Private jet

The benefits of a private jet are widely known, but have been confined to imagination for the vast majority of people. There is now a growing trend towards fractional ownership that gives people and organizations most of the benefits of private jet ownership, without the attendant investment and maintenance worries. You can own a share of a private jet along with other like-minded people, whose schedules do not conflict with yours. Payment for just twenty-five hours of flying time can give you access to a fleet of aircraft to use as private jets. Access to a fleet enables you to select a different aircraft as suited to the passenger load and itinerary of each separate trip.

Charter is the conventional way to use a private jet without owning one. It makes sense to charter several different kinds of aircraft before buying one, so that you can decide on the basis of personal experience rather than on the claims of manufacturers and brokers. You must use a private jet for at least 200 hours a year, if owning one is to make financial sense. The major drawback in charter is to deal with an unlicensed operator without adequate infrastructure or adherence to safety norms. This is a particular danger when making on-line bookings. The Internet may be the most convenient way to book a charter, but you may end up with a company that has neither the resources nor the commitment to ensure your safe travel on time. It is worth your while to visit the offices of the charter company and check their certification and insurance documentation in person, even if they are available on a web site. A practical alternative is to seek references and recommendations from satisfied customers whom you trust.

Full ownership of a private jet is a complex affair and people who are not aviation experts must use the services of a professional broker. The latter should have a sound reputation, many years of experience and could often be a retired pilot. A private jet should be tailored to the flying distance, passenger load and amenity requirements of each individual owner.