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How Much Does Fractional Jet Ownership Cost?

A Comprehensive Guide

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Citation Excel Private Jet Image
Citation Excel Private Jet Image

Introduction to Fractional Jet Ownership

Fractional jet ownership offers a cost-effective way to access private aviation without the high costs of full jet ownership. It allows multiple owners to share the costs and benefits of owning an entire aircraft, making private flying more accessible.

Understanding fractional jet ownership costs is crucial for customer satisfaction and making informed investment decisions in the private aviation industry. Fractional aircraft ownership provides flexibility and benefits of private flying without the long-term commitment and high financial burden. Additionally, it offers the advantage of flexibility and convenience, allowing access to multiple aircraft types to cater to differing travel needs.

Fractional ownership is popular among corporate individuals, athletes, and artists for private aviation.

Understanding How it Works

Fractional aircraft ownership involves buying a share in an aircraft, giving a certain number of flight hours annually, similar to leasing part of the plane.

The costs include maintenance, management, and operational fees, not just the purchase price, and can vary depending on the aircraft type and flight hours. Certain upgrades or models may come at no additional cost, providing financial benefits.

Fractional jet owners have access to a fleet of aircraft, allowing them to choose the best plane for their needs, and can sell their share after a certain period. Operators manage various services such as scheduling flights, arranging maintenance, and handling administrative tasks, enhancing the overall experience.

Most aircraft fractional ownership agreements are structured as leases, with owners holding a share of the lease rather than direct ownership.

The private aviation industry offers many benefits, including flexibility, privacy, and quick flying options, making fractional ownership an attractive option for frequent flyers.

Costs and Expenses

The fractional jet ownership cost includes initial investment, ongoing maintenance, and operating expenses, such as fuel costs, pilot salaries, and insurance. Various factors, such as demand and operating costs, can impact the overall cost.

Additional costs, such as landing fees, handling fees, and taxes, may apply, and can add up to a significant amount. For those who prefer booking flights as needed without long-term commitments, charter flights offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to fractional ownership.

The cost of fractional ownership can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the aircraft type, flight hours, and ownership terms. The annual operational cost for fractional ownership, based on a baseline of 50 hours per year, is around $100,000 depending on the aircraft type.

Understanding the direct operating costs, including fuel consumption and maintenance, is essential for estimating the total cost of fractional ownership.

Benefits and Advantages

Fractional jet ownership provides many benefits, including access to a private aircraft, flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to fly with up to nine passengers. The advanced cockpit environment and comfortable cabin make it an ideal option for business and leisure travel. Some aircraft, like the Pilatus PC-12, have accumulated over seven million flight hours, emphasizing their reliability and performance. Fractional ownership also offers a cost-effective way to access private aviation, with lower operating costs compared to full ownership. The ability to sell the share after a certain period makes it a flexible and attractive option for those who want to try private flying without a long-term commitment. Fractional owners can sell their share back to the issuer at a surrender price after one year, subject to fluctuations in the share’s value.

Pilatus PC-12 Private Turboprop Jet Image
Pilatus PC-12 Private Turboprop Jet Image

Comparison with Other Options

Fractional aircraft ownership is often compared to jet cards, which offer a set number of flight hours on specific aircraft types.

Today, an increasing number of individuals are opting for jet cards over fractional ownership. Jet cards offer a level of convenience and peace of mind that eliminates the need for constant oversight and ongoing management to remain cost-effective.

With standard jet card programs, concerns such as maintenance, fleet management, and aircraft availability are handled entirely by the provider—transforming what was once a logistical burden into a seamless experience.

While fractional ownership was once favored due to considerations around depreciation, many have come to realize that the associated complexities and hidden costs often outweigh the benefits. After all, if flying private becomes a hassle, you’re missing the point of the experience.

Additionally,

jet cards can be more flexible than fractional ownership, allowing use across multiple aircraft types.

The PC-12, a popular executive aircraft, offers a cost-effective option for fractional ownership, with low operating costs and a high value in the aircraft market.

Understanding the differences between these options is crucial for making an informed decision about the best way to access private aviation.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost of aircraft fractional ownership can vary depending on several factors, including the aircraft type, flight hours, ownership terms, and operational costs such as salaries and maintenance.

The number of owners, the age and condition of the aircraft, and the level of service required can also impact the cost.

Fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance can add up to a significant amount, and should be considered when estimating the total cost of fractional ownership.

The private aviation industry is constantly evolving, with new aircraft and technologies emerging, which can affect the cost of fractional ownership. Some operators, like Flexjets, offer fractional jet ownership options in both North America and the Middle East.

There are various types of private jets available for fractional ownership, including light jets, midsize jets, and large jets.

Making an Informed Decision

Making an informed decision about fractional ownership requires careful consideration of the costs, benefits, and risks involved, especially for potential customers evaluating their options.

It’s essential to research the market, compare different options, and consult with experts in the private aviation industry.

Understanding the contract terms, including the duration, cancellation policies, and exit strategies, is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs and complications.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In conclusion, fractional jet ownership is a cost-effective way to experience private aviation, offering numerous benefits such as flexibility, convenience, and reduced costs compared to full ownership. The cost of fractional jet ownership varies depending on the operator, aircraft type, and number of flight hours, with prices ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million. Understanding fractional jet ownership and its costs is essential for making an informed decision, and it’s crucial to consider factors such as fuel costs, operating costs, and additional fees.

As the private aviation industry continues to grow, fractional jet ownership is becoming less popular option for individuals and companies looking for a more affordable and flexible way to access private air travel. With the rise of jet cards, & the benefits & flexibility the membership options entail, private flyers can enjoy the benefits of private aviation without the significant upfront costs and long-term commitment associated with full ownership.

For those considering fractional jet ownership, it’s essential to research and compare different operators and aircraft types to find the best fit for their needs and budget. Additionally, understanding the terms and conditions of the fractional ownership agreement, including the cost of fuel, maintenance, and insurance, is vital to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

In the next steps, prospective fractional owners should:

  1. Research and Compare Programs: Investigate various fractional ownership programs, considering factors such as cost, aircraft type, and service quality. This will help identify the best options available in the market.
  2. Evaluate Flight Needs and Budget: Assess your flight requirements and financial capacity to determine the most suitable fractional ownership plan. This includes considering the number of flight hours needed and the type of aircraft that best meets your needs.
  3. Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully examine the fractional ownership agreement, paying close attention to details such as fuel costs, maintenance fees, and insurance. Understanding these terms will help avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a hassle-free experience.
  4. Consult

FAQ

Your Most Asked Questions, Answered.

Does LIVT do fractional ownerships?

a. While LIVT does offer partnership opportunities, we do not participate in fractional ownership programs. With over 50 years of combined aviation experience, our team has found that fractional ownership models no longer align with the evolving needs of today’s private aviation clients. Instead, our jet card and partnership options provide the flexibility, cost efficiency, and consistent availability that discerning travelers expect..

Fractional ownership can offers tax benefits, especially for businesses and individuals who use the aircraft for qualifying business purposes.

Yes, fractional jet ownership can be used for international flights, but with some important limitations and considerations depending on the provider, aircraft type, and destination.

Depends on the size of your share & the program you're joined with. As a rough guide: i. 1/16 share = -50 hours/year ii. 1/8 share = -100 hours/year iii. ¼ share = -200 hours/year

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