Owning an aircraft is a wonderful experience. Imagine having a jet, captain and crew available at your beckon call. Take in a Broadway play on a moment’s notice. Jet off to Paris for an anniversary dinner. Arriving at business meetings at the most convenient times in your company branded helicopter.

 

 

The fact is, people travel on private jets for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is heightened fear about security on commercial aircraft, post 9/11. However, the price tag of a new Gulfstream V can cause even the richest person to take pause. Add to this the constant maintenance, crew salaries, fuel and repair costs, and flying in a private jet truly becomes a stratospheric expense.

 

One recent option to this dilemma is the advent of the fractional programs. Much like a time-share condominium, a fraction of a private jet allows the shareholder to have use of an aircraft for a predetermined amount of hours per year. However, the “owner” is still required to make a substantial capital outlay – and while this is considerably less than the cost of purchasing an aircraft outright, it is fraught with procedural idiosyncrasies that create a less than satisfactory experience for many travellers.

 

The large financial risk, possible personal liability for the aircraft itself, and inconvenience of the fractional plans caused some people to think that there still must be a better way to enjoy the experience of private jet ownership, without the burdens.

 

Specialized Services division has developed such a method. The Me-Time-Exec Program allows people to experience the advantages of private aircraft ownership, with a single, affordable monthly payment. Unlike the fractional programs, which require millions in cash upfront to get started, the Me-Time-Exec Program requires no down payment. Instead, members of the program have the convenience of a lease-like arrangement, which they may simply walk away from at the conclusion of the term. The Me-Time-Exec Program also has no costly remarketing fees or termination costs that are often associated with the conclusion of a fractional timeshare contract.

 

Equally important, members of The Me-Time-Exec Program enjoy the stability and comfort of personally knowing the pilots on their flight. A small cadre of captains, co-captains and cabin attendants are assigned to each member, and provide an unmatched flight experience. The Me-Time-Exec Member’s crew learns in short order just how to make every flight perfect … whether that means placing a blanket on the floor and decorating cookies with the children onboard, or having a rare vintage wine on hand to serve with the gourmet meal, prepared fresh in-flight. Plus, knowing a pilot’s background, service record and safety history provides great reassurance to travellers in these trying times.

 

Because The Me-Time-Exec Program limits the membership per airplane or helicopter, the Me Time Executive fleet of aircraft is able to keep flight times very low, which provides increased opportunities for maintenance, updating and detailing.

 

For people who want the experience of private aircraft ownership — without the hassles, expense and liabilities — check into the Me-Time-Exec Program, a novel idea that has truly taken flight.