Fractional Ownership vs. Jet Card: 2025 Solutions Guide
July 25, 2025
Share
Choosing how you fly privately is about more than just aircraft; it’s about aligning your lifestyle with the right aviation strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler seeking guaranteed access or someone who values flexibility and freedom, Fractional Ownership and Jet Cards are two of the most efficient and popular ways to take control of your time in the sky.
Both Jet Cards and Fractional Ownership have seen increased demand as solutions, driven by steady private aviation growth. North American fractional flight activity rose 12.4% in the first half of 2024, even as charter and Part 91 flights declined. Meanwhile, fractional hours surged 59% in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2019, per WINGX–tracked fleet utilization data.
But what are the most important differences when it comes to Jet Card vs. Fractional Ownership? And which one fits your travel needs best?
In this guide, we’ll explore the key features, use cases, and value propositions of both options, along with how Magellan Jets helps you build a smarter, more tailored private aviation portfolio. For many, it’s not a question of Fractional vs. Jet Card, but how they can work together to maximize your access, control, and convenience.
What Is Fractional Jet Ownership?
Fractional Jet Ownership is a model where you purchase a share of a specific aircraft, entitling you to a set number of flight hours per year, typically in increments like 50, 75, or 100 hours. Think of it like a timeshare, but for a private jet.
You don’t own the whole plane, and you won’t necessarily fly on the same aircraft each time depending on the program, but you gain the financial benefits and guaranteed access that come with ownership, without the burdens of full responsibility or maintenance.
Key Features:
Long-term commitment (usually 3 to 7 years)
Guaranteed access to a specific aircraft type
Predictable, contracted pricing
Upfront capital investment for aircraft purchase plus potential monthly and hourly fees
What Is a Jet Card?
A Jet Card allows you to pre-purchase flight hours on a specific aircraft size or model. It provides fixed hourly rates and guaranteed availability, without the long-term commitment or substantial upfront acquisition costs of full or fractional ownership.
This model is ideal for frequent flyers who want flexibility, as well as those who already own or lease aircraft but need supplemental lift.
Key Features:
No ownership or long-term contracts
Fixed hourly rates
Guaranteed availability with short call-out windows
Generally available in 25-hour blocks (4 to 6 trips per year)
No blackout dates (with Magellan Jets)
Perfect for frequent or supplemental travel
Magellan Jets Fractional Ownership: A New Standard
In addition to industry-leading Jet Card and Charter solutions, Magellan Jets now offers a premium Fractional Ownership program built around the Bombardier Challenger 850; one of the most spacious and luxurious jets in the super-midsize category.
This program is designed for high-frequency travelers in our service area who want guaranteed access, the highest safety standards, predictable pricing, and a seamless luxury experience.
Magellan Jets Fractional Ownership Highlights:
Challenger 850 with brand new interior and seating for up to 19 passengers
60 hours per year, 3-year term with flexible early exit
Uniformed attendant and crew
Guaranteed availability, even during peak seasons
Premium in-flight experience, including plated dining and Wi-Fi
Guaranteed share repurchase and rollover flexibility
No blackout dates
Access to Magellan’s entire private aviation ecosystem (Jet Cards, Charter, Aircraft Sales & Management, and Business)
Whether you’re flying for business, luxury, or family travel, Magellan’s fractional program offers both reliability and elevated service, backed by our partnership with Slate Aviation.
Magellan Jets Jet Card: Consistency Without Compromise
Magellan Jets’ Jet Card solutions are ideal for flyers who want guaranteed access without long-term contracts. With fixed pricing, guaranteed availability, and no blackout dates, Jet Cards offer the simplicity and control high-net-worth flyers value.
Business Jet Cardsfor a dedicated solution to flexible and transparent company travel needs
Jet Card Benefits:
365-day availability with no blackout dates
Fixed hourly rates with no surprise fees for fuel, catering, de-icing, and wifi
Call-out windows as short as 24 hours
10% round-trip and long leg discounts for eligible trips
No repositioning fees
Jet Cards also serve as an excellent supplemental lift option for fractional owners who run out of their annual allotted hours or whole aircraft owners who need a different aircraft type for their mission.
How to Choose Between Fractional Ownership and Jet Cards
When evaluating fractional vs. jet card, ask yourself:
How often do I fly?
Do I want guaranteed access and fixed pricing?
Am I comfortable with a multi-year contract?
Do my travel needs stay consistent or vary frequently?
Is upfront capital investment a concern?
If you’re flying around 50+ hours a year, value consistency, and want an ownership experience without full aircraft management, fractional ownership may be your best fit.
If you’re flying fewer hours or your travel needs change often, a Jet Card offers unmatched flexibility with minimal financial commitment.
And for many travelers, especially those with diverse and changing needs, the ideal solution is a combination of both. Fractional for your regular, predictable flying, and Jet Card for supplemental lift, special occasions, or unique mission profiles.
“Business Clients have been very happy with the luxury and meaningful economic benefits of Fractional Ownership. What really sets Magellan Jets apart, though, is that our Private Clients aren’t left to seek out other solutions when their fractional hours run out, like they often are with other providers. Our Jet Card program and full suite of private aviation solutions remain fully available to them. Whether their needs grow, shift, or become more complex, they can rely on Magellan to adapt with them, all in one seamless relationship.”
Shehnaz Vollmuth, Senior Manager of Sales, Success and Development at Magellan Jets
Explore More Ways to Fly with Magellan Jets
At Magellan Jets, we offer multiple options tailored to your lifestyle and travel preferences:
Fractional Ownership: For frequent flyers seeking consistency and guaranteed access.
Jet Cards: Fixed-rate flying with the flexibility to switch aircraft types.
On-Demand Charter: Pay-as-you-go access to a global fleet of vetted aircraft.
Every Journey is Personal, and our Private Aviation Advisors are here to help you navigate your options with expert care.
Fractional Ownership vs. Jet Card: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fractional jet ownership and jet cards?
Fractional ownership involves buying a share of a private jet, which entitles you to a set number of hours per year and guarantees availability. Jet Cards allow you to secure an aircraft as needed with no long-term commitment.
Which is more cost-effective: fractional or jet card?
It depends on how often you fly. If you fly 60+ hours per year, fractional ownership can offer better value per hour. For occasional flyers, jet cards are typically more cost-effective.
What happens if I don’t use all my fractional hours?
Magellan Jets allows Fractional Owners to roll over or sell back up to 25% of unused hours annually without penalty, making it one of the most flexible options in the industry.
What if I exceed my fractional hours?
With Magellan Jets, fractional Private Clients can purchase additional hours and also access Jet Card and Charter services for supplemental lift.
Can I combine fractional and jet card solutions?
Yes. Many Private Clients use Jet Cards to supplement their fractional flying, especially when their owned aircraft isn’t available or they need a different cabin size.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose Fractional Jet Ownership, a Jet Card, or a combination of both, the right solution depends on your travel frequency, budget, and need for flexibility.
At Magellan Jets, we offer each of these solutions, backed by our award-winning service, commitment to safety, and industry-leading flexibility.
Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Photo from Golf Course Industry
When seeking golf courses that challenge your stra...
Read Full Article
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
