Private Jet 101
Despite common perceptions, flying private is more attainable and affordable than you think. Mercury Aero is your trusted private aviation partner and offers a host of solutions tailor-made to each client's mission, budget, and desired level of commitment. Understanding all the available options is essential for making an informed decision as each has its own advantages and considerations. From the flexibility of ad hoc charters to the autonomy of full ownership, Mercury Aero can guide you through the aviation labyrinth. Our solutions include:
Charter
Chartering a private aircraft is often someone’s gateway into the world of private aviation. With the least amount of upfront financial commitment, charter services allow travelers to book flights as needed, paying only for the time they fly. This model is ideal for those who fly 20 hours per year or less, making it a logical choice for occasional trips, spontaneous travel, or first-time private flyers. However, chartering comes with the highest hourly cost due to the overhead that charter companies must absorb—aircraft acquisition, maintenance, insurance, crew, and logistics. Additionally, there’s no guarantee of aircraft availability during peak seasons, and the experience may vary depending on the aircraft and crew assigned for each trip. With a trusted network of local Charter operators, Mercury Aero can book your trip today.
Dry Lease Program
For individuals seeking a more consistent and tailored experience, the dry lease program offers a middle ground between chartering and ownership. In this model, the lessee purchases a block of hours on a specific aircraft, securing access and predictability. Unlike charter, dry lease participants enjoy greater flexibility, and the ability to select their preferred pilot ensures crew consistency and trust. The per-hour cost is generally lower than traditional charter, as overhead is minimized and the lessee has full control over operational decisions. This structure best suits those anticipating 40 or more hours of annual flying—frequent enough to warrant a semi-dedicated aircraft, yet not requiring full ownership. Within its expansive network of managed aircraft, Mercury Aero connects aircraft owners who have excess capacity with potential lessees looking for hourly blocks.
Managed Co-Ownership
For the committed private aviator desiring both cost efficiency and operational control, managed co-ownership presents a compelling solution. By partnering with others, co-owners invest capital in an aircraft, sharing both the fixed and variable expenses pro-rata. This arrangement offers full control over the aircraft and its operation, including scheduling, maintenance, and crew selection. Managed co-ownership also opens the door to valuable tax incentives, such as depreciation benefits, reducing the overall cost of ownership. It's an excellent choice for those planning to fly 60 or more hours annually. This arrangement provides many of the same benefits as sole ownership with a fraction of the cash outlay.
Managed Sole Ownership
Representing the pinnacle of private aviation participation, managed sole ownership confers complete command over an aircraft. Owners benefit from the highest level of tax incentive realization, including depreciation and expense deductions, and enjoy absolute discretion—ideal for individuals who value privacy and autonomy. Sole ownership guarantees availability and allows for personalized customization across all aspects of operation, from crew selection to interior design. This option requires the greatest capital investment and is best suited for those flying 80 or more hours annually or anyone who desires uninterrupted access and control over their aircraft.
Mercury Aero aligns the needs and aspirations of its clients with the appropriate private aviation option resulting in maximum satisfaction with minimum stress. Fly private, #flywithBK