Raytheon is offering fractional ownership leasing through its Travel Air programme as an alternative method of owning a share in an aircraft.

Leasing is being offered through Rhode Island-based Fleet Capital Leasing and requires no down payment, only fixed monthly charges over five years. At the end of that time, customers can walk away from the deal without further obligation.

The leasing rate varies, depending on the size of the share. For example, a one-eighth share in a Beech King Air costs $7,200, rising to $18,750 for a Hawker 800XP.

• The second prototype of Raytheon's all-composite six-seat Premier I entry level business jet had its first flight on 4 June from Beech Field in Wichita, Kansas.

Source: Flight International