AN INDUSTRY SHIFT

PIA observes that private jet owners are embracing co-ownership rather than selling outright.

Partners In Aviation (PIA), a company specialising in pairing two owners to co-own an aircraft, has observed a notable shift in their client base. Increasingly, aircraft owners nationwide are choosing to bring on a partner for co-ownership rather than selling their entire aircraft. This shift reflects a broader trend as sole-owners of private jets seek more economical solutions for maintaining and using their planes.

Historically, PIA’s Managed Co-Ownership program primarily involved matching two non-owners—often jet card or membership users—who were looking to step up into aircraft ownership at a reduced cost. Now, many of PIA’s clients are sole-owners looking to sell half of their underutilised aircraft rather than maintaining full ownership.

“In the earlier days of the program, 80 percent of our matches were two non-owners coming together, and only 20 percent involved matching a current owner with a non-owner. Today, the percentage has shifted to 50 percent with a clear trend of current owners choosing co-ownership as opposed to selling their aircraft.”

This trend indicates a broader change in how private aircraft owners manage their assets. “Aircraft owners carrying the 100 percent cost burden of sole-ownership yet flying less than 150 hours a year are reconsidering the economics,” said Molloy. “In the past, sole-owners would employ a charter manager to relieve some of the burden but still shouldered 100 percent of the capital and fixed operating costs. Or they would reluctantly sell their aircraft and move to a fractional or membership model that proved less than ideal. Now, at an increasing rate, they are finding co- ownership to be a better option.”

PIA Managed Co-Ownership offers aircraft owners access comparable to sole-ownership while splitting the costs. “Our model allows owners to access their aircraft 25 or more days a month at half the cost, presenting a compelling value proposition for those who do not require full-time use of their plane,” said Molloy. Simon Elliott, a Florida resident and long-time aircraft owner, was not considering co-ownership when he ordered his 2023 Praetor 600 two years ago.

Partners In Aviation: PIA matches the right co-owner and the right aircraft, providing the legal structure that allows the 37 access, autonomy, and security to fly privately.

“Aircraft owners carrying the 100 percent cost burden of sole- ownership yet flying less than 150 hours a year are reconsidering the economics.”

“My industry advisor introduced me to PIA and suggested their program might interest me. Initially, I was reluctant, but their legal team and structure made me comfortable with the model, and I liked the math,” said Elliot. “I could choose my pilots and manager, which was crucial to me, and the co-owner they introduced me to is a great fit. I now have the aircraft I ordered at half the original cost.”

Selling your aircraft: Whole Owners can sell half their aircraft and maintain all the access they require. Keep the plane and 38 the crew – but pay for half.

The shift towards co-ownership reflects a larger movement in the industry towards more cost-effective and efficient solutions for private aircraft owners. As more sole-owners recognize the advantages of shared ownership, PIA’s Managed Co-Ownership program continues to grow, offering a practical model for those flying between 50 and 150 hours per year.