At the Start
SkyVenture was founded in 1998 by professional skydivers with an ambitious sense of possibility. Knowing that the general public would love the thrill of free fall as much as they did, they set out to make the experience safe and accessible to everyone.
Milestones to Success
Skydiving simulators in existence at that time were too unrealistic, too dangerous and too costly to operate as an entertainment attraction. But in 1998, SkyVenture invented the technology that delivered—for the first time—wall-to-wall airflow in a skydiving simulator. This innovation eliminated the possibility of flyers falling off the column of air, making indoor skydiving safe for all ages and skill levels.
In 1999, we tested our new technology with the opening of our first wind tunnel facility in Orlando, Fl. It was hugely successful from the outset, immediately becoming popular among professionals and novices alike.
Expanding and Innovating
Alan Metni, a world-champion skydiver for the United States, joined SkyVenture as CEO in 2003. He bought the company the next year. Alan and his team of talented engineers soon developed the recirculating wind tunnel designs for which SkyVenture has become famous. These innovations made our tunnels incredibly safe and efficient.
In the following years, we continued to innovate—designing and building bigger, faster and more efficient tunnels. In 2003, we established the International Bodyflight Association (IBA), which is the internationally-recognized organization that trains and accredits vertical wind tunnel instructors to the highest safety standards. Beginning in 2005, we launched our retail and franchise brands: iFLY, Paraclete, SkyVenture, Airkix and FreeZone.
Today, with twenty-three tunnels in operation and six more under construction, we are a worldwide presence spanning four continents.