From News to Airline CEO: How Hopscotch Air Is Reinventing Regional Travel: Andrew Schmertz

What does it take to launch an airline in one of the world's most competitive industries? In this episode of The Business RoundUp, Melissa Bill sits down with Andrew Schmertz, co-founder and CEO of Hopscotch Air, to discuss his remarkable journey from broadcasting and law to building a regional air taxi company that's changing the way people travel. Andrew shares what inspired him to leave a traditional career path, the market opportunity he saw in personalized regional aviation, and how Hopscotch Air has navigated nearly two decades of economic shifts and industry challenges. He also explains why the company's fleet of Cirrus aircraft offers a unique advantage for both travelers and the business, providing a more flexible and efficient alternative to commercial airlines. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, calculated risk-taking, the evolution of customer expectations, and what's next for regional air mobility as technology and travel continue to evolve. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Andrew transitioned from law and broadcasting to aviation entrepreneurship The business model behind Hopscotch Air's regional air taxi service How personalized air travel is reshaping regional transportation The biggest challenges of building an airline from the ground up The advantages of operating a fleet of Cirrus aircraft The future of regional aviation and emerging air mobility Whether you're an entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, or frequent traveler, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the future of flying.