BELGIAN ENTREPRENEUR PAYS IN BITCOINS FOR PRIVATE JET FLIGHT

London, Feb 4th 2014: Following the recent announcement by PrivateFly that it now accepts payment in bitcoin via BitPay, one of the clients of the private jet booking service, Olivier Janssens, has revealed details of his first bitcoin-powered flight.

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The Belgian tech entrepreneur and bitcoin millionaire flew on the evening of 27th January 2014, from Brussels to Nice Cote D'Azur. Monaco-based Mr Janssens, an existing client of PrivateFly, had booked and paid for the flight earlier the same day, using the digital currency. He comments:

"My various internet investments require me to travel extensively throughout Europe and I already used private jets as a business accelerator.

“I became a client of PrivateFly in early 2013, when I was looking to find a more technology-focussed approach to private jet charter. PrivateFly's service - giving price comparison via web and mobile platforms, alongside 24-hour phone support - suited my hectic business lifestyle. When they started to accept bitcoin, I was the first in line, having obtained all my bitcoins by mining in 2010.

"I am a firm supporter of bitcoin and the efficiency it offers compared to other currencies - as a payment method and an investment. The flight was the biggest bitcoin payment transaction I have made, but it was very easy and efficient, particularly as I wanted to fly at very short notice. It was the perfect way to pay. I'm working on several bitcoin business projects and very excited about its future potential."

PrivateFly CEO Adam Twidell added:

"PrivateFly now accepts bitcoin amongst our other payment methods and Mr Janssens is one of the world's first private jet customers to pay this way - certainly the first to go public. While client confidentiality is absolute at PrivateFly, Olivier Janssens was happy to reveal his first bitcoin flight, as a firm supporter of the currency.

“We had been closely following bitcoin for some time and in 2013, started to receive requests from clients to accept it. PrivateFly's aim is to make choosing and buying private jet charter as fast, efficient and cost-effective as possible, using technology. So after considerable research, we came to the conclusion that it was a logical addition to our payment options.

"Mr Janssens flight was booked on the same day as departure, which is not at all unusual for us - and across our industry. With bitcoin payment being fast, flexible and not subject to banking hours, it's a good fit."

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