Private Aviation: Fractional Flight Options, BEECHJET 400A, HAWKER 400XP, 800XP, CITATION X, LEGACY

Flight Options is one of the many upcoming names in the world of fractional ownership. A new kid on the block-it was launched in 1998- it has made rapid strides by coming up with some innovative concepts and out-of–the-box thinking.

SUMMARY:
Though a newcomer, Flight Options is giving giants like NetJets a run for their money by coming out with options that are radically different from those of their competitors. Most of the names in this field offered fractional ownership of new aircrafts. Flight Options introduced the concept of fractional ownership of previously owned aircrafts. This has made it possible for Flight Options to provide relatively cheaper options in fractional ownership.

FRACTIONAL FIRST™:
This program launched by Flight Options allows the owners to enjoy a host of benefits. Some of the benefits are:

1. No deduction of taxi time: Usually the taxi time is deducted from the share hours purchased by you. This effectively translates into a saving of 2/10th of an hour per flight. You are thus able to get more airtime at the same price.
2. Discounts on long-distance flights: Traveling from San Francisco to West Palm Beach? If you opt for the Fractional First™ program, you stand to earn a discount of 20 percent on the occupied hourly rate for flight time beyond two hours in a Beechjet/Hawker 400XP or beyond two-and-a-half hours in a Hawker 800XP, Citation X or Legacy.
3. Transparent Fuel Cost:The fuel cost paid by you is calculated using a complex formula. However, in Fight Options’ Fractional First™ program, the fuel cost is arrived at by using the formula: Flight Time x Fuel Burn in Gallons x Actual Cost per Gallon. Even a fourth grader can solve this formula. Hence, you are assured of transparency while paying the fuel cost
4. Extended Service Area: If you choose to fly outside the primary area, you pay only the fuel charges of repositioning the leg. This helps to lower the costs you incur for traveling outside the PSA area.
5. Flexible –use option: In case, you are unsure of the total hours you will be traveling in a year, you can opt for the flexible-use option. You can use 80% to 120% of the share hours purchased and pay the management fees only for the hours utilized.

FLEXIBILITY:
Flight Options gives you flexibility in terms of contract period. Instead of the usual five-year contract, you can go in for a seven-year contract. This means that your chosen aircraft will be available at your service for seven years. It also rewards flexibility shown by you in terms of travel plans. For e.g. you are scheduled to travel by a 6 p.m. flight. A day prior to the departure you get a call asking if the flight can be scheduled at 4 p.m. If you agree, you will receive a discount on hourly rate, fuel surcharge, and hours.

INCENTIVES FOR REFERRAL:
You get an incentive for each referral that eventually becomes a part of the Flight Options family. Each referral fetches you flight-time credit of up to $10,000

OPERATIONS CONTROL CENTER:
A control center that boasts of proprietary advanced software, it helps in keeping complete details of the flight and all aspects related to it. The minutest of details ranging from weather conditions to crew status are tracked by the OCC. The meteorology department at the OCC monitors the weather conditions. This prevents you from undertaking potentially hazardous journeys.

SAFETY:
The various awards and ratings received by Flight Options is a proof of the safety standards followed by the company. It has thrice been awarded Platinum by the Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US). According to a report by the ARG/US "The company was commended for taking on a pro-active risk identification and modification posture which will keep this professional organization in the forefront of fractional ownership entities". It has also been awarded the Diamond award for Maintenance training. It has also been ranked the No. 1 in the 2002 ownership experience study conducted by the Aviation Research Group/U.S.

AIRCRAFTS:
Flight Options is into strategic alliance with many aircraft manufacturers like Cessna and Embraer and engine manufacturer's like Rolls Royce and Honeywell. This enables them to provide a good fleet at your service.

The Aircraft of Flight Options:

   1. BEECHJET 400A/HAWKER 400XP
   2. HAWKER 800XP
   3. CITATION X
   4. LEGACY

Flight Options has proved that being a relative newcomer is not a disadvantage if you are able to provide something that is different from your rivals.