KATANA is a pioneering private aviation platform transforming how luxury travel is accessed, shared, and enjoyed. The brand seeks to connect like-minded travelers with an unmatched inventory of private jet travel seats, reducing waste from underutilized flights.
Founded in 2020 by Bryan Verona, KATANA emerged as a response to the growing preference for private aviation in the wake of the pandemic. He designed KATANA to provide a seamless experience for members and partners alike, connecting travelers, carriers, and operators in a model that is easy to navigate and ultimately book the seat or flight that works best.
What inspired the idea for KATANA?
The inspiration for Katana came during the pandemic. My family chartered a plane to Aspen because commercial flights weren’t feasible at the time. We had unused seats on the plane, and when we arrived, we ran into someone else in the same situation—extra seats on a chartered flight but no efficient way to monetize or share them.
That moment sparked a realization: private aviation was rife with inefficiencies that could be solved through technology. I envisioned a platform that not only made private travel more accessible by enabling people to buy and sell unused seats but also fostered a sense of community among travelers. Katana was born to bridge this gap, making luxury air travel both smarter and more sustainable.
Tell us more about your background – what were you doing before the idea for KATANA struck?
Before launching Katana, I spent two decades investing in distressed credit opportunities, including aviation finance and restructurings. Parallel to this, I explored my passion for discovery through a personal project, The Loupe, which introduced me to startups needing more than just capital—they needed vision and strategy. Katana is a culmination of my aviation expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, leveraging both to redefine private travel.
How has it been building the brand? Did anything particularly surprise you as you scaled?
Building Katana has been an exhilarating journey. What surprised me most was how challenging it is to change customer behavior. Specifically, we are asking to expand the market for individuals who can enjoy private aviation by reducing the cost per seat through improving capacity utilization. Most people don’t consider selling excess seats on planes they charter because there hasn’t been a very good mechanism. Likewise, many travelers don’t consider flying private because they don’t know where to find extra seats on private planes or reasonably priced empty-leg segments. Our concept resonated with travelers looking for opportunities they didn’t know existed.
Scaling, however, came with challenges—particularly in building our inventory of flights. Our breakthrough came when we partnered with semi-private airlines like XO Jet, which saw the potential in what we were creating. Another surprise has been the community aspect: members
have embraced the idea of shared flights not just for cost efficiency but for the relationships formed during their travels.
What has the feedback been like from clients/avid flyers?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our clients love seeing all the private aviation options available in one place. Many have shared stories about how the platform has made private aviation more feasible, whether for business or leisure. One of the most rewarding pieces of feedback has been from members who’ve formed connections through shared flights. Avid flyers are also excited by how our technology simplifies the process, allowing them to explore options independently while still offering personalized support when needed.
Are you adding new routes in early 2025? What’s next for KATANA?
Absolutely! Expanding our inventory of available seat and charter options is always a priority. This means expanding the network of Members who offer seats. We recently brought on an innovative new carrier, BARK Air, focused on making flying with your dogs easy. We are constantly looking to partner with innovators in private aviation. Another exciting initiative is adding premium commercial options, like first and business class, to broaden our appeal while maintaining a seamless luxury experience.
Anything else we should know?
Katana is more than a marketplace—it’s a movement. We’re redefining private aviation by blending efficiency, community, and sustainability. Whether it’s reducing costs through shared flights or building connections among travelers, our mission is to elevate the entire travel experience.
For those who haven’t yet explored Katana, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or new to private aviation, Katana offers something truly unique. You can find us at https://www.flykatana.com/ or on Instagram @fly.katana.
