US fractional-ownership provider Flight Options has expanded its programme allowing owners to use two different aircraft types for the purchase of one share. Available since 2003 for the Hawker 400XP light jet and mid-size Hawker 800XP, the 75:25 programme has been expanded to include the Mach 0.92 Cessna Citation X and super mid-size Embraer Legacy.
The programme gives the share owner 75% of the hours in one aircraft and 25% in another type. Flight Options is simplifying its fleet from 11 different types to the four covered by the 72:25 programme, and expects the new fleet to make up two-thirds of the hours under management by the end of this year.
Bombardier fractional subsidiary Flexjet, meanwhile, is revamping its Challenger 604 programme with the introduction of a new interior in aircraft on order for delivery from May next year. The new interior will provide 12 seats, up from nine, and include high-speed data satellite communications and satellite television.
The 604’s new interior will “further differentiate” the large business jet from the new super mid-size Challenger 300, says Sanjay Saihgal, vice-president, marketing. The interior also offers more flexibility, combining higher capacity with greater comfort, as the new seating arrangement provides an extra berth on long flights.
Flexjet has also reduced the monthly management fee and hourly cost for a 50h/year, or 1/16th, share in a new Challenger 604, Saighal says. “We expect to build critical mass quickly and to pass back the savings from a bigger, more efficient fleet.”
GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
