When there is a global economic downturn, expect even the rich and the elite cut down their luxury lifestyle although not the way ordinary citizens do. They still travel first class; they would not give up the private jet trips. They just make do with the next best things which are fractional ownership and jet card programs.

Photo Credit: MarquisJet

That is if buying second hand or used private aircrafts is not anymore within the budget. Industry experts says that a lot of people are selling and those who can afford take advantage of this asset liquidation. Most used aircrafts are being sold under $15 million.

Those who sold their aircrafts purchase fractional ownership programs which a lot of private aviation companies offer. To those who travel not that much, they prefer the jet card program which is quite the right package for them.

Photo Credit: m q c

Even those who only can afford to own one aircraft will definitely need to have other options since its normal to have a private jet undergo maintenance and check up for a couple of months.

It is surely not the end of world for those who need to give up certain luxuries in life and stay within the budget because there are several companies out there who specializes in these fractional programs or jet card business like NetJets, Jet Republic, Blue Star Jets, Marquis Jet Card for NetJets, Vector JetCard for CitationShares, to name a few.

Michael Phelps created so much buzz last month when he harvested so many gold medals during the Summer Games and he did it again when he was seen on some TV ads regarding private aviation.

He was out on the small screen on some funny videos about his private jet adventure promoting Citation Shares.

Watch the following videos and see why so many people are talking about it. (Click the title)

Michael Phelps with the “Medal” Detector - In this video, we see Michael being checked by ”medal” detector personnel

Michael Phelps and the In-flight Entertainment - We see Michael sing “Don’t Stop Believing”…

Michael Phelps, The Prankster - Michael pulling a prank on one of his friends with his swimming cap or Speedo.

Citation Shares is a private aviation company under the umbrella of the Cessna Group, which offers fractional ownership and jet card membership in the United States, Canada, Caribbean up to the Bahamas & Bermuda.

Photo Credit: CitationShares, BrendanH

These days it is not that hard to have a private jet waiting for you at the runway. Gone are the days when you think it is so difficult to gain access to the exclusive toys of the rich and famous.

While it is true that jet fuel price are very unstable these days and it is quite expensive to fly private but the fact remains that there is no better way to fly than using a private jet. The airport security and baggage protocol not to mention the delays would not exempt you even you choose to fly first class.

 
Photo Credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

Buying your own aircraft is definitely the surest way to have a jet waiting for you on any airport you want but that is if you have millions of dollars to spare. I am not talking here only of the amount of the aircraft but the maintenance costs that comes with it such as parking space, cleaning crew, pilot and attendant staff to name a few. If you have the money then I do suggest that you buy one. The freedom that it will give you is quite phenomenal.

However, using a private aircraft does not mean that you need to purchase the aircraft itself. There are plenty of other ways in enjoying private aviation. 

Photo Credit: Netjets

Have you heard of fractional ownership? It is quite similar to buying time-shares. You just purchase a fraction share of a jet and you can have access to an aircraft whenever you need it provided you give the aircraft company a couple of hours to arrange it. It also means that you get to share the aircraft with other owners but you need not worry because most of these companies offer a large fleet of private jets so there are plenty to choose from. Enjoy the perks of owning one while avoiding the operational responsibilities. This is advisable to those fly a lot and in short notice.

To those who do not travel that much, but still fly on a regular basis, I highly recommend get a fractional card or the Marquis Jet Card. It works just like a debit card. Check the Netjets site, they are the leading aviation company that offers fractional programs.

Photo Credit: Sentient

While Netjets offer those types of program, Sentient on the other hand offers card membership. It works just like a credit card. 365 days guaranteed access to an aircraft of your own choice provided you give them a window of 10 hours to arrange it. They have different types of membership depending on your needs.

If you want just a one-time deal, just prepare the money and charter one with no strings attached. You can do it by either calling the company or charter online. It can be arranged for just one-way or round-trip. There are plenty of aviation companies that you can find online. Everything is just within your fingertips.

Ever since the news spread out both in print, broadcast and in the World Wide Web about P. Diddy’s grounding of his private jet as I have mentioned here, a few posts back.  He was heckled by many as it was discovered that what he owned was a Netjets fractional share not his own private jet.  We beg to disagree to those who laughed at P. Diddy’s claim.  Fractional ownership is as good as owning your own jet.

It clearly shows that many are still not that educated with fractional ownership. While a person who owns a fractional share of a jet means sharing it with other people, the benefits and amenities of owning fully a jet is also being enjoyed thru fractional ownership.  They are guaranteed of the use of the private jet whenever he needs it, just give the company a couple of hours to arrange it.

Sean Combs also known as P. Diddy is correct when he said that he grounded his private jet. Netjets policies clearly states that any fractional owner can have full access on any type of aircraft with their fleet of aircrafts at any given time.

People, who are smart enough, just like P. Diddy, just buys fractional ownership for the main reason that they do not want the obligation of maintenance, repair and storage but wants to enjoy the benefits of fully owning an aircraft.

Read more information regarding Fractional Ownership here.

Photo Credit @ NetJets, Eonline