Runway Lined Up
In 2008, having recently received his Commercial Pilot Licence, but with no aircraft or staff, Soar founder Neel Khokhani sought to raise funding to launch a flight school by selling introductory flights through a discounting website. After selling 1,700 training flights on the first day, Neel used the money to buy a light aircraft and recruit instructors to deliver the flights he had sold, and Soar Aviation was born.
Clear For Takeoff
Inspired by the rapidly developing global pilot shortage, Neel identified a potential opportunity to pivot the business to commercial pilot training. Through a partnership with a leading TAFE – Box Hill Institute – in 2015, Neel developed a Diploma of Aviation course which enables students to take their first steps towards a career in aviation.
Through the use of innovative, fuel-efficient light-sport aircraft, Soar has been able to offer students a higher number of flying hours during their training than competitors, enhancing student satisfaction and their chances of employment in the aviation industry.
Full Throttle
By 2018, Soar Aviation had quickly grown to have over 400 students enrolled in commercial pilot courses and over 40 aircraft across its three aviation campuses in Moorabbin, Bankstown and Bendigo.
Neel sought out a partner to work with during the next phase of the business’s expansion and, in July 2018, elected to partner with The Growth Fund to deliver the continued roll-out of the Soar model into new geographies and expand into new product offerings.