Start-Up Airline Crowdfunding to Raise Money

One day, Avatar Airlines will offer affordable airfare. But for now, they’re asking for your help in raising start-up costs.

 (Photo: Avatar Airlines)

 

There’s an airline that is promising no seat selection fees, no baggage fees, low fares and free Wi-Fi. The problem is that they need $5 million dollars… and they’re asking passengers for it.

  

Avatar Airlines has started a 30-day online campaign called “Help Avatar Fly” to raise money for operating costs. The start-up airline, based in Boca Raton, is asking people to donate anywhere from $5 to $10,000.

 

$5 will get you a pat on the back, $25 will get you a “Reach for the Sky” t-shirt, and $75 will get you a thermos. But the real prize comes to those willing to donate $5,000. According to the website, a $5,000 donation will get you an interview to be a Captain on Avatar Airlines.

 

They don’t make any promises of employment, but it still seems like an HR nightmare. (Note: Pilots must have the proper certifications and 500 hours flight time.)

Avatar Airlines proposed routes.

 (Photo: Avatar Airlines)

 

Avatar has tried and failed multiple times to get off the ground since the 1990s. This time around, they’ve changed their name and intend to use the money raised during the campaign to market Avatar’s $300,000,000 private equity offering.

 

If things get off the ground, Avatar intends to offer fares 50% lower than other airlines. In fact, they predict that some airfare will be as low as $19.

 

It sounds too good to be true, but according to the airline, they plan to use 747-400s which are a larger and higher-capacity aircraft. This way they can carry more people and extra cargo to raise additional income. 

 

Avatar Airlines has filed for a certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and for a Part 121 certificate with the FAA.

 

(Brittany Jones Cooper - Yahoo Travel News)