Okay, so we’re not suggesting you buy an entire private jet, just part of one. One sixteenth of one to be accurate. Or, if your bonus is looking a bit limp, one sixteenth of a private jet shared between you and seven (reliable) mates.
Fractional private jet ownership was first launched by NetJets in the high-rolling 80s. Bought by Warren Buffet in 1998, NetJets remains top dog in the rarefied world of private aviation, but a bright young British thing is about to make waves in NetJets’ little pond – with the F13 Collection.
Founded by City boy Amin Haque, the F13 Collection launched last month with 50 new custom Pilatus PC-12/47 NG turboprop jets on its books. Pet favourite of the world’s jet set, these natty planes are fast, safe and manoeuvrable – ideal for landing in tricky spots like Courchevel, St Moritz and Gstaad. The F13 team invited us to trial their 24/7, 365-day-a-year guaranteed aircraft availability policy, which makes calling for a jet to Megève easier than finding a cab in Soho. We’re looking forward to taking them up on the offer of a powder Friday soon …
Virtually instant access to a jet is one of many perks of F13 membership, but what it probably does best is save you the time and aggro that’s become an integral part of commercial air travel. Flying London to Courchevel by private jet will save you about nine hours on a return journey, assuming the commercial flights depart on time.
Once you’ve summoned your F13 ride, you can board within minutes of arriving at the airfield, where bottles of champagne in the minibar far outnumber people in the security queue. Free in-flight internet and mobile connectivity enables you to work or simply Facebrag about owning a private jet. Step off the plane in your resort, shimmy past immigration, let your chalet staff scoop up your luggage and clip into your skis – all within 2.5 hours of leaving London. And, because you’re a jet “owner”, you get to land in prime airports not open to chartered private jets – Abramovich was turned away from Courchevel when he tried to land there in a chartered jet.
It’s all very James Bond, but is it even remotely achievable? Here’s the maths:
– An initial investment of $300,000/£185,485 gets you the minimum 1/16th ownership of a new PC-12 jet (which F13 guarantees to buy back from you) and up to 40 hours of flight time.
– Based on 1/16th ownership, members pay a £2,735 monthly service charge, which includes fees most private aviation companies charge additionally, like landing fees, pilots’ accommodation, repositioning etc. Your PC-12 then costs £1,330 per hour to fly.
– Taking London to Courchevel as our example, this equates to £5,985 for a 4.5-hour return trip (excluding the monthly fee). Each PC-12 jet seats eight passengers, so you’re essentially looking at £748 return each.
It’s not quite easyJet pricing (even with the extra luggage and ski carriage charges tacked on) but it’s comparable to first-class flights on SWISS or BA booked last minute. So, if your time really is money, your mates love skiing as much as you do and they pay you back promptly (or you’re just feeling generous), get that F13 team on speed dial.