Exploring NetJets: The Premier Choice for Fractional Private Jet Ownership

Thinking about private jet travel? NetJets is a big name in this space, and for good reason. They've been around for a while, basically inventing the idea of owning a piece of a private jet instead of the whole thing. It's a popular choice for a lot of people who want the convenience of flying private without the full cost and hassle of owning a plane outright. Let's take a look at what NetJets offers and why it's considered a top option.

Key Takeaways

• NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway company, pioneered the concept of fractional private jet ownership.

• The company offers various travel solutions including fractional shares, jet cards, and whole aircraft management.

• NetJets operates one of the largest private jet fleets globally, with hundreds of aircraft and plans for future expansion.

• Their service includes options for both domestic and international travel through NetJets Europe.

• NetJets is exploring future aviation technologies, including agreements for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Understanding NetJets Fractional Ownership

The Pioneer of Fractional Jet Travel

NetJets really changed the game when it came to private flying. Back in the day, if you wanted to fly private, you pretty much had to buy a whole plane. That's a massive expense, not to mention all the hassle of maintenance, crewing, and storage. NetJets came up with a different idea: fractional ownership. Basically, you buy a share of a private jet, and that share gives you access to the aircraft when you need it. It's like owning a piece of a luxury car, but for the skies. This model made private aviation accessible to a lot more people who couldn't justify or afford owning an entire jet.

A Subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway

It's pretty interesting to know that NetJets is part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. This connection brings a certain level of stability and financial backing that's hard to match. It means NetJets isn't just some fly-by-night operation; it's a solid company with a long-term vision. This backing also helps them invest in their fleet and services, which is good news for anyone looking to fly with them. They've been around for a while, and being part of such a reputable group just adds to their credibility in the private aviation world.

Evolution into Jet Cards and Leasing

Over time, NetJets has grown and adapted. They realized that not everyone wants or needs to buy a fraction of a jet. So, they expanded their offerings. One big step was getting into the jet card market. Think of a jet card like a pre-paid account for flying private. You buy a certain number of hours, and then you can book flights as needed. It's a more flexible option for people who fly less frequently than a fractional owner might. They also offer leasing options, which is another way to get access to private jets without the commitment of ownership. This evolution shows they're trying to cater to a wider range of travelers and their specific needs.

The Extensive NetJets Fleet

When you think about private aviation, the sheer size and variety of aircraft available is pretty mind-boggling. NetJets really stands out here, boasting a fleet that’s significantly larger than many others in the industry. This isn't just about having a lot of planes; it's about having the right planes for just about any trip you can imagine.

Current Aircraft Offerings

NetJets operates a wide range of aircraft, from light jets perfect for shorter hops to large-cabin jets designed for intercontinental travel. They've got a mix of manufacturers in their hangar, including:

• Embraer: Phenom 300, Praetor 500

• Textron Aviation: Citation XLS, Citation Sovereign, Citation Latitude, Citation Longitude, Citation Ascend

• Bombardier: Challenger 350, Challenger 650, Global 5000, Global 5500, Global 6000, Global 7500

• Dassault: Falcon 2000

This diverse selection is a big part of why NetJets is such a popular choice for fractional ownership. It means you're not stuck with one type of jet; you can access the best aircraft for your specific travel needs on any given day. It’s like having a personal fleet at your fingertips.

Future Fleet Additions

NetJets isn't resting on its laurels. They have a forward-thinking approach to fleet development. They’ve placed orders for new models, like the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Textron Citation Ascend. Plus, they hold options for nearly 2,000 new jets from major manufacturers. They've even signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 150 eVTOL aircraft from Lilium, signaling a commitment to future mobility solutions.

This constant investment in new and advanced aircraft ensures that NetJets remains at the cutting edge of private aviation, offering clients access to the latest technology and most efficient planes available.

