felt the leadership team under KD was one of the most tone deaf organizations I’ve ever experienced. The number of company “all calls” where we listened to the rah rah rah sis boom bah go Kenny D lectures and about all the awesome new benefits we’re giving to our members while minimally improving things for the pilots was kind of awful. I was on the managed side so it didn’t affect me, but it was demoralizing just the same knowing how hard they run the core fleet pilots.