The Passenger Profile: Conversations with the awesome people we meet aboard our flights.

Meet Raj Joshi

Raj Joshi, knows a thing or two about flying Asareal estate developer, he finds himself on a plane more often than not. In our first “The Passenger” profile, Joshi shares some of his personal flight experiences, gives us insight into his latest project, and tell us where he’d most like to see Advanced Air fly to next.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?

I travel primarily for business, a few times a month between Los Angeles and Merced, as well as to the Bay Area and Houston. I also try to sneak in pleasure throughout the year whether it’s to the UK to see my mum, or Hawaii with my wife.

WHAT MAKES FOR A GOOD FLYING EXPERIENCE?

For me, key components are ease of check in, familiarity and politeness of staff, and the flight itself (comfortable seats, top notch pilots, and an easy process getting on and off the plane).

The semi-private flight experience at HHR (Hawthorne Municipal Airport) without TSA is irresistible,reducing about an hour off my travel time since I can be there 30-minutes before a flight. For business, it really makes a world of difference. I can hit multiple job sites in the morning in LA, arrive at the airport, quickly make my way through the flight. have meetings in Merced and be back at home for dinner with my wife and kids. It’s just so convenient.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME ON FLIGHTS?

It’s one of the few moments I have to actually relax a little bit. I traditionally throw in my AirPods, listen to one of my favorite podcasts or watch a TV show. That’s my ‘me’ time. I usually take that time to truly enjoy the luxury of an (Advanced Air) flight.

DO YOU HAVE A BEST KEPT TRAVEL SECRET?

I always make sure I have 1-2 extra batteries charged before I go. I always make sure I carry two sets of earbuds or headphones in case I lose one. I always carry extra energy bars.

MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET ON A FLIGHT?

There are a couple. One of them is Levi (Stockton). I met him on one of the flights I was taking up to Merced. I found it fascinating to talk to him and hear firsthand what it’s like running your own airline and aviation entity, and the camaraderie behind it. It was so interesting to see how young, energetic and dedicated he is to the experience. It was inspiring and gave me a much greater connection to the airline.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROJECT YOU ARE WORKING ON IN MERCED

We are currently building a mixed use development known as “The Hub” located on the corner of McKee and Yosemite in Merced. It has 200 apartment units, approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space, student amenity spaces, a large study center, and a 5,000 square foot gym. It’s beautiful.

WHY MERCED?

We saw the growth opportunity with UC Merced coming into town, and our proximity to the University gave us the right set of circumstances for both commercial and residential. The town has less than a one percent residential vacancy rate and desperately needs housing. Merced is a city on the rise, and we are proud to play a small part in that growth.

WHEN YOU GET TIME TO UNWIND IN MERCED, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AND WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO?

I enjoy several restaurants on Main Street: Destino’s and Five Ten Bistro. I enjoy a good cigar at Cigar Monkey. I love staying at the El Capitan Hotel. It’s such a great place and makes me feel at home.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS UNIQUE ABOUT MERCED THAT MANY PEOPLE DON’T KNOW?

There’s an amazing growth potential to the town with the UC coming in, and we do expect a 20,000 to 30,000 growth over the next 15 to 20 years. Merced still maintains a small town feel. Everyone smiles and waves. It has some wonderful personalities. It also has one of the most politically active and socially involved communities I’ve ever seen. All the citizens are truly involved.

IF YOU COULD PICK ONE NEW LOCATION FOR ADVANCED AIR, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

Hawthorne to Santa Barbara/Montecito.