24 Brilliant Aviation Business Ideas You Can Start Today
Looking to start an aviation business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, that there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own aviation business, there are several amazing options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable aviation business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start an aerial imagery business
The sky's the limit with an aerial imagery business. This venture involves using drones or aircraft to capture high-quality images and videos from above.
From real estate to agriculture and construction, a range of industries demand aerial views for various purposes such as planning, marketing, and monitoring projects. The core of your business would be to offer these imaging services on a contractual basis. You'll need to invest in reliable drone technology and perhaps even get certified, depending on regional regulations.
This business stands out because of its niche market and evolving technological advancements. As industries continue to seek more dynamic ways to manage and visualize their operations, your ability to provide superior aerial imagery could be highly lucrative. Interested in capturing a bird's-eye view and turning it into a profitable endeavor? This might be the business idea you’re looking for.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
TerrAvion delivers subscription imagery overnight throughout the growing season, having been founded in 2013 by Robert Morris and Cornell Wright, with flights taking place every day of the year capture image data and allowing their customers to have a real up-to-date picture of their fields.
2. Start a flight tours business
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of aerial sightseeing as people increasingly seek unique and thrilling experiences.
This trend has opened up an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in scenic air tours and tailor-made flight experiences.
This business model allows you to take advantage of the growing demand for awe-inspiring aerial views of picturesque locations across the country while giving you the flexibility to set your own schedule.
By providing your clients with an unforgettable experience, you will be creating memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.
So, if you are passionate about adventure, beauty, and flexibility and want to turn it into a profitable business, the aerial sightseeing industry could be the perfect venture for you.
How much you can make: $43,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Envi Adventures, a Troutdale, Oregon-based air tour business, grew from making $7,000 in a month in its first year to over $30,000 a month in its second year, using Instagram and influencer marketing to create an interactive, personalized experience for guests.
3. Start an aviation gear store
Thinking about tapping into the aviation enthusiast market? Consider starting an aviation gear store. This business revolves around selling specialized equipment and apparel for pilots, aviation hobbyists, and professionals.
Your store can offer items like pilot headsets, aviation-themed clothing, flight bags, and navigation tools. The rising interest in personal flying, drone operation, and aviation as a hobby makes this a compelling niche market.
Running an aviation gear store requires solid supplier connections and a deep understanding of the aviation world. It's essential to know the industry jargon, regulations, and customer preferences. Marketing plays a critical role—think about teaming up with flight schools, attending airshows, or utilizing online platforms frequented by aviation enthusiasts.
If you have a passion for aviation and the dedication to manage niche inventory, an aviation gear store could be a rewarding venture that pays homage to the skies.
How much you can make: $34,500/month
ATC Memes started as a social media site for sharing memes among air traffic controllers, which then evolved into an online store called RadarContact.com; offering unique and niche types of merchandise catering to the aviation industry, the site sells various products, including leggings, phone cases, and blankets, and utilizes social media, live videos, and email marketing to attract new customers.
4. Start a recruiting agency
The global online recruitment market size was $29B in 2019 and is projected to reach $43B by 2027.
The best way to assess the success of a Recruiting Agency is to review what their clients say about them and the results achieved for those clients.
As a recruiter, you dream of landing your first client, but once you do, you realize it’s only the start of what you hope will be a successful business. Have you ever wondered how to start a recruiting agency business? There’s so much you can learn from books, but nothing beats getting real-world experience.
How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.
5. Start a ticketing platform business
A ticketing platform business allows individuals or organizations to sell tickets to events online. This can include concerts, sports games, festivals, and more.
The ticketing platform handles all aspects of ticket sales, from setting up the event and ticket options to processing payment and distributing the tickets.
To run a successful ticketing platform business, it is essential to have a user-friendly website and a reliable ticket distribution system. Then, establish partnerships with event organizers and venues to expand the number of events available on the platform.
Marketing efforts to reach potential customers and regular updates to the platform to improve the user experience can also help drive sales. Overall, a ticketing platform can be a lucrative business opportunity for those with a strong understanding of the events industry and a knack for building and maintaining client relationships.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
6. Start a travel agency
Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.
As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.
Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.
To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
7. Start a blog
In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:
- Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
- 77% of internet users read blogs.
- Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.
Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.
If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
8. Start a data analysis service
A data analysis service is a great way to help businesses make sense of their data. This type of service can be used to provide insights into customer behavior, improve marketing campaigns, or simply help businesses make better decisions.
If you're interested in starting up a data analysis service, You will need knowledge in data analysis and the ability to communicate effectively with clients so they can benefit from what insights have been found by analyzing their information properly - this way it's not just about making money but also helping others!
iTechArt is a leading custom software development company that helps both startups and enterprises streamline their analytics process. They also generated revenue of $209 billion in 2019, while creating more than a million jobs over the past three years.
Starting a data analysis service is a perfect business idea for those with analytical skills and a desire to help businesses to make better use of their data. This business is in high demand and can be very profitable, with data analysts earning high salaries.
How much you can make: $20 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.
9. Start a laundry business
Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.
One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals. Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.
In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront. However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.
Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities.
10. Start a cheap flights finding service
A cheap flight-finding service is a business that helps people discover and book affordable airfares for their travel needs.
This service employs advanced search algorithms and partnerships with various airlines to find the best deals on flights. Customers can use the service’s user-friendly platform to input their travel details, such as destination and dates, and receive a list of budget-friendly flight options.
The goal is to make air travel more accessible and cost-effective for individuals by providing a convenient and efficient way to locate and book inexpensive flights.
The cheap flight-finding business thrives on offering a valuable solution for those seeking affordable travel options, making it easier for customers to explore the world without breaking the bank.
How much you can make: $10 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.
11. Sell aircraft spare parts
Aircraft spare parts businesses supply aircraft builders, owners, pilots, and aviation businesses parts such as batteries, Aural warning module assy, brake Assy, constant speed drive and many others.
With the demand for aircraft parts projected to reach over USD 47.33 billion in the next few years, starting an aircraft spare parts business can be profitable.
Before you start an aircraft parts and equipment business, research and understand the heavy federal oversight and regulation involved to ensure aircraft remain airworthy. In addition, research the competition so you understand the landscape fully and define where your market fits in.
Your success odds may improve substantially when you franchise and leverage a successful brand through either a franchise or turning your competitors into collaborators.
12. Start an aviation tv program
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
13. Start an aviation cleaning service
Starting an aviation cleaning business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for those interested in the aviation industry. This business involves cleaning and maintaining the interior and exterior of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and private jets.
To start this business, you will need a team of skilled and trained cleaners familiar with the specific cleaning requirements of different aircraft. You will also need to invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment, such as vacuums, mops, and window cleaning solutions.
In addition to the physical requirements of the job, it is essential to have a strong understanding of aviation safety regulations and guidelines. This includes adhering to strict policies on using chemicals and ensuring that all cleaning is done with the utmost care and attention to detail.
To run this business successfully, it is essential to establish relationships with local aviation companies and airports. This can include offering regular cleaning services or being on call for emergency cleaning needs. It is also essential to have a strong marketing strategy in place to attract new clients and grow your business.
Starting an aviation cleaning business requires skills and resources, including a team of experienced cleaners, high-quality equipment and supplies, and a strong understanding of aviation safety regulations. With the right approach, this can be a lucrative and rewarding business opportunity.
14. Start a waste disposal business
Starting a waste disposal business involves collecting, transporting, and disposing of various waste materials, including household, commercial, and hazardous materials. This business is essential for keeping communities clean and safe, and it is also a growing industry with increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions.
To start a waste disposal business, you will need a reliable fleet of vehicles and appropriate equipment for collecting and transporting waste. You will also need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and secure contracts with clients and waste processing facilities. Proper insurance coverage is also essential to protect your business from potential liabilities.
Successfully running a waste disposal business also requires maintaining a high level of customer service and adhering to local, state, and federal regulations for handling and disposing of waste materials. It is important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and invest in training and education for your employees to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety.
Starting a waste disposal business can be rewarding and lucrative, but it requires careful planning and a commitment to providing excellent service to your clients. By following these guidelines, you can be well on your way to building a successful and sustainable waste disposal business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.
