Avatar turns to crowdfunding to raise start-up capital

Avatar Airlines, the new start-up airline that was profiled inAirline Economics Issue 20, May/June 2014, has turned to crowdfunding to raise capital. Its crowdfunding campaign is live at www.HelpAvatarFly.com, where Avatar is asking for donations of between $5 and $9,750, with a campaign goal of US$5 million. Among the giving options, folks hoping to help Avatar earn its wings can donate US$5,000 to get a guaranteed interview for one of the airline’s captain’s jobs. Of course, Avatar notes that the US$5,000 gets you only an interview – and not necessarily anything more. “Employment is not guaranteed,” Avatar says, adding that