Purchasing a private jet is a major investment—financially and operationally. Between acquiring the aircraft, hiring crew, handling maintenance, and managing day-to-day logistics, full ownership requires significant resources. Fractional ownership offers a different path, allowing you to access a private aircraft with far fewer responsibilities. Below, we break down the differences and how Airshare can help determine the option that best supports your travel needs.
WHOLE-AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP
Owning your own aircraft, often managed through an aircraft management company, is similar to buying a home. You are responsible for all expenses and operational details, including acquisition, crew salaries, insurance, hangar costs, maintenance, fuel, and ongoing monthly requirements.
Whole ownership typically makes sense when you expect to use your aircraft at least 100 days (or roughly 250 hours) per year. For those who fly less often, costs can be offset by chartering the aircraft when it’s not in use. An experienced management company like Airshare can handle everything from hiring crew and scheduling maintenance to generating charter revenue.
If full ownership is the direction you’re considering, Airshare’s aircraft specialists can help you select the right aircraft and manage every detail throughout its lifecycle—ensuring safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP
Fractional ownership functions much like a timeshare. You purchase only the portion of the aircraft that supports your expected usage, often starting at a 1/16 share.
Airshare operates on a unique day-based model rather than an hour-based one. A 1/16 share provides 20 days of travel each year, with unlimited flight hours* on those days. Our owners sometimes fly up to 100 hours annually on that same 1/16 share—double what many competitors allow under hourly caps.
Another significant advantage is that your aircraft and crew stay with you the entire day if you need them. You can make multiple stops, adjust your schedule freely, and you’ll never pay extra for peak travel days. And when your trip begins and ends in the same location, your hourly rate is reduced by up to 25%.
Fractional ownership has three simple cost components:
- Acquisition Cost – The initial purchase or lease of your aircraft share.
- Monthly Management Fees – Shared expenses including crew salaries, insurance, maintenance, hangar space, and access to our Owner Services team.
- Hourly Rates – Cover fuel, maintenance, and crew-related expenses during flight.
Fleet Access
With Airshare, you’re not limited to a single aircraft. While you invest in one tail number, your ownership provides access to our full fractional fleet—including the Challenger 3500 and Phenom 300—with the ability to interchange aircraft as needed. If your assigned aircraft is undergoing maintenance, we provide another aircraft to keep you flying.
Our fractional program is designed to be cost-effective and simple: no peak-day surcharges, no hour limits, and consistently reliable service.
WHOLE OWNERSHIP VS. FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP
Here’s how to determine which path fits your travel style:
Monthly Expenses
Fractional ownership spreads costs among multiple owners. Whole-aircraft ownership places all expenses on a single owner.
Management & Support
Whole aircraft owners rely on Airshare to handle everything—from crew and maintenance to charter revenue generation.
Fractional owners benefit from built-in management: pilot salaries, insurance, hangar, maintenance, and 24/7 flight department support.
Utilization
Fractional ownership is typically ideal if you expect to fly 15 days or more annually. If you regularly fly 100+ days per year, full aircraft ownership becomes the more efficient investment.
BENEFITS OF PRIVATE AVIATION
No matter which model you prefer, private aviation gives you unparalleled flexibility, comfort, and control.
Flexibility & Control
Set your own schedule, avoid connections, and access more than 5,000 airports nationwide—far beyond what commercial airlines can offer.
Privacy & Comfort
Enjoy complete control over who travels with you, smooth boarding with no airport congestion, and a quieter, more personalized flying experience.
Tax Advantages
Both whole ownership and fractional ownership may offer opportunities for depreciation and interest deductions. Consult your aviation tax advisor to understand how these may apply to your situation.
ADDITIONAL AIRSHARE AVIATION SOLUTIONS
Airshare offers a full suite of programs designed to fit your travel needs—even if whole or fractional ownership isn’t the right fit.
EMBARK Jet Card
The jet card is ideal for those making 5–10 private trips per year. You’ll receive 10 travel days with unlimited* hours over 24 months. Unlike most jet card programs, Airshare only charges the program fee upfront—you simply pay for your flight hours as you fly. Access includes Challenger 3500 and Phenom 300 aircraft with the ability to interchange between them as needed.
Charter Services
Perfect for one-off trips, special occasions, or supplemental lift. Airshare offers a diverse charter fleet and access to thousands of aircraft worldwide, matching the ideal aircraft to your itinerary and travel preferences.
Flying with Airshare is safe, simple, and efficient. Whether you’re exploring fractional ownership, jet cards, charter, or aircraft management, our team is here to help you find the perfect solution.
If you’re ready to learn more, contact us today.
*Based on customer’s allocation of days with a maximum 14-hour crew duty day.