North American fractional-ownership company OurPlane has introduced its turbine-powered aircraft programme, aimed at small businesses. Under the new Executive programme, a Beech King Air C90B will be based in San Carlos, California, and Cessna Citation Ultra in Toronto, Canada, beginning in September.
London, Ontario-based OurPlane plans to have five aircraft in its Executive programme by the end of 2004, and to order Cessna Citation Mustang or Eclipse 500 personal jets, says president Graham Casson. "We're leaning towards the Mustang," he says. "By the end of 2003 we will place orders for either or both."
The programme is based on OurPlane's general aviation scheme, which offers shared ownership of piston singles and differs significantly from traditional fractional models. OurPlane does not provide pilots or guarantee availability, aircraft are based at specific locations, and customers buy an exclusive use licence and do not hold title to the aircraft. These factors allow OurPlane to offer lower costs, says Casson (Flight International, 17-23 June).
Under the Executive programme, aircraft will be shared between six owners who will each be permitted a minimum of 75h flying a year. This will allow more than the 95% availability averaged under the general aviation programme. Owners can fly more, but will pay a premium for hours used above the "benchmark" set for their share. OurPlane will not provide crews, but will refer customers to pre-screened pilots available for hire.
The Executive programme is aimed at businesses deterred by the costs of other entry-level fractional schemes, Casson says. Compared with CitationShares' Citation Bravo programme, he says, a 200h a year share in OurPlane's Citation Ultra costs 20% less to buy and the monthly management fee is 40% lower. Hourly rates are similar when crew costs are factored in, Casson says.
Source: Flight International
