Magellan Jets Offers Fractional Ownership in the Challenger 850

Private aviation provider Magellan Jets, has launched a new fractional ownership program, offering shares in the Bombardier Challenger 850 aircraft. The offering is done through a joint venture with Slate Aviation, one of the nation’s leading operators of Challenger 850 jets.

Fractional ownership is the latest addition to Magellan Jets’ suite of services, which already includes jet cards, on-demand charter flights, and aircraft sales and management. Fractional ownership was really the missing piece for Magellan, and by adding this program, they now offer a full range of services to suit every client's mission profile. Or as Ryan Foss, VP of Product and Innovation at Magellan Jets explained it “we now have a solution for customers' entire aviation journey.”

It is primarily designed to serve clients originating in the Northeast and Southeast United States, with routes spanning the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Fractional Owners receive significant credits and benefits, including guaranteed repurchase terms. Shares start at 50 hours annually for a 3-year term length, with supplemental lift advantages and roll-over flexibility in the event of under-flown and over-flown hours.

Challenger 850

The Challenger 850, is one of the largest super-midsize jets, with expansive cabin space, seating for up to 19 passengers, a fully equipped galley, generous luggage capacity, and a range of up to 2,800 nm. It was developed from the 50-seat commercial regional jet, the Bombardier CRJ200 – hence its generous cabin size. The planes from Slate Aviation feature brand new interiors, and the aircraft provides an ideal environment for business travelers seeking productivity, families prioritizing privacy and comfort, and musicians, golfers and athletes that require extra luggage storage.

Every flight in the Magellan Jets Fractional Ownership program offers premium amenities, including service from a dedicated flight attendant, gourmet dining options, top-shelf refreshments, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The seating capacity for 19 passengers is a fairly unique level for private aircraft, as even in large cabins and long-range jets, such as the big Gulfstreams and Bombardier Globals, the cabins are usually configured with seating for 14 to16 people.

"Our team is dedicated to delivering seamless, personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of every Client," said Anthony Tivnan, Founder and President of Magellan Jets. "The launch of our Fractional Ownership program is an exciting milestone, offering clients even greater flexibility and peace of mind — all under the trusted Magellan Jets umbrella."

Service Areas

The primary service area is for flights that originate and end in one of two hubs - within 200 miles of White Plains, NY in the North East and within 200 miles of West Palm in Florida. In the North East this means over 40 FBOs stretching from Boston to Baltimore including TEB, HPN, PHL, BDL, BWI, and BOS, while in Florida it includes over 27 FBOs stretching from Miami to Tampa including PBI, FLL, MIA, MCO, SRQ, and TPA.

The secondary service area, with increased hourly rates, includes itineraries within the 48-states whose origin or destination is within one of the two hubs. Note, that given the aircraft's range, a refueling stop may be required for full cross-country flights, but non-stop flights to ski country and the Rockies are very feasible from the East Coast.

International flights are also possible, for a higher hourly rate, with itineraries that encompass Eastern Canada or the Caribbean, whose origin or destination is within one of the two hubs.

Pricing and Additional Details

The fractional purchase price is $1,250,000 for a 12.5% share, equivalent to 60 flight hours a year, with an initial three-year agreement. The occupied hourly rate is $5,400 per hour and there are just 10 peak days per year, which have a longer booking window and some flexibility around timing. The increased occupied hourly rate for flights within the US is just $6,000.

At the end of the three years, Slate offers a guaranteed buy-back for at least 60% of the purchase price, or clients can continue to fly, paying the monthly and hourly fees.

The way the partnership works between Magellan and Slate, is that Magellan provides all the sales, and customer service and Slate provides the aircraft operations. The two companies have already been working together for many years, with Slate providing charter aircraft to Magellan customers.

“Our joint venture with Magellan Jets perfectly aligns with Slate Aviation’s vision of redefining private travel through innovation, luxury, and unwavering safety standards,” said Heather Maguire, co-CEO of Slate Aviation. “By combining Magellan Jets' commitment to tailored client experiences with Slate Aviation’s operational capabilities, we are proud to deliver an unparalleled level of service to Fractional Owners.”

Interchange Flexibility

New feature added in September 2025. 

In addition to their Challenger 850 share, owners can apply their allotted hours towards guaranteed lift on Magellan’s Phenom 300, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G450 jet card offerings at preferred rates. 

“This upgrade provides ultimate flexibility and the ability to interchange freely to the ideal jet based on travel needs," said Anthony Tivnan.

Magellan Jets is already selling shares in the Challenger 850 and the initial, fully refurbished plane deliveries have already started.