24 Brilliant Aviation Business Ideas You Can Start Today

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

How Much Can You Make?
$1,000,000/month
Skills

Case Study

My name is Robert Morris. I founded TerrAvion in 2013 together with Cornell Wright.

We view our job as abstracting away all the complexity and delivering maps that are ready to use so that growers can spend more time applying their expertise, more powerfully, and over a larger area. Below is a screenshot of our interface with fields shown in our vigor image data layers.

how-we-started-a-1mm-month-company-selling-aerial-imagery-for-agricultures

2. Start a flight tours business

A flight tour business takes people on short flights to experience an aerial view. If you are into airplanes and love taking different people on tours, the flight tour business is a more expensive service that targets adventurous clients.

While starting a flight tour business may sound overwhelming, doing scenic tours the right way can be rewarding. Cover locations of interest worth seeing from the air and target affluent travelers. To market your business, take a couple of pictures covering different scenes to entice the target customers and make them want to experience the tours.

How Much Can You Make?
$30,000 — $1,500,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$80,000
Time To Revenue
360 days
Skills
Business model

Case Study

If you have ever met me (which is pretty unlikely), then you probably learned relatively quickly that I’m really into airplanes. And by ‘really’ I mean borderline obsessed. My name is Corey Rust, and I own the Troutdale, Oregon based air tour business Envi Adventures.

Now, our best month was over $30,000 in revenue, and that is only in our second year. For a dumb guy like me, it makes me happy to know that I’m providing a service that people from all over the world are interested in. Not only that, but we have been able to generate a brand that people are beginning to recognize and connect with on a different level. Personally, I think that’s the most exciting part.

how-corey-rust-started-a-profitable-flight-tours-business

3. Start an aviation gear store

How Much Can You Make?
$34,500/month
Skills

Case Study

Hi, my name is David Lombardo and I am one of the founding members of a website called ATC Memes.

Over the years, the concept evolved into an online store called RadarContact.com, where we sell many unique and niche types of merchandise catering to those who are involved with or have an interest in the aviation industry.

growing-a-niche-meme-business-to-34-500-month

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 Can You Make?
$100 — $320,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$159,374
Time To Revenue
300 days
Skills
Business model

Case Study

My name is Sharon Koifman, and I am the president of DistantJob. DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding remote employees. That means we go all over the world to find outstanding talent who works remotely for our clients.

Our unique approach and model, combined with a commitment to great customer support, has done well for us: we have 3 million dollars in revenue.

how-i-started-a-3m-year-remote-worker-recruitment-agency

5. Start a ticketing platform business

A ticketing platform is a business that allows individuals or organizations to sell tickets to events online. This can include concerts, sports games, festivals, and more.

The ticketing platform would handle all aspects of the ticket sales, from setting up the event and ticket options to processing payment and distributing the tickets. The platform would take a percentage of each ticket sale as its fee.

To run a successful ticketing platform business, it is essential to have a user-friendly website and a reliable ticket distribution system. Establishing partnerships with event organizers and venues is also crucial 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.

It can be beneficial to offer additional services such as seat selection and event management tools for event organizers. Offering a mobile app can also make it more convenient for customers to purchase and access tickets.

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 Can You Make?
$10,000 — $1,500,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$128,200
Time To Revenue
360 days
Skills

Case Study

My name is Lars Helgeson and I am the founder of GreenRope, a CRM and marketing automation platform. Our company started in 2000 as an email marketing SaaS and in 2008 decided to focus on the challenges that businesses face in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

GreenRope has over 1,000 customers in over 20 countries, ranging from startups to universities and municipalities.

on-starting-a-160k-month-crm-automations-company-after-a-us-air-force-career

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 Can You Make?
$2,000 — $114,200,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$26,078
Business model

Case Study

Hey! My name is Marissa Daniels, and I am a millennial travel agent! I began Spread Your Wings Travel in February of 2019. Prior to 2019, I wanted an extra source of income just to have an extra cushion. I did mystery shopping, took surveys online, drove for Postmates and DoorDash, worked at a grocery store, anything I could find for extra money. I also did, and still do Brand Ambassador events as well- but those things didn’t fulfill me. I was doing them to get extra money, but it didn’t have a purpose and it wasn’t paying me as much as I wanted, so I stopped it all and just gave it to God. I let Him handle it.

Spread Your Wings Travel offers all-inclusive vacations (most under $1000 per person), cruises, luxury villas, cabins, domestic travel and more! The main thing that people like about my business is that I have a payment plan option. I like to have that option for them because not everyone is able to pay for a vacation upfront.

how-i-started-a-2k-month-side-hustle-selling-vacations

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 Can You Make?
$200 — $160,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$2,687
Time Commitment Per Week
Min. 5 hours/week
Skills
Interests

Case Study

Hey! We are Kelan and Brittany Kline the founders and co-owners of the popular personal finance blog The Savvy Couple.

We are currently on pace to make over $250,000 this year alone with our personal finance blog!

how-this-28-year-old-couple-quit-their-jobs-and-make-20k-month-running-a-blog

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 Can You Make?
$20 — $2,500,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$572,891
Skills

Case Study

My name is Chelsea Rhoads and I am the CEO/Co-Founder of pup-eeze, the smartest device on four legs. pup-eeze is a wellness tracker for dogs that tracks activity, monitors location and automates our dog’s lives by connecting them with hundreds of smart home devices giving ourselves and our dogs the ability to monitor, maintain and change the environment of the home if we’re concerned about separation anxiety or well-being.

We’ve had great success speaking with and testing the wellness tracker among those who love their dogs and love technology. We thought, “we bring our dogs on every other journey with us, why not include them in the technology journey as well?” With the overwhelming support from the technology community we were able to strategically partner with an emerging leader in the IoT enterprise solution field; Fathym.

how-i-created-and-launched-a-fitbit-for-dogs

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 Can You Make?
$24,000 — $83,333/month
Average Initial Investment
$465,000
Skills

Case Study

Hello! My name is Nishant Tripathi, and I founded Dhobilite, a premium online dry cleaning, and laundry service. I started this company in 2011 with a vision to pioneer laundry service in India.

We started operations in the year 2011. Over the years, we experimented with and developed our business model and software. In 2015, we disrupted the laundry market and became India's first app-based, on-demand laundry service provider. We have expanded into more than 15 cities in the last two years and have around 20+ stores today. In addition, we have 30 plus franchises. We also have factories in Gurgaon, Noida, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Faridabad.

i-built-a-318k-year-business-by-digitalizing-the-laundry-industry

10. Start a cheap flights finding service business

How Much Can You Make?
$10 — $1,500,000/month
Skills

Case Study

Hello, I am Salman Rashid, Founder & CEO of Flight Expert. It is the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh. Our uniqueness was to build a state-of-the-art online travel agency with services focusing on Bangladesh primarily. This country has never before enjoyed taking assistance from any online travel agency.

However, the best part is that we achieved 50% more revenue in October 2021 than our pre-covid highest number on sales in a month, interestingly, and we are aiming to hit breakeven by March 2022 if all goes well in the market.

i-started-the-first-online-travel-agency-in-bangladesh-and-it-now-makes-18m-year

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

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 Can You Make?
$4,000 — $37,000,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$1,450,333
Time To Revenue
300 days
Skills

Case Study

Hi! My name is Dustin Maze. I am the owner of SOCO Waste, a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Originally the loan provided a trailer and 5 dumpsters. We now have 51 dumpsters, two roll off dumpster delivery trucks and two residential garbage trucks. We are projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.

how-i-started-a-41k-month-residential-waste-removal-service

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 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

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

Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story
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Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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