15. Start an aviation maintenance and repair business
Mid-sized airlines are outsourcing repairs and routine maintenance services to specialty shops, a trend set to increase rapidly. Thus, starting an airline repair and maintenance service can be rewarding if you are an aviation engineer or are interested in the business. Services of an airline repair company include inspection, general maintenance, and repair to ensure the aircraft is operational and safe.
To start an airplane repair and maintenance business, you may target private or commercial airlines looking to outsource the repair and maintenance service. If you do not have the necessary skills, you may employ skilled and experienced aeronautical engineers, look for customers, and focus on growing your business.
16. Start an air cargo business
There is a high demand for air cargo services, but according to IATA, the capacity is constrained. The reason being there aren’t enough airplanes to meet the demand for air cargo transportation.
Therefore, starting your air cargo transportation business is a viable idea. You will need freight-forwarding skills and acquire the necessary licenses and certification, among other requirements to offer the service.
Air cargo is a more lucrative and profitable industry than people think. With the right idea, supplies, equipment, and resources air cargo businesses can be a profitable venture for any aspiring entrepreneur.
How much you can make: $1,080,000/month
How long does it take to build: 300 days (?)
DocShipper is a digital freight forwarding and sourcing company that offers a one-stop-shop solution for companies and e-commerce business owners throughout the supply chain, which saw over 700% growth in 2021 with a turnover of $4.9 million.
How to start an aviation business?
There are many people who dream of owning their own aviation business. However, it takes more than just a love of flying to be successful in this industry. Running a successful aviation business requires careful planning, a strong understanding of the market, and a passion for customer service. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the right foot.
First and foremost, you need to have a clear idea of what services you want to offer and who your target market is. Are you planning to provide charter services, flight training, or aircraft maintenance? Once you know what services you want to offer, you can start developing a business plan. This should include an overview of your financial goals, marketing strategy, and operations plan.
Next, you need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain a commercial pilot license, an air operator certificate, or both. The process for obtaining these licenses can be complex, so it's important to do your research and understand all the requirements before you get started.
Finally, make sure you have the financial resources in place to support your new business. Aviation businesses can be capital-intensive, so you'll need to have access to significant financial resources. If you don't have the necessary funds on hand, you may need to seek out investors or take out loans. With careful planning and execution, starting an aviation business can be a rewarding experience.
Can you make money owning a plane?
While owning a plane may seem like a luxury, it can actually be quite a practical investment. Not only can you use it for business or personal travel, but you can also rent it out to generate income.
Of course, there are initial costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a plane, but if you own your own aircraft, you'll have the freedom to choose your own flight schedule and destinations. In addition, you'll save money on expensive commercial airline tickets.
If you're interested in exploring the world of private air travel, financial considerations should not be your primary concern. With careful planning and a bit of research, owning a plane can be a profitable endeavor.
What is the best career in aviation?
There are a variety of careers in aviation, each with its own unique set of benefits. For some, the appeal lies in the excitement and adventure of travel; for others, it is the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
But what is the best career in aviation? That depends on what you are looking for. If you want a stable job with good pay and benefits, then a career as an air traffic controller or airline pilot may be the best choice. If you are more interested in working on the maintenance and upkeep of aircraft, then a career as an aircraft mechanic could be a good fit.
Ultimately, the best career in aviation is the one that best suits your skills and interests. So take some time to explore all of the options before making your decision.
17. Become an aviation fuel supplier
Aviation fuel is the fourth most commonly used petroleum product in the United States.
The country's aviation fuel demand will continue to rise as more jets and airplanes are registered.
As a result, aviation fuel supplies might prove profitable.
18. Start an aviation catering service
Aviation catering service refers to providing meals and snacks for passengers and crew members on airplanes.
The primary focus will be to prepare and deliver in-flight meals that comply with specific airline and safety regulations. This involves creating menus, sourcing quality ingredients, and ensuring proper packaging to maintain the food quality during the flight.
It is essential to pay attention to detail because you will have to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions while adhering to strict hygiene standards.
To succeed in aviation catering, you need to efficiently coordinate with airlines, follow excellent food handling practices, and commit to delivering a satisfying culinary experience at 30,000 feet.
19. Start an aviation consulting business
20. Start an aviation magazine business
21. Start an aviation software development business
22. Start an aviation branding business
23. Start an aviation training school business
24. Start an airplane washing services business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
