Skyshare Fractional Ownership from $220k

Skyshare, a fractional private aviation firm, recently introduced its SFX-12 program, based on the Pilatus PC-12. This new program complements the other fractional offerings from Skyshare. It offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for entrepreneurs and other business leaders looking for one of the most affordable fractional programs.

The program grew from Skyshare combining its years of experience with the results of a customer survey that identified gaps in the market. In the survey, 70% of C-suite executives identified the cost and flexibility of fleet options as the primary reasons not to buy into a fractional program, Skyshare addressed this challenge with its new SFX-12 program, which aims to ease executives into fractional aircraft with lower initial and ongoing costs.

Cory Bengtzen, Founder and CEO of Skyshare, described the benefits of the SFX-12 program, saying, "We realized we were only scratching the surface of our goal to make private flights more accessible. Our Pilatus PC-12 aircraft comprise almost half of our total flights; customers asked us for more of an entry-level program focused on just the Pilatus. SFX-12 saves around one million dollars compared to our closest industry competitor. Our innovative approach is a game-changer for people and businesses looking to take advantage of private flights at a much more attractive price point."

Day Based Fractional Programs

The new SFX-12 program joins Skyshare's existing SFX+ and SFX-Jet programs, which offer access to larger and longer-range business jets. All three programs are typically a 3-year program commitment, which Skyshare says reflects its owners flying patterns. Fractional programs from other providers are more usually a 5-year agreement.

The SFX-12 program provides access to Skyshare's fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft. By focusing on shorter-range, less expensive aircraft that represent half of Skyshare's flights today, executives gain access to all the advantages of fractional program participation in aircraft capable of flying nonstop to locations throughout most of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The SFX-Jet program gives participants access to Skyshare's fleet of Citation CJ2s, Citation Excels, and Gulfstream G200s while allowing them to "fly down" when the Pilatus PC-12 will meet their travel needs. The SFX-Jet fleet includes aircraft capable of reaching Hawaii and many other destinations.

SFX+ is the top-tier program offering access to the Gulfstream G450, a large-cabin, transcontinental aircraft. SFX+ owners can also "fly down," using the smaller aircraft on a trip-by-trip basis when those aircraft meet the specific mission's needs.

Program Pricing

Like other fractional aircraft programs, owners join by buying 1/16 to ¼ shares of the aircraft, with ¼ shares providing 80 utilization days per year. The 1/16 share in the SFX-12 program begins at $220,000, and owners can finance the acquisition costs.

In addition to the initial capital investment, owners pay monthly management fees covering the pilots, aircraft maintenance, concierge, and other services, plus an hourly rate that primarily covers fuel costs. The hourly rate for round trips starts at $1,500 per hour on the PC-12 and goes up to $6,500 on the G450. Finally, incidental fees cover the actual landing fees and other expenses unrelated to operating the aircraft.

Bengtzen noted that Skyshare has structured its programs based on customer input, saying “Approximately 62% of respondents indicated they are likely to consider private aviation for business travel needs, so the desire is there. We feel it's up to our industry to come up with new ways to provide a lower-cost option to help these leaders achieve their business' goals, and SkyShare is doing that through new flexible pricing plans and initiatives that lower the barriers to entry. We want these business leaders to know that we hear them loud and clear."

Aircraft

Today, Skyshare operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, 10 in their fractional fleet and 11 in the managed fleet. The aircraft's nonstop flight miles range from 1,725 for the Pilatus PC-12 to 5,000 for the Gulfstream G450. The table below shows the fleet's models, maximum flight range and maximum passenger seats. The mix of aircraft allows Skyshare to match each trip with the plane that best meets the owners needs. Part of the reason that Skyshare is lower priced than other fractional aircraft providers is that it tends to operate older model aircraft, whereas the bigger fractional providers offer newer models.

Service Area

Skyshare currently operates fractional flights across twelve western U.S. states, specifically Colorado and the eleven continental states to its west. All Skyshare fractional trips must originate or end in one of those twelve states. Limiting the base service area ensures the most efficient use of the fleet, in part by minimizing the number of deadhead flights. This area is a significant factor in Skyshare's cost competitiveness.

Skyshare also offers charter service solutions for those located outside the twelve-state area, with the ability to land at 5,500 airports across America, over 10,000 Western Hemisphere airports, and more than 43,000 airports worldwide.