Ok, who has studied this ? Any clue on which is the best way to go ? This Co claims their program is better than fractional ownership http://www.bluestarjets.com/fractional-jet-ownership.asp
From what I know about it, it depends on the number of hours you're using the plane as their per hour cost is generally higher. When it comes to these different plans, it seems to me that they've figured it out so carefully that you're not going to get a HUGE savings. You might save a little here and there, but usually based on usage. Also, firms like NetJets will upgrade you, if they can. I wouldn't count on an upgrade, though. For example, I was just on a Citation Excel charter, but a GIVSP showed up. Kind of overkill for the flight, but this wouldn't happen (I don't think) with the Bluestar (or any other card). I recall seeing a comparo chart just last week that showed the various cutoffs and price points. I think it was in the WSJ? CW
BlueStarJets is just what we used to refer to as a "block charter" program. You could go to any quality charter operator and get the same thing. Of course, you're in south florida, home to more sleazy charter operators than anywhere else in the country, so proceed with caution! If you don't want a lot of hassle, just want to write a check each month and have the airplane show up and take you where you want to go, sign up with NetJets. They're not the cheapest, but they are a safe, high quality operation. If you want to do a block charter arrangement, try TAG Aviation USA, or Jet Aviation. Either of those companies are reputable and safe. As for other South Florida charter outfits, watch your step! A fancy lobby and new paint on an airplane do not necessarily mean you are working with a high quality or safe operation.
William if you need something for south fl I happen to be good friends with a guy who does tons or work for bluestar and I also work for ray anthony of anthony international / anthony avaiation.
I bought a 1/8 share of a Lear 45 from Flexjet in 2003. We had a big issue when the 45s got grounded and I found myself in a 604 for most of the first year. The big issues that have come up are mostly fuel surcharges and monthly fees going up and up. They blame it on everything from security fees to the cost of having the lavatory pumped. My hourly fees are roughly 30% higher then I originally budgeted . I become eligible to cash out next year and the market value they are floating around is 60% of new???? I also agree with DonV shop your charter operators very carefully. There are some total scumbags flying out of date planes with big damage histories on 135 certificates in FXE and MIA I chose "Flex" because they don't charge any extra ferry fees for Cabo San Lucas or Grand Cayman, Netjets does (or did)
FWIW my uncle bought 1/16th share in a Hawker 400 about two years ago and recently upgraded to 1/8th in a 800XP. I ask him about it every time and he has not had anything bad to say about it.
flexjet sound good in principle but there is a positioning fee that depends on your location. In my case, I travel to San Francisco once a month. Its about 200 miles (but 4 hours!). A jet is 1500 an hour, only 1 hour flight. So 1500 right? Wrong! Positioning fee if 8k. That means bringing a (presumedly empty) jet to me. So its 10k for 200 miles; not good. I think for longer flights the math works much better. Short flights not so good (mostly what I need!)
Sorry I didn't mean flexjet the company but the concept; I was specifically referring to Bluestar (not to mention names, er)
All depends on how you are going to use it. Sometimes it is easier to just do a charter and not own a fraction of the thing, especially if it is just for a couple of trips per year.
In the charter world, don't listen to "$1500/hour" and think that a 1 hour trip is going to cost you $1500. In addition to the positioning fees mentioned, which may or may not be applicable, there will always be FET (Federal Excise Tax), landing fees, usually a fuel surcharge, overnight or waiting fees, etc. Depending on the length of your trip, there are also often minimum hour requirements. Most charter operators want you to fly at least 2 hours per day, or will charge you for 2 hours per day whether you fly or not. The alternative is to have them drop you off and return to pick you up. Given all that, Judge4re is still right that charter often makes sense. Just know what you are getting into, and that you are with a quality, SAFE, operator.
For flights that are only 200 miles you could charter something a lot smaller (and cheaper) than a jet and it will still get you there in about an hour...bonanza or baron would get the job done quite well and they can go to smaller airports than most biz jets.
Those time share ownerships are a total rip. They also charter the jet when it isn't being used, and pocket the dough, although they've sold 100% ownership. Smartest thing to do is to plan your usage. A 200 mile trip (unless the weather is terrible) can be done in a good many airplanes. Rather than a jet, if there are just 2 people, you can use a King Air, which has a decent sized cabin, and it would cost 2 - 3k for the trip & return. A lot of times people don't plan their trip, and end up with a lot more plan than they need, which jacks up the cost. Art
Wouldn't DRIVING 200 miles get you there faster...? Hell, buy yourself a small cessna, and make it a fun trip...
Yeah, thats what Art does, well not in a cessna. I think a Squaw Valley skier or two has felt the wrath of Arts skillful hands.
William, My dad was a Naval Aviator. My brother-in-law is the chief pilot for Verizon. I have had tons of clients with private jets. To date, I have never gone up in a private jet. Enuf said. Dale
Exactly right about planning the trip. The point I was making is that there is a world of difference between a Bonanza and a King Air (or any jet) from a passenger's point of view. As for the fractionals, are they the cheapest way to go? Certainly not. Least hassle? Probably.
I'm not sure what you mean by GV. If you mean the big Gulf Streams that Verizon uses, sure I'd fly on a Verizon jet in a heartbeat. But a charter/fractional/non-Fortune 500 jet? Uh uh. No way. No how. As you know, safety in aviation is all a function of what you spend on a plane before you fly. So will I get on a plane owned by somebody who just trying to make next month's rent? Not me, babe. Dale
How ignorant can one person really be?? The big fractionals have the best maintenance and training in the industry. Even better then most airlines and fortune 500 companies. Lets look at the facts,OK. Netjets is owned by the same company that owns Flightsafety, the industry standard in type training . Flexjet is owned by Bombardier, the manufacturer of Learjet and Canadair. All Flexjet planes have factory support and maintenance.Thats like sending your Ferrari back to Maranello for every oil change. Before you run your mouth do a little research . There is a BIG difference between big fractionals and run of the mill 135 charter operations.
I agree with everything but the first sentence. You don't have to be rude to get your point across. Dale, yes the GV is a Gulfstream. While true, there are some operators that cut corners, there are some very good ones also. It is actually very astute to recognize there are scammers in the parts and maintainence of these great birds. You do have to watch the companies you work with. Some companies get shut down only to open up again under a different name, but the same dishonest people. That said, GV (or G550) is the way to go if money is not the primary issue.
