At just 23 years old, Sami Belbase entered the elite world of private jet brokerage with nothing but hustle and vision. Today, he is the force behind FLYBLACK, a platform reshaping what luxury air travel means for a new generation—making it not only more accessible, but more purposeful. FLYBLACK began as a traditional full-service brokerage—but with an elevated mindset. Sami partnered with co-founder Suman Desai, and together they set out to build something fresh, intentional, and world-class. “Her and I, we partnered together and wanted to create an entirely fresh concept,” Sami shares. “So we started as a brokerage, and we wanted to be the most premium brokerage in the world.” From the ground up, they built a brand centered around efficiency, experience, and elite service. Sami reflects on those early days with relentless pride: “There are no shortcuts in business. I worked 15-hour days for the last ten years to build the reputation and infrastructure to disrupt this industry.”
A Business with Purpose
For Sami, success isn’t just measured in profit—but in impact. “I was mentored by Richard Branson when I was 22,” he recalls. “He taught me that if you have the gift of making a million, it’s your responsibility to keep going—because not everyone can. And we have to help those who don’t have food, water, or shelter.” This ethos fuels FLYBLACK’s mission beyond luxury. While the brand serves an elite clientele of celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs, it’s guided by a sense of deeper purpose. “My responsibility extends beyond myself,” he says. “I’ll never stop working until I can make the biggest impact possible across the world.”
Beyond Passion—Unlock the Potential of Profit
While most entrepreneurial advice centers around “following your passion,” Sami offers a nuanced take. “Sometimes, passion doesn’t pay. You have to follow the profit first—then passion can follow.” He shares the story of a college friend who paused his restaurant dream to help run a family steel business. “He made $30 million in two years. Now he can build the restaurant of his dreams.” As he considers himself lucky to be passionate about a highly profitable industry—he reminds aspiring founders that long-term dreams sometimes require short-term sacrifice. “You have your whole life to chase your passion. But don’t miss a real opportunity in the meantime.”
Redefining Luxury—and What Really Matters
When asked what luxury means to him, he is quick to clarify: it’s not about the jet-set life itself. “Luxury is flawless execution,” he explains. “Every step of the process done perfectly. That’s what makes even a business class flight feel luxurious.” For the founder who is always on the move, connectivity is key—literally. “My non-negotiable on a flight? Wi-Fi. I run a global business and need to be plugged in.” FLYBLACK now outfits many of its private aircraft with Starlink internet, allowing clients to take Zoom calls mid-air. “Imagine being 40,000 feet above ground and still fully operational. That’s the future we are building.” Our West Coast fleets have Erewhon-curated onboard meals to In-N-Out burgers served with caviar, every touchpoint is elevated with a twist of culture and indulgence—recreating what in-flight luxury can truly feel like.
Unlocking Cities, One Experience at a Time
Through FLYBLACK’s membership program, it is extending the brand well beyond aviation. Think exclusive dinners, celebrity-hosted hangar events, and curated experiences in major cities across the globe. “We don’t just unlock airspace—we unlock your city,” he says. For Sami Belbase, private aviation isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about the experience, execution, and responsibility. And as FLYBLACK continues to expand, one thing is clear: the sky is no longer the limit.
Discover more about FLYBLACK at www.flyblack.com