M2D, FKS Aviation want to re-engineer private flight
M2D provides the certified carbon certified carbon tracking tools for corporate fleets and sports organisers.
Texas-based operator FKS Aviation and carbon analytics firm Minus 2 Degrees (M2D) are operating a multi-faceted expansion into the corporate flight sector. The two companies want to leverage real-time data automation to fix business aviation’s persistent bottlenecks including the carbon accounting and passenger user experience.
Led by operations director Sadaf Shah, formerly of Rolls-Royce, the two sister firms are looking towards AI-driven scope 3 emissions engine with an expansion of FAA Part 135 charter operations.
The goal, according to Shah, is to navigate the right charter margins, shifting environmental compliance and an ageing technology infrastructure.
“Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are relatively straightforward, but Scope 3 emissions across supply chains are notoriously complex,” tells Shah to Corporate Jet Investor.
M2D’s AI software platform automates carbon accounting by scanning line-item vendor invoices to track supply chain impacts. “We build our system so that invoices coming in are scanned automatically, identifying material types, emission factors, and total operational footprint without manual drag.”
M2D provides the certified carbon certified carbon tracking tools for corporate fleets and sports organisers, but applying these to charter operations at FKS Aviation remains a challenge. Despite growing corporate willingness to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shah says logistical deficits remain a constraint in increasing the uptake of SAF in general aviation.
“There is a view that cost isn’t a barrier in private aviation, but as an operator, I look at margins every single day,” Shah points out. “In a competitive market where another operator can offer the same trip for $2,000 less using standard fuel, cost remains a consideration. But the primary bottleneck is infrastructure. SAF requires dedicated transport, separate fuel trucks, and supply pipelines at FBOs. Even if a client pays the premium, the fuel often isn’t physically available at the airfield.”
Meanwhile, FKS Aviation is expanding its Texas-based Part 135 flight operations. The company is moving beyond its initial setup to manage private assets towards operating a mixed fleet which includes a Bombardier Global 7500 and Cessna Citation jets. It plans to introduce direct jet card programmes and fractional ownership offerings.
Shah says their differentiation strategy is to tap into the technology gap between consumer software and luxury flight management.
“Business aviation has lagged behind consumer technology,” Shah notes. “If you book an Uber, you receive real-time driver details, tracking, and arrival updates on your phone. Yet a charter client spending $40,000 on a trip is often left relying on back-and-forth text messages with a broker. We are focused on full digital integration, providing direct visibility over crew details, flight readiness, ground transport, and FBO handling.”
In this digital push, Shah says they have recently retrofitted one of their aircraft with Starlink to address the complaints surrounding the cabin internet.
Shah says while mid-size jets provide operational baseline, the company is actively looking at long-term fleet growth in the ultra-long-range assets to capture the high-margin intercontinental traffic.
“Mid-size aircraft keep operations moving, but the real margin potential sits in ultra-long-range assets,” Shah explains. “Global wealth trends show rising demand for intercontinental range. Expanding our ultra-long-range footprint and structured fractional programs forms the core of our next growth phase.”
