A Personal Message from Matt Ryan, CEO of iFLY

May 1, 2026

To our iFLY family around the world,

One of the privileges of this role is that I do not have to look very far to be reminded why iFLY matters. I can see it in the tunnel whenever a first-time flyer steps in nervous and comes out smiling. I can see it when a child realizes they really can fly, when a parent decides to try something unexpected, or when a family leaves already replaying the experience together.

That is why this business has always felt bigger to me than indoor skydiving alone. Yes, we operate an extraordinary technology platform. But what we really deliver is something more human: joy, confidence, connection, and a memory people talk about long after they leave.

Why the dream of flight should belong to everyone

The dream of flight is almost universal. Most of us have imagined it in some form. What makes iFLY special is that we get to turn that imagination into a real, repeatable experience that more people can access.

From the beginning, I have believed our mission should be simple: make the dream of flight accessible to everyone. For us, accessibility is not just about opening more locations. It is about making the experience feel welcoming, understandable, and possible for people who may have never pictured themselves doing something like this.

That includes:

First-time flyers who want an adventure without jumping out of a plane
Families looking for a shared experience that feels genuinely memorable
Kids discovering confidence by trying something new
People of different abilities who want to experience the sensation of flight
Athletes and enthusiasts who want to keep building their skills

Why families matter so much to us

One of the things I am most proud of is the role iFLY can play for families. Very few experiences bring kids, teens, parents, and grandparents together in a way that feels equally exciting for everyone. At our best, we create a moment where everyone is part of the same story.

In a world where attention is fragmented and time together can feel rushed, that matters. I have watched families walk in expecting a fun outing and walk out with a shared memory that feels much bigger than an ordinary afternoon.

That is a big part of what I want our brand to stand for: not just thrill, but connection.

Safety is our foundation

None of that matters without trust. Safety has to come first - not as a slogan, but as a daily operating standard. When someone flies with iFLY, they are placing real trust in our instructors, our systems, and our culture.

That is why safety remains part of our DNA. It shapes how we train, how we communicate, and how we show up for every guest. It also lives inside our SOAR values: Safety, Outrageous Passion, Accountability, and Respect.

When that standard is met, guests are free to enjoy the experience with confidence, knowing they are in capable, safety‑focused hands.

The power of a first flight

There is still nothing quite like watching someone fly for the first time. In just a few moments, you can watch hesitation turn into confidence and uncertainty turn into joy. That transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

For a child, it can spark pride and curiosity. For an adult, it can be a reminder that it is still possible to try something new and surprise yourself. For families and groups, it becomes the kind of shared milestone people keep talking about later.

Those moments are not incidental to our business. They are the reason the business exists.

Looking ahead

As we continue to grow, my focus is straightforward: expand access, elevate the experience, and protect what people already value most about iFLY. Growth only matters if we keep delivering the feeling that brought people to us in the first place.

That means continuing to invest in our people, our guest experience, our digital experience, and the consistency that families and all our customers rely on. It also means staying clear on who we are: a company built around making flight feel possible, not intimidating.

Frequently asked questions about iFLY’s mission

What is iFLY trying to deliver?

At the highest level, we are trying to make the dream of flight accessible to more people. That means creating an experience that feels safe, welcoming, memorable, and worth sharing.

Why does iFLY focus so much on families?

Because family experiences create some of the strongest and most lasting memories in our tunnels. iFLY works well as a shared experience, not just an individual activity, and that is a big part of what makes the brand special.

What makes a first flight so meaningful?

A first flight combines novelty, support, and achievement in a very short span of time. People often leave feeling more confident and energized than they expected.

What should not change as iFLY grows?

The core promise should not change: guests should continue to feel welcomed, supported, safe, and amazed by the experience. That is the standard we should keep holding ourselves to.

The bottom line

I want iFLY to be known for more than what happens inside the tunnel. I want it to be known for how people feel when they are with us: encouraged, supported, connected, and reminded that something extraordinary is possible.

Thank you for trusting iFLY with your time, your celebrations, and your memories. If you have already flown with us, I hope we see you again soon. If you have not, we cannot wait to welcome you.

See you in the wind.

Matt Ryan

CEO, iFLY