JetSmarter (Fort Lauderdale Executive) has agreed to pay USD3 million to settle a class action lawsuit in which some of its members alleged that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices, CNBC has reported.
The service provider connecting passengers and business charter operators did not admit wrongdoing and said that it "wishes to put this matter behind it and move forward to serve its members as best as possible." It also maintained that it complied with all applicable laws and the membership agreements.
The settlement could potentially cover over 10,000 customers who were members of JetSmarter between September 5, 2014, and June 19, 2018.
Besides the USD3 million in compensation, former and current members could also be eligible for free membership and flight credits. The settlement still has to be approved at a final hearing in June 2019, with some customers already indicating they do not see it as fair. Multiple customers also filed their individual lawsuits against JetSmarter.
Meanwhile, Vista Global, the parent of VistaJet (Malta) and XOJET Aviation, announced it decided to acquire JetSmarter for an undisclosed sum.
"JetSmarter’s innovative marketplace technology will fulfil Vista Global’s digitization strategy, providing all customers with an unmatched end-to-end service and seamless booking experience. The acquisition will enhance Vista Global’s formidable position offering the largest suite of services and advanced technologies to every private aviation customer," the business charter group said in a statement.
JetSmarter had already cooperated with XOJET prior to the Vista Global acquisition.
