Flying private has long been viewed as the ultimate luxury—reserved for the ultra-wealthy and largely out of reach for even the most seasoned travelers. But FLYBLACK founder Suman Desai saw an opportunity to rethink that narrative, bringing transparency, flexibility, and a distinctly modern point of view to private aviation.
As a fashion and beauty entrepreneur—and the founder of GLASSFX—Desai approaches travel with the same lens she applies to style: effortless, polished, and intuitive. Through FLYBLACK, she’s helping reshape how travelers engage with private aviation, pairing on-demand booking technology with an experience that prioritizes ease, discretion, and personal choice.
Below, Desai shares how private aviation is evolving, what modern jet-set style really looks like, and how she approaches dressing—and caring for her skin—while traveling at 40,000 feet.
What gap did you see in private aviation that led you to found FLYBLACK—and how did you want it to feel different from what already existed?
“I saw two gaps: representation and technology. Private aviation is still heavily male-dominated, and I wanted to help change that. At the same time, the industry was outdated operationally, so we built technology to consolidate empty legs and reposition aircraft, making private aviation smarter, not louder.”
When someone books through FLYBLACK, what defines the experience—from aircraft selection to onboard details—rather than focusing purely on the jet itself?
“FLYBLACK is ranked in the top 1% of private jet charter companies and is one of the few Wyvern-Registered brokerages. That credibility allows us to focus on judgment, matching the right aircraft, operator, and details to the mission, not just selling a jet.”
FLYBLACK’s tagline is “10,000 feet above first class.” From service to atmosphere, what does that actually look like in practice?
“Control without effort. Privacy without isolation. Travel that adapts to you and not the other way around.”
How do you think about access at FLYBLACK—who it’s for, and how flexible or intuitive booking should feel for clients?
“It’s for people who value time and clarity. Booking should feel as simple as a conversation, even if the operation behind it is complex.”
Are there particular destinations or travel patterns you’re seeing clients gravitate toward right now—and what does that say about how people want to travel?
“Remote locations. Shorter, smarter trips. Direct routes. Destinations that prioritize privacy and experience over spectacle. People want intention, not excess.”
When you’re flying private, how do you think about dressing well while staying comfortable, and what beauty or skincare essentials never leave your carry-on?
“I dress the way I build brands; clean, functional, intentional. Hydration is non-negotiable, so GLASSFX REVIVEfx always comes with me.”
