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Young entrepreneur spotlight: James Moon, Moon Jet Group

In today’s young entrepreneur spotlight, an ongoing Bdaily series dedicated to emerging enterprise talent, we hear from passionate North East aviator James Moon.

Rising business star James Moon left school aged 16 to pursue a career in aviation; seven years on he’s flying high with boundless ambition.

Having made it as one of the UK’s youngest pilots at only 17, today the former Dame Allans pupil owns Moon Jet Group, an aircraft remarketing startup.

Selling second hand aircraft around the globe from its Newcastle HQ, Moon Jet assists an array of customers ranging from airlines and private jet companies, to high net worth individuals.

James, now 23, says he founded the business because a massive niche existed for a “unique, personalised international aviation firm, driven by the needs of its clients”.

Launched in May 2015, following two years of preliminary work and planning, James has put every pound he’s ever had into growing the firm.

This year the hard work has paid off considerably. Moon Jet Group landed a $168m deal selling two Airbus A330s, levelling the enterprise up as “the largest aircraft remarketing firm in the world”, according to James.

Always “plane mad” James describes his love for aviation as “infectious”, with the passion of both him and his 13 employees being the attribute that sets the business apart from its competition.

Yet the young entrepreneur remains committed to scaling further heights and increasing sales next year.

“The A330s deal was massive for the company but we have to keep standing out”, explains James. “We’re a unique North East firm, attracting worldwide clients in a unique market but we want more!”

The business hopes to grow in 2017 through beginning aircraft charters in Australia, the U.S. and the UK, as well as making an increased amount of aircraft sales.

Despite the business’ jet-setting nature, James insists future growth will not impact on the company’s commitment to the region.

“It’s great to operate from the North East despite the region not being well known for aviation. We’re changing that and putting the North East on the industry’s world map.”

He added: “I love the North East and it’s ideal for Moon Jet Group.”