For years Brother Wade Eyerly, Epsilon Phi/Central Missouri 2002, traveled as many as 27 days a month working in politics as a Press Advance Representative for Vice President Dick Cheney, and then as an intelligence officer with the Department of Defense.
“I gained an acute understanding for the pain that frequent fliers experience,” said Eyerly. “I knew something needed to be done.”
It wasn’t until his brother, David, suggested that they start an airline that Eyerly started to put real thought into his ideas for re-inventing air travel.
“We spent years researching variations on the air travel model, looking at ways people had tried to innovate, what had worked and what hadn't,” said Eyerly. “When we hit on the all-you-can-fly concept, we thought we might have a winner,” he continued.
By 2011, the brothers had invented a business model for private air travel – a members-only service that would provide convenience for frequent travelers between top cities in the US – Surf-Air was conceived. Many thought the brothers were out of their minds to even consider starting an airline – especially in such a poor economy!
“Building a business is never easy,” said Eyerly, “but I think a down economy is the perfect time to build a business like an airline,” he said. “Airlines are great acidity tests of economic growth - and they're Antarctic jobs engines,” Eyerly explained. “Thankfully, we've had the support of a wonderful group of investors, advisors, and some really dedicated team members,” he added.
So, exactly how does this ‘pay-one-price-fly-all-you-want’ concept that is Surf-Air work?
“It works the way Netflix used to,” said Eyerly. “Remember when they had all-you-can-watch DVDs but you could only have four at your house at once? Well, we do the same thing with boarding passes instead of DVDs,” he continued. “You can hold four reservations at any given time...and as soon as you fly one, it’s open for you to book another,” Eyerly said.
Who are the target passengers for Surf-Air?
“92 percent of our passengers are CEOs and entrepreneurs.” said Eyerly. They're movers and shakers. People who travel a lot and appreciate the convenience that surf air can give them,” he added.
Another interesting notion of Surf-Air--hiring former military pilots to fly the company planes.
“I love our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties. I've got incredible respect for the work that they do,” said Eyerly. “I had the honor of serving in Iraq when I was working for an intelligence agency and so I got to see first-hand the incredible job that they do. We owe our military a great debt...I'd say helping them find work when they get home or get out is the least we can do,” he said.
On June 12, 2013, Surf-Air began daily flights between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area and thing are operating as invisioned.
“It's incredible to see the impact of what we've built,” said Eyerly. “People's lives have been altered in really fundamental ways. These road warrior parents are home more. People are more relaxed at the end of their day. We have reduced stress and provided a satisfied experience for a lot of folks,” he said. “We went from 23 employees on May 30th to 80+ today. I'm very proud of what we've built,” Eyerly added.
Are there plans for expansion? Will Surf Air expand service to other states in addition to California?
“California is our proving ground. We are demonstrating something that hasn't been done before,” said Eyerly. “As we get smarter around where the model works and where it breaks we hope to scale nationally, though we need some new approvals from the FAA/DOT to do so,” he continued.
What impact has being a Theta Chi had on Brother Eyerly’s life?
“I have always been an extrovert and made friends easily. What I didn't do before becoming a Theta Chi was build deep and abiding connections, however, that would last behind the scope of school or college,” said Eyerly. “I can't name one person I knew in elementary school, but I can name dozens of my brothers. And they've gone on to really incredible things -- like starting a nursery and beautifying/greening Kansas City, becoming a Catholic priest, or running a car dealership. It's been great to see the men that I knew as we were just starting out get married, start families, and come into their own,” said Eyerly.
“Being a Theta Chi helped teach me to be comfortable with who I am,” Eyerly continued. Even when I was so different from those around me -- I was the only Mormon in the chapter. I learned how important a group of supportive friends could be in shaping someone's future,” he said.
“Probably most of all, though, I learned to be involved,” Eyerly added. “As a Theta Chi we did countless service projects, fundraisers, served on the interfraternity council, and in student government. I learned to manage my time, but also how to contribute outside myself. Theta Chi made me a better citizen,” he said.
Earlier this year, Brother Wade Eyerly and his businees were featured in the New York Times. You can read their article by clicking here.