Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
Burgeoning interest in fractional ownership has prompted a US company to launch a franchise programme offering fixed-base operators (FBOs) access to a standardised scheme that will be promoted nationally.
Skyshare International has used its experience setting up a local shared-ownership programme in Little Rock, Arkansas, to draw up a franchise package which it is offering to FBOs across the USA. "It makes no sense for each local operator to develop his own aircraft fractional ownership programme. The legal fees alone exceed the cost of the Skyshare franchise," says president Sam Miller.
The scheme is based on the Skyshare programme launched in December by Central Flying Service. Miller says the Little Rock FBO has so far sold "about half" the shares available in a new Raytheon Beech Bonanza, Baron and King Air C90B.
Miller emphasises that Skyshare differs from Executive Jet's industry-leading NetJets programme, in that it is aimed at local companies "-that operate out and back from a base on trips of one to three days". There is no guaranteed aircraft availability, as there is with NetJets. "If an operator wants to go to Los Angelese and stay for a week, we'll send him to NetJets," he says.
A five-year Skyshare franchise will cost $15,000-$25,000, for which an FBO will get all legal agreements, help in selecting the aircraft and costing the shares, plus the benefits of a national marketing campaign. "The aim is to provide a consistent national standard for all FBOs, with a programme that is managed locally and advertised nationally," Miller says.
Source: Flight International
