Sky-High Luxury

James Butler on the Range of Private Air Travel Options and How Shaircraft Works to Find the One That’s Right for You

Bethesda, Maryland • May 2013

Shaircraft CEO, James Butler, has helped a multitude of business and leisure travelers identify the type of jet program that best fits their travel needs and lifestyle. As an independent advisor and attorney, Butler offers an objective assessment of the many important considerations that go into making a smart investment in private aviation.

As he tells Inspirato magazine, “Some say the general rule of thumb is that if you fly between 50 and 400 hours per year, fractional ownership is your best option. Fly fewer than 50 hours, and you may be better off with a jet card or charter. Fly more than 400 hours, and you might consider buying a whole aircraft. But there’s far more to it than that.”

Using a comprehensive methodology, Shaircraft factors in other important considerations, including:

• How often do you fly?
• Where and when do you fly?
• How far in advance do you plan your trips?
• How many passengers and how much luggage do you take?
• Do you prefer to fly on a fleet managed by a single operator?
• Is there a good charter operator in your area?
• Do you have specific aircraft preferences?
• What is the best use of your capital?
• Can you take advantage of depreciation tax deductions?

The bottom line is that the analysis that goes into making the right private air travel decision goes far beyond the shiny brochures and carefully crafted sales pitches. Having an expert sitting on your side of the table is the best way to ensure that you’re getting maximum flight time on appropriate aircraft at the best possible price.

Inspirato: “Sky-High Luxury”

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