Series Will Follow the Launch of New Airline Exclusively for Las Vegas High-Rollers
Jeff Edwards October 17, 2017
A new web series titled “LVAir Rising” will allow viewers to follow in real time the launch of what is being billed as “the most expensive and luxurious air charter in history.”
After nearly five years of planning, Las Vegas hotelier Eneliko Sean Smith says he is nearly ready to launch what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind airline. LVAir is envisioned as a charter airline that will offer luxury previously reserved for royalty and billionaires. Though the new carrier expects to eventually operate a fleet of more than 30 new Boeing 747-800s, the airline will only fly to and from one destination – Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).
Smith expects LVAir’s inaugural flight to take place by Thanksgiving of next year. Faced with the prospect of raising capital, taking delivery of aircraft and earning regulatory approval in a little more than a year’s time, the promise seems like a risky wager – even for a Las Vegas icon.
“The chances of Eneliko Sean Smith pulling off a $10.3 Billion capital raise and starting flights in 12 months is as close to impossible as anyone could imagine,” LV Air VP Jeff Champagne said in a statement revealing the ambitious timeline. “But he is full of surprises, and fully transparent to the world as you can see on his website.”
Smith and his team will attempt to pull off “the impossible,” with cameras following their every move. It is the very real possibility of failure that filmmakers are counting on to give the web series its dramatic appeal.
“As filmmakers we live for the projects that allow us to push the boundaries of entertainment, to ‘Rise’ above the rest, as we will with Las Vegas Rising.” LVAir Rising producer Adriel Roman said of the project. “Reality TV meets Modern Documentary storytelling with top tier visuals in this exciting upcoming adventure I have the honor of filming.”
Perhaps the interactive series will morph into an inspirational success story with a voyeuristic peek at undreamed-of opulence or maybe it will slowly turn into a cautionary tale about hubris and unchecked greed. One thing seems certain: LVAir Rising has the ingredients to make for engaging television – even if the airline that inspired the show never actually manages to get off the ground.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
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That's a ridiculous plane for what essentially will be a private flight. Hell, if they're going big or going home then why not the A380? There are going to be loads of them on the secondary market soon at bargain prices.
But there was MGM Grand Air, which was the same concept: why not bring it back?
These comments gave me a good laugh, that’s for sure!
To and from one destination? So it takes off, circles and then lands back in Las Vegas? How pointless is that? I guess billionaires have nothing better to do with their time and money :)
Using 30 747-800s for an airline that will only take off and land at one airport seems like a recipe for disaster. How much demand will there be for these flights to nowhere?