Fractionals Growing at Modest if Not Breakneck Pace

The fractional aircraft industry continued to grow during the 12 months ending April 30. Shares at the four major providers and 16 regional/local companies tracked by AvData of Wichita increased 7.2 percent, to more than 6,350. During the same period, the combined fleet expanded 5.1 percent, to 832 aircraft. Flexjet, alone among the four major providers, lost ground during the period. Respective year-over-year share and aircraft fleet growth for the four majors were as follows: NetJets, 7.3 and 5.4 percent; Flight Options, 5.2 and 6.3 percent; Flexjet, -11 and -13.8 percent; and CitationShares, 50 and 33.3 percent. For the regional/local programs, the figures were 53.5 and 24.4 percent.