HOW DOES PRIVATE JET FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP COMPARE TO LEASING?

Weighing up the differences between private jet ownership programmes can be a complex task. There are a number of different costs and dynamics to consider, and ultimately much depends on your travel patterns and preferences; desired flexibility, level of jet access; and preferred payment structure.

If you are still starting out on your aircraft ownership journey, here we highlight some key differences between Flexjet’s Shared Ownership (often called fractional jet ownership) and Access (or private jet leasing) programmes in Europe.

What is Shared Ownership or Fractional Jet Ownership?

Simply put, fractional or Shared Ownership offers an experience that is close to whole aircraft ownership, but without many of the hassles of crewing, maintenance and unforeseen operational costs or downtime. It might be helpful to think of fractional or Shared Ownership as something close to a timeshare or an exclusive private jet membership. With Flexjet, this level of programme provides you with a great deal of flexibility and control over your travel plans. Flexjet Shared Owners enjoy an exceptional luxury experience, elevated service and immediate aircraft availability – whenever it’s time to fly.

In addition to this consistency of service and guaranteed availability, fractional or Shared Ownership allows you access to the Flexjet global fleet in addition to the exemplary safety and service culture of one of the world’s leading private aviation groups. In Europe our fleet includes the Legacy 500, Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650.

These are all ultra-modern, technically-advanced aircraft operated by world-class pilots and team members. Each is carefully maintained and features an impeccable, high-spec interior, that utilises the finest leathers, textiles and other materials from around the world.

Flexjet Fractional or Shared Ownership – Cost Breakdown

When you buy a fraction or a share of a plane, Owners are allocated a number of flying hours per year and charged a monthly management fee, an hourly charge for usage and an hourly fuel surcharge.  The normal term of ownership for fractional shares is usually five years. Shares begin at 50 hours of flight time per year, up to 800 hours.

Fractional ownership is therefore aimed at those who fly 50 hours a year or more. The type of aircraft and size of share will be directly related to your travel patterns and requirements. Below are the three biggest cost components of Flexjet aircraft ownership solutions.

 

1. 1. Initial Interest Purchase: When you decide to purchase an undivided interest in a specific Flexjet private aircraft for up to a 5-year term, there is an initial capital payment to cover, based on a portion of the asset. This is the upfront acquisition cost component of our fractional (or shared) jet ownership programme.

 

1. 1. Fixed Costs of Ownership: If you are looking for the benefits of owning your own aircraft without the burdens of sourcing crewing and insurance, then Fractional or Shared Jet Ownership is the programme for you. When purchasing an aircraft share, your Ownership fees will cover the indirect requirements of ownership, such as pilot provisions and training, insurance, hangaring and administrative costs.

 

1. Hourly Transportation Fee: Your hourly rate covers the direct costs of operating your aircraft, such as maintenance, engine reserves, pilot fees and catering. As a fractional or Shared Owner, you are only charged for each hour that your aircraft is in-flight and you enjoy competitive hourly rates for your entire term within our Primary and Secondary Service Areas, without ferry fees. A fuel component adjustment is also added to the hourly fee, based on the fluctuating price of fuel.

 

 

What is Private Jet Leasing or Access?

Leasing a private jet (which we call Access in Europe) shares many characteristics of fractional or Shared Ownership, with one key exception. Access or a private jet lease does not require an initial interest purchase as stated above, however Owners are still responsible for a standard deposit.

Those who wish to lease a private jet still pay an Annual Fixed Flight Service Charge and Hourly Transportation Rate in addition to a deposit and monthly lease payment. For some Owners, this is a more appropriate level of financial commitment.

However, keep in mind, with a private jet lease or Access, there are some relative limitations in schedule flexibility, call-out time and aircraft selection compared to Shared Ownership. So while leasing a jet share offers you many of the benefits, travel experiences and service standards Flexjet has to offer, you should discuss your personal circumstances with one of our experts, who can help you decide which programme will best suit your needs.

To learn more about our Shared Ownership or Access programmes, contact our team via the form below or call us on +44 (0) 203 856 8151.