Travelcoup (Zurich) plans to expand its fleet with another E145, which will enable the Swiss virtual carrier to grow beyond Germany and Switzerland, according to CEO Niclas Seitz.
In an interview with aviation news site airliners.de, Seitz noted that France has become an attractive market due to a recent increase in the so-called solidarity tax, imposed on all air passengers.
"France is suddenly becoming super exciting because we are not affected [by the tax]," he said. He further explained, "This tax defines up to 19 seats; we have 22 on our aircraft. Therefore, France has recently become significantly more attractive."
The 2025 law covers, for the first time, business jets, which are taxed significantly higher than commercial aircraft. However, the law defines business aircraft as seating up to 19 passengers or less. This means that Travelcoup's 22-seater qualifies as a commercial aircraft with business class seats and not as a business jet. Its passengers will thus pay less than 10% of the tax imposed on business jets.
Seitz attributed the decision to continue with the E145 also to the company’s team. "We've built up our expertise and have a great team that's very specialised in this type," he said. The airline had announced in a statement in November 2024 that it intended to expand its fleet to three jets by the end of 2025.
Looking ahead, Seitz said Travelcoup is considering a 30-seat version of the same aircraft. However, he acknowledged that this would require sacrificing some of the experience offered by smaller planes, as flights would likely shift from general aviation terminals to regular airport buildings. "It would be the same aircraft type - with a bit less seat pitch, but with wide leather seats," he explained. "It's somewhat comparable to JSX (United States of America) in the US, which has a similar in-flight product."
According to ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data data, Travelcoup uses one 16-seater E135, G-CGMC (msn 145198), from AOC holder Air Charter Scotland (EDC, Perth Scone). It also charters an E145, D-AMME (msn 145070), from Heron Aviation (HRN, Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, CH). Travelcoup does not have its own AOC and relies on other certified operators.
Founded in 2021, Travelcoup punts itself as a "semi-private jet service" offering package tours by private jet. Using a special STC certification, Travelcoup transforms its E135 and E145 into semi-private jets with 16 and 22 first-class seats, respectively. Passengers gain access to private jet terminals, lounges, and first-class onboard service. Travelcoup also provides an online concierge service for travel bookings and assistance, along with tours and activities.
At the end of 2024, Travelcoup announced the acquisition of German private jet airline Arcus Air (AZE, Mannheim).
Currently, Travelcoup operates 34 weekly flights from Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin Brandenburg, and Zurich serving five European destinations, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Nice, Olbia, and London Stansted.
ch-aviation has approached Travelcoup for comment.
