“W
e offer a private jet experience on a commercial-size jet.” Who says stuff like that? David Young does. Young is the cofounder and managing partner of ROAM Maui, one of several high-end transport companies he’s founded in the “aero” space. “ROAM Maui is a fleet of VIPconfigured 737s,” Young explains amiably. “We’re connecting Maui to Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Seattle, serving in-flight cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs.…” The planes feature premium leather seating that folds down to the drowsily near-horizontal, a Stage™ ondemand entertainment system, and leg room you’ll dislocate your hips trying to fully exploit. Okay. What we have here is a 44-seat, member-only, lavishly appointed, boutique 737 to Maui. A restless entrepreneur since he was barely old enough to spell the word, Young is today a settled aero-impresario. The jet stream fast lane he once occupied almost beggars description. But let’s give it a try.
“This is your captain speaking. We have been cleared for takeoff and global Hip-Hop domination.”
HOLLYWOOD CHRYSALIS
“M
y dad was at Santa Barbara Research Center,” Young says. “He was head of the optics division. He’s been called the Father of Radiometry. NASA gave him a lifetime achievement award for his service to the nation through aerospace.” In the event, David Young ends up following his dad into the stratosphere, though it’s more like a connecting flight than a direct route. “As a kid, I was drumming in rock bands and playing the local clubs at 15. I was madly into music. After college, I realized I’d be short-changing myself if I didn’t make a run for it, so I moved to Hollywood.” Determined to break into the scene there, the guy apparently hadn’t heard Hollywood is where dreams go to be euthanized. Never mind.
DAVID YOUNG
PUTS THE HIGH (ALTITUDE) IN HIGH-END. JUST ASK RIHANNA 206
STORY BY JEFF WING
Me and my aero: David Young will hand you the sky on a silver platter.
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