Created by the famous pet products manufacturer Bark, Bark Air is rapidly winning the hearts of dog owners around the world. Bark Air is the first airline in the world focused on the comfort and safety of pets during flights. Since the first flight, which took place on May 23, 2023, from New York to London, Bark Air has become synonymous with caring for four-legged passengers at altitude.
History and Mission
Founded in 2011, Bark has established itself as a leader in the pet products industry. Bark is best known for its high-quality products and BarkBox subscription service, which delivers a variety of toys and treats to dog owners. In the wake of success and innovation, the company decided to transfer its experience to aviation, offering a unique product - air transportation for dogs.
Partnerships and technical aspects
To launch Bark Air, Bark has teamed up with private airline Talon Air: in this partnership, Talon Air is responsible for aircraft, crew and maintenance, while Bark brings in-flight care and entertainment for dogs. This division of responsibilities allows the company to combine professionalism and experience in both areas, ensuring safety and comfort at all stages of the journey.
Unique services
The main feature of Bark Air is its focus on dogs as the main passengers. On board the Bark Air, dogs feel right at home thanks to the toys, treats, noise-canceling headphones, soothing music and vests provided. Every detail is thought out to minimize stress and make the trip enjoyable and stress-free!
Only ten tickets are sold for each flight to ensure the most personal and comfortable service. Ticket prices range from $6,000 to $8,000 depending on the route, but in the future, the company plans to make its services more affordable by lowering prices.
Flight geography and expansion
Bark Air currently offers flights from New York to Los Angeles, London and Paris, but the company's ambitious plans include expanding the geography of flights - flights to Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix and Miami may soon appear.
First flight and passenger reviews
The first flight from New York to London was met with delight by both dog owners and their pets! Many passengers noted that their dogs calmly endured the flight, playing and relaxing in the cabin. This is the first step towards creating a comfortable environment for pets in aviation, Bark Air has already received a lot of positive feedback.
Legal Issues and Criticism
It was not without difficulties. Westchester County authorities filed a lawsuit against the company for violating local law, but the court dismissed the lawsuit, and Bark Air continued its work. There were also critical remarks from BarkBox subscribers, who feared a deterioration in the quality of delivery of their favorite products. The company's management assured customers that the subscription service will not suffer and will improve simultaneously with the development of the new direction.