Airshare drops Phenom 100s to focus on larger jets

Fractional and jet card operator Airshare is phasing out its Embraer Phenom 100 very light jet fleet as it grows its Phenom 300s and Challenger 350s

Bigger may not be better, but Airshare, like other operators, is focusing on larger private jet types.

CEO John Owen tells Private Jet Card Comparisons that the Lenexa, Kansas-based operator is phasing out its final four Embraer Phenom 100 very light jets.

At one time, the fleet was in the high teens. Over the last several years, Airshare also dropped the King Air 350 from its fractional and jet card program.

Owen says the move reflects the changing needs of its customers.

Last year, it moved into the super-midsize category taking delivery of the first three of up to 20 Bombardier Challenger 350s.

That fleet has since grown to six aircraft. Four more Challengers will join the fleet in 2023, with the remaining 10 split between 2024 and 2025.

Owen says Airshare also expects to add to its current Phenom 300 fleet, although there are no announced orders.

Current Phenom 100 fractional owners are being flown on the Phenom 300s at their VLJ pricing.

The company is also renewing current card clients, although its jet card is still blocked for new clients.

However, he says the trend is to larger purchases anyway.

Airshare uses a by-the-day model where it divides its airplanes by days instead of hours.

A 1/16th share would be 50 hours in typical fractional programs. Airshare owners get 20 days of access.

Owen says the approach has been a home run with the Challenger fleet.

With typical flights of three to five hours, an Airshare fractional owner can fly double the number of hours as with competitors’ programs, he says.

Separately, Owen said don’t expect an IPO or SPAC from Airshare. However, he did not rule out acquisitions.

He says the company will expand its customer target to the East and West Coasts “sooner rather than later.”