Charter, jet cards and fractional programs... Ways to access private jets

Private air travel has become increasingly popular for individuals and businesses seeking flexibility, convenience, and luxury. In the United States, the charter market under Part 135 regulations offers various avenues for accessing private aircraft. Whether it's through on-demand charter, jet cards, or fractional ownership, travelers have several options to choose from to meet their specific needs. Let's explore each approach in detail.

On-demand charter is perhaps the most flexible option for those seeking private air travel. With on-demand charter, travelers have access to a wide range of aircraft on a per-trip basis. This means you can select the aircraft type and size that best suits your needs for each journey. Whether it's a short regional hop or a transcontinental flight, on-demand charter provides the freedom to choose the right aircraft for the mission.

In the United States, the Part 135 charter market boasts a significant number of aircraft available for on-demand charter. While exact figures can fluctuate due to market dynamics, it's estimated that there are thousands of private aircraft operating under Part 135 regulations across the country. These include a variety of aircraft types, from light jets like the Cessna Citation CJ series to larger options such as Gulfstream and Bombardier models.

Booking an on-demand charter is relatively straightforward. Travelers can work with charter brokers or directly with operators to arrange flights based on their schedule and preferences. This option offers convenience, privacy, and the ability to tailor the travel experience to individual needs.

Jet cards are another popular way to access private aircraft for travel within the United States. A jet card is essentially a prepaid card that allows travelers to purchase flight hours or segments on a specific aircraft or category of aircraft. Jet card programs are offered by various private aviation companies and provide a level of consistency and reliability for frequent flyers.

With a jet card, travelers typically pay a fixed amount upfront, which is then deducted based on the hours flown or segments used. Jet card programs often offer benefits such as guaranteed availability, fixed hourly rates, and waived positioning fees. Additionally, some programs allow cardholders to choose from a fleet of aircraft, providing flexibility in selecting the right option for each trip.

Fractional ownership offers a more substantial investment in private aviation but comes with the benefit of shared ownership of an aircraft. Under fractional ownership, individuals or businesses purchase a share of an aircraft, typically ranging from one-sixteenth to one-half ownership.

Fractional ownership programs are managed by companies like NetJets, Flexjet, and PlaneSense, which maintain and operate the aircraft on behalf of the owners. This arrangement provides access to a specific aircraft type or model on a consistent basis, without the responsibilities of full ownership.

Fractional owners pay an initial purchase price for their share of the aircraft and then cover ongoing operating costs, such as maintenance, crew salaries, and insurance, through monthly management fees and hourly rates for flight time. Fractional ownership is ideal for those who fly frequently and value the benefits of ownership without the logistical burdens.

The charter market in the United States offers a plethora of options for private air travel, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Whether it's the flexibility of on-demand charter, the convenience of jet cards, or the shared ownership model of fractional ownership, travelers can choose the option that best suits their lifestyle and travel requirements. With thousands of aircraft available under Part 135 regulations, accessing private aviation has never been more accessible or convenient. Contact the PJC today for an unbiased consultation on what solution(s) may fit you best.