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Private aviation evolves with flexible membership options

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Private aviation evolves with flexible membership options
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

For many years, private aviation was limited to either owning a jet or chartering one on an hourly basis. While these options remain popular, more flexible alternatives have emerged for individuals and corporations seeking private jet travel.

One such alternative is private jet memberships. These operate on a deposit drawdown system, where customers make an initial deposit to access flights and consume the amount without purchasing or chartering an entire jet. Customers buy specific flight hours with their deposit, which is drawn down as they fly. Members benefit from reduced rates compared to standard charters and enjoy perks like preferred rates, no blackout dates, fleet choices, shorter booking windows, and exclusive offers with partner programs.

Private jet memberships come in various formats. Volato, a private jet management company, notes there are over 50 different membership types offering flexibility and benefits to flyers. The most common models include upfront deposits that lock in capped rates based on aircraft type and size. Memberships provide better rates than market charters along with additional benefits like advanced quoting and access to larger fleets.

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"Private jet memberships are transforming elite travel," says Volato. "Membership models are designed for those who value the convenience and flexibility of flying private but prefer not to take on the administration required for jet ownership."

Another option is private jet card memberships structured around blocks of flight hours rather than fixed deposits. Customers purchase blocks (usually 25-hour increments) at locked-in rates drawn down as flights occur. Some cards impose blackout dates or restrictions but may offer preferred rates outside program scope.

Fractional ownership programs allow customers to buy shares of jets with annual flight hours instead of full ownership costs. This breaks upfront costs into fractions starting as small as 1/16th share while reducing capital liabilities.

NetJets emphasizes its longstanding role in providing ultimate solutions through fractional ownerships, leases, and card programs: "With private jet membership programs, travelers pay a fee to access aircraft and services."

Overall usage of private jets has increased post-COVID-19 pandemic due to the convenience these memberships offer without full ownership responsibilities.

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