US fractional ownership company Avantair is planning to expand its regional network as demand for its Piaggio P180 Avanti-based fractional and charter card programmes continues to soar.
Avantair has formed fixed-base operations and maintenance facilities at Clearwater in Florida, Caldwell in New Jersey and Camarillo in California and is seeking to establish similar ventures in Texas, the upper Mid-West and in St Louis, Missouri.
"Our programme has grown by over 80% year on year [since operations began seven years ago] and we plan to take delivery of 11 Avanti IIs this year," says Avantair chief executive Steve Santo.
He attributes the programme's success to the twin-engined turboprop's understated appeal, versatility and low operating costs. "The image of business jets has suffered during the downturn and many people who want to continue flying privately are looking for a less showy, but cost-efficient and operationally flexible means of travel, he says.
Santo says Avantair's sales in July and August of its fractional and card programmes smashed the company's forecast for the period. "We received 81% more sales than we had planned," he says. Avantair has a further 42 Avanti IIs on order for the next four years.
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Source: Flight International
