Home » Guides » Operations » Business Vehicles » Fractional Jet Ownership

Tonya Vinas

Guide to Fractional Jet Ownership

Arrangements offer flexibility and time savings to business travelers

By Tonya Vinas, Writer, Editor, Researcher, Tonya Vinas

Business owners who need to travel know how unproductive flying on commercial planes can be, especially since 9/11. Wait times often are arduous, and you are a slave to the airline's schedule and decisions that can change schedules out of the blue.

If you have the bank account for it and are considering fractional ownership in a private plane, ask yourself:

  1. How much more productive time will I gain? Having access to your own plane certainly reduces the amount of time required to fly because you don't have to wait at the airport for boarding or layovers, go through security, be delayed for overbooking, etc.
  2. How much do you fly? As a rule of thumb, if you fly between 50 to 500 hours a year and/or you need to be able to fly out of multiple locations, then fractional ownership can meet your needs
  3. Can you afford it? Generally, fractional ownership costs at least $200,000 for the smallest share of a plane, which entitles you to a certain number of hours each year for a multiple-year contract. Also, expect monthly maintenance costs and other fees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Pick a plan

Jet ownership companies offer a variety of plans. Pick the one that best meets your business needs.
I recommend: NetJets, one of the pioneers in this industry, starts at 1/16th ownership (about 50 hours of flying time for $406,250). Airsprint sells in increments of 100 hours per year. Plans vary in terms of types of planes used, restrictions, monthly fees, etc.

Pick a plane

Some fractional aircraft ownership companies are manufacturer-neutral, meaning they offer a variety of aircraft to owners. Others are offshoots of the plane manufacturers themselves and thus offer only one brand.
I recommend: Check out: Bombardier FlexJet or Raytheon Co.'s FlightOptions.

Another way to tap private aviation travel for your business

If fractional ownership is too costly, consider purchasing private plane service by the hour, usually between $2,000 and $8,000 per hour. You pay by depositing funds into an account and then drawing on the money as you go. Many attributes are similar to fractional ownership.
I recommend: Some of the companies that offer this include: Jet Network, Sentient Jet Membership and Marquis Jet.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • If you already own one or more private aircraft and need more flexibility or more flying time, but don't quite need another plane, then fractional ownership can solve your problem.
  • Amenities on the plane include such things as refreshments, daily newspapers, entertainment centers, and super-comfortable seats.
  • When considering companies, ask about how much advance notice is needed to schedule a flight, any restrictions such as locations, holidays, number of passengers, etc., penalties for cancellation of contracts or flights, etc. These details vary widely.
  • Check with your accountant before you buy. The IRS regulates the use of private planes stringently.

The official source of Fractional Jet Ownership is
the Aircraft Fractional Ownership page at Business.com

Corporate Aircraft Sales & Leasing
Provides sales and acquisitions of pre-owned private corporate executive business jets including Gulfstream, Challenger, BBJ, and Learjet.
www.l-lint.com
OneSky Jet Network
Search for corporate aircraft charter quotes in seconds with OneSky Jet Network. Private jets and jet charters aboard corporate jets made simple!
www.OneSky.com
Get Payment Quotes for Commercial Equipment Financing
Compare competitive equipment leasing & financing quotes from multiple lenders. Must have Good Credit and 2+ Years in Business.
Get Quotes Now | Compare Lenders | Payment Quotes
www.AllOptions.com
Protect Your Assets as a Delaware Corp. or LLC
Purchase your aircraft or yacht as a Delaware corp. Delaware is a tax free state. Ask about the series LLC for unique protection under one umbrella..
www.global-inter.net

Recommended Solution Providers

Air Fleet Capital: Aircraft Leasing
This service's goal is to provide the most competitive financing and best service in the industry for general aviation aircraft.

Airfund Corp.: Aircraft Lessor
Lessor of commercial aircraft which offers operating leases on commercial aircraft to airlines throughout the world. The leases offered are short and medium term triple net operating leases generally for periods of from 12 months to 8 years.

AQ Air: Commericial Aircraft Provider
Specializes in buying, selling and leasing pre-owned McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing aircraft.

Scope Aircraft Finance: Aircraft Leasing
Provides loans and leases to individuals and corporations for new or used aircraft, ranging from $200,000 to $5 Million.

Flight Options: Lease and Fractional Ownership
Provides both aircraft leasing and fractional ownership opportunities.

Plane Smart: Fractional Ownership
This provider is changing the face of fractional ownership by putting you into cutting-edge Cirrus SR22 and SR20 aircraft. This service provide a turn-key, red carpet service that takes the work out of aircraft ownership.

Bristol Associates: Commercial Aircraft Leasing
Active in acquiring and financing aircraft in the U.S. and has a thorough working knowledge of the regional airline marketplace.

Citation Shares: Fractional Ownership
This fractional jet ownership and jet card provider also provides value-added flight services.

MFS Aircraft: Leasing Services
Provide aircraft acquisition, sales, financing, leasing and capital investment services to the commercial, corporate and general aviation industries world wide.

Best Sites to Learn More

MFS Aircraft: Leasing Information
Read this guide to aircraft leasing, get tips and advice.

Fractional News: Jets and Aircraft
Brings you news and information on fractional ownership of jets or aircraft.

NBAA: Fractional Ownership
Get FAQ's, advice, and latest industry news about fractional ownership.



FEATURED LISTINGS

What WorksTM for Business Vehicles

Betty W. Stark

Traveling Smart

Knowing the rules of the road can save money, keep you safe
When it comes to business travel, seasoned road warriors often learn by trial and error what works and what doesn't. It's possible to ramp up that learning curve, smooth out the potholes and: Snag lower airfares and maximize loyalty benefits Save money on car rentals and hotels Make the most of flight delays and cancellations Stay healthy and safe on the road and at your destination. Read more

Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
Download

To advertise on Business.com, click here