Fleet Size and Growth

As of mid-2025, the NetJets and NetJets Europe combined fleet stands at over 800 aircraft. This massive number underscores their position as the world's largest operator of private jets. They are continually modernizing and expanding this fleet, making sure there's always availability for their owners and cardholders. It’s this scale that provides the reliability and access that so many travelers depend on for their private jet travel.

It’s pretty impressive when you consider the logistics involved in managing such a large and varied fleet. They really seem to have it down to a science.

NetJets' Comprehensive Service Offerings

NetJets really does have a lot of ways for people to fly privately. It’s not just one thing; they’ve built out a whole system to fit different needs and budgets. They were the ones who first came up with the idea of fractional ownership, which is still a big part of what they do. This means you can own a share of a jet, kind of like owning a piece of a vacation home, but for flying. It gives you access to a private plane without the headache and cost of owning one outright. You get a certain number of flight hours each year, and the rest is handled by NetJets.

Fractional Ownership and Leasing

This is where NetJets really made its name. With fractional ownership, you buy a specific amount of access to a particular type of aircraft. Think of it as buying a portion of a jet's annual availability. It's a structured way to get private jet travel without the full commitment. Leasing is another option, where you essentially rent access for a set period, which can be a good way to try out private flying or for shorter-term needs. The flexibility here is a major draw for many clients. They also have different programs depending on how much you plan to fly, from light jets for shorter trips to larger ones for longer journeys.

Jet Card Programs

If fractional ownership feels like too much, or if your travel is less predictable, their Jet Card programs are super popular. Many people actually start with a jet card before moving into fractional ownership. These cards work like a prepaid account for flight hours. You buy a block of hours, and then you can use them on any NetJets aircraft that fits your needs, subject to availability. It’s a simpler way to access private aviation, with fixed hourly rates and no long-term asset commitment. They offer different types of cards, often tailored to specific aircraft sizes or travel distances.

Whole Aircraft Sales and Management

Beyond fractional and jet cards, NetJets also handles whole aircraft sales and management. This means if you want to buy a private jet outright, they can help you find one and then manage it for you. This includes maintenance, crewing, and scheduling. It’s a full-service solution for individuals or companies who prefer outright ownership but don't want the operational burden. Their Executive Jet Management arm takes care of all the details, letting the owner focus purely on flying.

NetJets provides a spectrum of private aviation solutions, from owning a piece of an aircraft to prepaid flight hours and full aircraft management. This layered approach is designed to accommodate a wide range of travel requirements and financial considerations, making private air travel more accessible than ever before.

For those looking to get started, calling them directly for a personal consultation is a good first step. You can reach them at +1.877.356.5823 in the US, or +44 207 361 9620 for NetJets Europe. They can help you figure out which program best suits your specific flying habits and needs. You can also explore their fractional jet ownership options to see if that model aligns with your travel goals.

The NetJets Passenger Experience

Annual Passenger and Pet Travel

NetJets handles a lot of travelers every year. We're talking about over 700,000 people who choose to fly with them. And it's not just people; they also fly around 37,000 pets annually. This shows how much people rely on NetJets for getting around, whether it's for business or personal trips, and they're clearly comfortable bringing their furry friends along for the ride.

Global Reach with NetJets Europe

NetJets isn't just a US company. They have a significant presence in Europe through NetJets Europe. As of mid-2025, the combined fleet of NetJets and NetJets Europe was operating close to 800 private jets. This wide reach means that whether you're flying across the country or across the Atlantic, NetJets can likely get you there. They've built a network that supports travel in many parts of the world.

Personalized Consultation Services

When you're looking into private aviation, especially something like fractional ownership, it's not always straightforward. NetJets understands this. They offer personalized consultation services. This means you can talk to someone who knows the ins and outs of their programs. They can help you figure out what kind of plan best fits your specific travel habits and needs. It's about getting the right advice so you can make a good decision about your private flying.

Flying private is a big decision, and NetJets aims to make that process as clear as possible. They want to make sure you understand all the options available to you, from the types of jets to the different ways you can own or access them. It's all about tailoring the experience to you.

