Fractional Ownership: A Smarter Way to Access Private Aviation

Private aviation offers unmatched convenience, comfort, and flexibility — but owning an entire aircraft outright comes with significant costs and responsibilities. For many individuals and businesses, fractional ownership provides an ideal alternative, combining the advantages of private jet access with a much lower financial commitment.

Fractional ownership allows multiple owners to share the costs and usage of a single aircraft, typically managed by a professional operator. Owners purchase a share of a specific aircraft — usually starting at 1/16th (about 50 hours per year) — and pay a monthly management fee plus an hourly usage rate. This model allows access to a consistent fleet of aircraft while avoiding the full burden of maintenance, crew management, and depreciation.

According to industry research by ARGUS, fractional ownership represents nearly 20% of the U.S. private aviation market, and demand is growing steadily. NetJets, the largest fractional operator, reported a 30% increase in new owners year-over-year in 2022, driven by the increasing need for reliable and safe travel alternatives post-pandemic.

Financially, fractional ownership can be significantly more cost-effective than full ownership. A midsize jet that might cost $15–20 million to purchase outright can be accessed for a fraction of that price, depending on the share size. Additionally, owners enjoy predictable costs with no responsibility for resale or aircraft downtime.

Another key advantage is flexibility. Most programs offer access to a fleet of different aircraft sizes, meaning you can choose the right plane for each trip rather than being locked into a single model.

Fractional ownership has become especially popular among corporations, frequent business travelers, and high-net-worth individuals who value time savings, reliability, and control, but don’t fly enough hours annually to justify full ownership.

As demand for private aviation grows, fractional ownership continues to be a smart, scalable solution for those who want all the benefits of private jet travel — without the full cost and complexity.