For clients and businesses that fly regularly, fractional ownership can be an attractive private aviation solution. As travel needs evolve, this option offers a more sophisticated, personalized, and flexible alternative to traditional methods like charter services and jet cards. At Jet Access, our team consists of highly experienced, qualified, knowledgeable, and results-oriented professionals. To help you determine if fractional ownership is the right choice for you, our experts are here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
You may be asking yourself, “How do you know when it’s time to transition to fractional ownership rather than sticking with airlines, jet cards, or charter services?” Let’s explore the key factors to consider in helping you make an informed decision about your aviation needs.
When to Transition to Wing Share for Your Private Aviation Needs?
For clients and businesses that fly—approximately 25 to 50 hours a year or take 4-6 trips annually and see usage growing more frequent in the new year—fractional ownership may be an attractive private aviation solution. With aircraft usage typically increasing over time, transitioning to fractional ownership could offer a more refined, personalized, and flexible alternative to other aviation solutions. For those flying more than 50 hours per year using jet cards or charter services, the benefits become even greater as the hourly costs are generally lower.
If you fall into these categories, it’s worth exploring alternative private aviation solutions. Fractional ownership may be one of them. At Jet Access, our Wing Share™ joint-ownership program provides numerous benefits, including guaranteed hourly rates, guaranteed aircraft availability, high-touch customer experience, depreciation advantages, and access to the highest quality aircraft.
Key Considerations for Transitioning to Fractional Ownership
How Many Hours Will You Fly in a Year?
Fractional ownership is generally ideal for those who fly frequently and desire time savings, privacy, and autonomy in their travel experience. If you’re flying fewer than 50 hours per year, it may be tempting to continue using a jet card or charter services. However, if your travel needs are trending upward and you’re flying closer to 50 hours or more per year, Wing Share™ may be a great option as it offers the flexibility to roll over a portion of unused hours, making it a more effective choice for many travelers.
Furthermore, if you go over your allotted hours, Wing Share™ provides the option to exceed your share up to a certain limit. When that happens, you’ll need to decide whether to:
- Increase your ownership stake to meet your growing travel demands
- Supplement with charter flights for additional flexibility
How Predictable Are Your Travel Needs?
One of the standout benefits of fractional ownership is the predictability it offers. With guaranteed hourly rates and aircraft availability, you can plan your travel with confidence, knowing your aircraft will be ready when you need it. This makes fractional ownership particularly well-suited for business executives, corporations, and frequent travelers with all types of schedules.
In contrast, for those with highly variable or infrequent travel patterns, jet cards or charter services may be more advantageous. These options allow you to pay as you go without long-term commitments, though they typically come with higher hourly costs.
Demand Trends: Why Fractional Ownership is in High Demand
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, fractional ownership has seen a surge in popularity, driven by several key factors:
- Increased focus on safety and control: More individuals are prioritizing private spaces and safer travel options to avoid crowded terminals and flights, thus reducing exposure to potential health risks.
- Privacy and security: Privacy is a major concern for many of our clients. Fractional ownership offers a level of security and discretion that is not available with commercial flights, jet cards, and charter services.
- Desire for reliability: The charter market can be volatile, with availability issues and fluctuating prices. Fractional ownership offers a more consistent and reliable on-demand solution.
- Efficiency and time savings: For busy executives, business owners, and frequent flyers, fractional aircraft ownership offers significant time-saving benefits. By enabling direct travel to destinations without layovers or delays, it enhances productivity and allows individuals to make the most of their valuable time.
- Simplified cost structure: Compared to the unpredictable costs of charter flights, and high fixed hourly rates of jet cards, fractional ownership offers more predictable expenses and better long-term value.
These trends indicate that more travelers are finding fractional ownership an attractive alternative to other private aviation solutions, especially when prioritizing safety with consistent and dependable service.
Should You Make the Switch to Wing Share™?
If you’re flying close to or over 50 hours annually, or if you simply prefer a more predictable and tailored private aviation solution, fractional ownership through Wing Share™ could be a game-changer! Here are a few questions to consider when exploring Wing Share™:
- What is your travel mission? Understanding your specific mission or travel needs is critical. This involves assessing travel frequency, typical destinations, passenger load, and schedule flexibility to ensure fractional ownership meets your unique travel requirements.
- Are you maximizing the value of your current jet card or charter services? Take a close look at your current usage, and consider any hidden costs—like block time, daily minimums, one-way repositioning fees, or blackout days/peak days restrictions. Fractional ownership provides better cost efficiency and a bespoke experience.
- Would fractional ownership offer better value and flexibility for your travel needs? Fractional ownership can provide you more control and more value compared to commercial travel, jet cards, and charter services.
- Are you spending too much time in commercial airports? Crowded terminals, delays, low-value amenities, limited comfort, health risks, and time-consuming security procedures make spending too much time in commercial airports frustrating and inconvenient.
- Is now the time to consider a long-term private aviation strategy? If you anticipate more frequent travel, fractional ownership can be a smarter, more cost-effective aircraft ownership solution.
By reflecting on these questions, you can make an informed decision about which private aviation solution best aligns with your needs.
Explore the Benefits of Wing Share™ Today
If your travel patterns align with the 50 hours annually or you simply want more predictability and flexibility, then let’s explore how Jet Access’s Wing Share™ program can elevate your flying experience! With guaranteed availability, flexible hours, and the highest quality aircraft, Wing Share™ offers a superior solution to the challenges posed by commercial airlines, jet cards, and charter flights.
Ready to take your travel to the next level? Contact us today to learn how Wing Share™ can enhance your private aviation experience.
About Hunter Musselman
Hunter Musselman is the Vice President of Managed Aircraft Sales at Jet Access. With a wealth of experience in the business aviation industry, Hunter brings a deep understanding of aircraft management and joint aircraft ownership to his role. Hunter holds a degree from Purdue University, and his expertise spans various facets of aviation, including Part 91 management, fractional ownership, jet card sales, aircraft charter, and client services. He has held key positions at prominent aviation companies, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver exceptional service to clients. At Jet Access, Hunter is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each aircraft owner, ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction.
