NetJets: The Sky is (Not) the Limit

Luxury Aircrafts: Long lines, cranky airline staff and passengers, uncertainty of flight plans. We've all experienced it. For business travel, an hour delay could cost you a sale, and depending on how large the potential sale, could cost you your job, company, or even worse. Individuals and businesses alike use commercial airlines extensively for personal and business travel. Of course it would be more convenient if we all had our own private jets but the cost of owning and maintaining them keep most of us standing in line at the ticket counter, hoping that our flight makes it out on time and we don't end up next to a mob of un-chaperoned toddlers or behind a screaming baby.

For many people, the costs simply don't outweigh the benefits. You have to purchase the jet, which costs millions. Then you have to maintain it, which costs thousands. You have to hire professionals to staff the jet--a pilot, for instance, is a necessity, and also very pricey. The jet has to be in the right place at the right time for those who need it. If it isn't, then you'll have to move it--costing thousands in fuel, maintenance, staff, etc.

Common belief is that owning a private jet only makes sense if you are moving a group of people around frequently and at the same time (e.g., a board of directors or group of high-paid executives), and the cost of flying each of them negates the cost of operating the jet. NetJets has made it possible to fractionally own a private jet for a "fraction" of the cost--the best part is that you get to enjoy the benefits of private jet ownership without the responsibility of maintaining, hangaring or staffing it. NetJets fractional shares start at just $396,875 for 1/16 interest, which is equivalent to 50 hours of annual flying time, in a Raytheon Hawker 400XP. To get an idea of the savings, a pre-owned Hawker 400XP typically sells for over $5 million. Go to NetJets

For LxM Amy Covington