Here's a look at how many passengers and pets they handle:

Category	Number Annually
Passengers	700,000+
Pets	37,000+

And their global presence:

• NetJets (US): Operates a large portion of the fleet.

• NetJets Europe: Extends their services across the Atlantic.

• Combined Fleet Size (as of mid-2025): Approximately 800 aircraft.

Innovations in Private Aviation by NetJets

Acquisition of Marquis Jet Partners

NetJets has always been about looking ahead, and a big part of that was bringing Marquis Jet Partners into the fold back in 2010. This wasn't just about buying another company; it was a smart move to really get into the jet card market. Before this, NetJets was mostly known for fractional ownership. By acquiring Marquis Jet, they could offer a different way for people to fly privately, making it more accessible. It really changed how they did business and who they could serve.

Memorandum of Understanding for eVTOLs

Talk about thinking outside the box! In March 2021, NetJets signed a deal, a Memorandum of Understanding, to get 150 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from a company called Lilium. This is pretty forward-thinking. eVTOLs are like small, electric air taxis, and they could totally change short-distance travel. NetJets is positioning itself to be ready for whatever the future of flying looks like. It shows they aren't just sticking to what they know but are actively exploring new ways to move people around.

Commitment to Fleet Modernization

Keeping the fleet up-to-date is a constant job for NetJets. They've got a massive number of planes, and they're always looking to bring in newer, better models. Right now, they fly a mix of aircraft from companies like Embraer and Textron Aviation. They also have big orders in for new planes like the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Citation Ascend. Plus, they have options to buy almost 2,000 more jets down the road from different manufacturers. This constant refresh means passengers get to fly on modern, efficient aircraft.

Here's a look at some of the types of planes they operate:

• Embraer Phenom 300

• Textron Aviation Citation XLS

• Bombardier Challenger 350

• Dassault Falcon 2000

This dedication to having a modern fleet isn't just about having nice planes. It's about safety, efficiency, and making sure the travel experience is as smooth as possible for everyone who flies with them. They're investing in the future, one jet at a time.

Wrapping It Up

So, when you look at everything NetJets offers, it's pretty clear why they're a top pick for private jet travel. They basically invented the whole fractional ownership idea, and they've kept things moving forward ever since. Whether you're thinking about owning a piece of a jet, getting a jet card, or even looking at whole aircraft, they seem to have a solution. Plus, with a huge fleet and a solid backing from Berkshire Hathaway, it feels like a safe bet. If private flying is on your radar, it's definitely worth giving them a call to see what fits your travel plans. They've got options, and they've been doing this for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is NetJets?

NetJets is the biggest company in the world that owns and operates private jets. They basically invented the idea of owning a piece of a private jet, which is called fractional ownership. Think of it like owning a share in a company, but instead of stocks, you own a part of a jet.

Who owns NetJets?

NetJets is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, a large company led by the famous investor Warren Buffett. This means NetJets is a very stable and well-backed company.

What are the different ways to fly with NetJets?

NetJets offers several ways to fly privately. You can buy a share of a jet (fractional ownership), lease a jet, or buy a jet card, which is like a pre-paid flight package. They also help manage private jets for people who own them outright.

What kind of planes does NetJets have?

NetJets has a huge fleet of different private jets, from smaller, speedy ones like the Embraer Phenom 300 to larger ones like the Bombardier Global jets. They are always adding new planes and have even ordered some futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the future.

How many people fly with NetJets each year?

NetJets flies a lot of people! Every year, over 700,000 passengers and even 37,000 pets travel with them. They also have a European branch, NetJets Europe, so they can fly you to many places around the world.

How can I learn more about flying with NetJets?

If you're interested in flying with NetJets, you can call them directly. They have experts who can talk with you about the best options for your travel needs and help you figure out if fractional ownership, a jet card, or another service is right for you.