As we began our descent, I looked out the window and spotted the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater below. Moments later, someone gasped: “Whales! I see whales!” Approaching Maui felt less like landing from a flight and more like a paid sightseeing excursion, complete with sweeping aerial views of the island and the Pacific beyond.

That elevated arrival is exactly the idea behind a relatively new route from Aero . Last December, the airline launched service between Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Los Angeles and Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, offering a semi-private experience that sits somewhere between commercial first class and a traditional private jet.

“Aero’s expanded routes mark an exciting moment for us as we head into our sixth year of operations—and a big step forward in shaping the future of book-by-the-seat private travel. Since launching our LA-Maui service this past winter, following the success of our LA-New York route, we’ve seen strong demand for longer flights.…