Private aviation offers unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and luxury for travelers who value time and flexibility. However, the way customers engage with private jets often evolves over time, depending on their needs, budget, and travel frequency. The lifecycle of a private aviation customer typically follows a progression from charter to jet cards, then to fractional ownership, and ultimately full aircraft ownership. Here’s why:
1. Private Jet Charter – The Entry Point
Most people start their private aviation journey with on-demand charter. This model allows travelers to book flights as needed, paying only for the trips they take. Chartering is ideal for those who:
• Fly fewer than 25 hours per year
• Need flexibility without long-term commitments
• Want to test private aviation before committing to a structured program
Why Move On?
As flying hours increase, the drawbacks of chartering become apparent—variable pricing, aircraft availability issues, and inconsistent aircraft and service quality. At this stage, frequent flyers often look for more predictability, cost efficiency and more sophisticated levels of service.
2. Jet Cards – More Consistency, Reliability, Elevated Service
A jet card is a prepaid program that allows customers to purchase a set number of flight hours at a fixed hourly rate. Jet cards offer:
• Guaranteed availability (usually with short notice)
• Fixed hourly pricing for budgeting
• Consistent aircraft quality and service
Why Move On?
Once a traveler exceeds 50+ hours per year, jet cards can become costly compared to fractional ownership. At this point, some customers begin exploring longer-term commitments for greater savings and control. In addition, customers may want an aircraft specific program, with an even higher level of quality control. They may desire more personal touches, such as, the same crew, or group of crew members, and a dedicated concierge to facilitate all matters related to travel. They may prefer the same cabin layout or interior finishes. They may desire a newer model aircraft with an elevated fit and finish. Performance capabilities also may be a motivator. For example, flights filed under PART 91 may have greater flexibility into shorter runways, allowing for more convenient travel to/from their end destination. There are also tax advantages for fractional owners that may be important.
3. Fractional Ownership – A Step Toward Full Ownership
Fractional programs, like those offered by NetJets or Flexjet, allow customers to buy a share of an aircraft, entitling them to a set number of hours per year. Benefits include:
• Lower upfront investment than full ownership
• Access to a fleet of aircraft of same model aircraft (instead of just one)
• Consistent service and crew
• Fractional ownership is best for travelers flying 50 to 300 hours per year who want ownership benefits without full responsibility.
Why Move On?
As flight hours increase, fractional owners may realize that owning their own jet is more cost-effective and provides ultimate control over aircraft availability, customization, and branding. With recent legislation allowing aircraft owners to write off bonus depreciation, there has been a trend amongst business travelers to purchase an asset.
4. Full Private Jet Ownership – The Ultimate Convenience
Owning a business jet is the pinnacle of private aviation. It allows for:
• Complete control over scheduling, routes, and aircraft choice
• Personalized interiors, technology, and amenities
• Potential cost savings for those flying 200+ hours per year
• Maximum tax savings
What Comes Next?
Even after purchasing a jet, owners still evolve in their private aviation journey. Some may upgrade to larger, longer-range aircraft, while others may offset ownership costs by placing their jet in charter programs. Additionally, some customers may purchase a jet card, fraction or still utilize ad-hoc charter when their aircraft is down for maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The journey from charter to ownership isn’t the same for everyone, but it follows a logical path based on increasing flight hours, financial considerations, and the need for control. The right solution depends on individual travel patterns, preferences, and budget, making it crucial to reassess needs at each stage of the journey.
Where are you in your private aviation journey? If you’re thinking about taking the next step, consulting with an expert can help you find the best fit for your needs.
- Pat Clarke, Sales Executive