RUNWAY GUIDE: WHY FRACTIONAL JET OWNERSHIP MEANS TIMESHARE
March 17, 2025
Since 2020, private jet travel has experienced a fair upswing in interest, with fractional jet ownership emerging as one of the most compelling options for individuals and businesses seeking luxurious access to air travel without the significant costs of outright ownership.
At its core, fractional jet ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of an aircraft, thereby granting them a predetermined number of flight hours each year. It typically involves buying a 1/16th equity share of the asset, which then provides flying hours per year on a specified aircraft type. Aircraft owners will typically select an investment period of 3-5 years, after which they can reinvest or sell their equity back to their provider.
This model mirrors the timeshare concept popularized in the hospitality industry, where multiple parties have access to the same luxury without the need for sole ownership. Just as individuals share a vacation property, fractional jet owners share air travel resources, enjoying all the benefits while mitigating the downsides of owning an aircraft outright.
A FAMILIAR FRACTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Far beyond just a financial strategy, fractional ownership embodies a ‘timeshare’ philosophy—providing exclusive access while optimizing management efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Just as a person seldom uses a vacation property every day of their lives, so goes the logic in a fractional approach to jet ownership. One of the most significant advantages of fractional jet ownership lies in its innate efficiency. In traditional aircraft ownership, the associated costs extend far beyond the initial purchase price. Owners are often faced with unpredictable operational expenses, including maintenance, insurance and even crew salaries.
These expenses can fluctuate based on usage and the aircraft’s condition. Fractional ownership effectively distributes these costs across multiple owners, alleviating many financial pressures. The predictable management costs associated with fractional ownership allow for clearer budgeting and planning, ensuring that owners can enjoy their flight hours without the anxiety of unexpected costs.
Fractional ownership also offers inherent scalability—an aspect often lacking in traditional ownership models. For example, a growing business may start with a share in a light jet and later opt for a larger share in a super-midsize jet as their needs expand. This adaptability ensures that owners can scale their aviation requirements in tandem with their evolving travel demands, vastly improving the overall user experience.
In an exclusive interview with AIN, Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro breaks down why thinking of fractional jet ownership in a timeshare light may not only illuminate the logic behind this popular access model, but also the ways in which it can enhance your overall travel lifestyle.
In addition to capital management, fractional ownership enhances operational efficiency. A large fleet provider like Flexjet can typically offer access to a diverse collection of aircraft, which enables owners to choose the plane that best suits their specific travel needs.
As an aircraft Owner at Flexjet, you will not be limited to just one type of aircraft; rather, you can select from a broader portfolio depending on your destination, flight duration and the number of passengers. Such flexibility is like getting to select the right property for your vacation based on the size of your party and the purpose of your trip.
OWN YOUR SHARE OF HISTORY
Flexjet recently made a landmark commitment to innovation not seen before in fractional aviation — placing a firm order for 182 Embraer business jets, including the beloved Praetor 600, Praetor 500 series as well as the enhanced Phenom 300 model. Many of these aircraft will be available via our fractional program as it continues to capitalize on the surging popularity of these incredibly versatile aircraft.
This monumental deal, valued at up to USD 7 billion, will nearly double Flexjet’s fleet within five years, making it the largest order in the company’s 30-year history and for Embraer Executive Jets. As the first fractional provider to feature the Praetor series, Flexjet continues to elevate its service with an enhanced support agreement, further solidifying its reputation in the elite world of private aviation. Exciting times certainly lie ahead for Flexjet aircraft Owners.
Our decades of experience in providing premier aircraft and program solutions equip us to cater to the diverse aspirations of our clientele, ensuring that every journey is not just a flight, but an extraordinary experience tailored to your exacting standards.
Whether flying for business or pleasure, fractional jet ownership and jet lease programs at Flexjet deliver an unmatched blend of accessibility, luxury and efficiency—creating an experience that is truly a hallmark of modern aviation.
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