Air Share says its low-cost executive aircraft ownership scheme, designed by Atlantic Bridge Aviation (ABA), is targeted at individuals and businesses with Barry Fehler among its first clients. ABA's md Capt. Jonathan Gordon says: "We offer shares in carefully selected and highly affordable cabin class executive aircraft."

Shares are sold in 1/8th blocks. Each 12.5 per cent tranche costs between £20,000 and £30,000 (depending on the aircraft value) and must be held for five years when it can be sold at fair market value. There is also a guaranteed buy-back at 60 per cent of the original investment. The maximum shareholding is 75 per cent. Each 12.5 per cent entitles the owner to 40 days use of the aircraft, or similar aircraft in the Air Share programme. For each 1/8th share owned there is a management fee of £1,000 per month.

"Whenever you fly all you pay is direct cost plus 15 per cent, meaning your flights are as cheap as possible," says Gordon. Air Share, which is also developing an aircraft manage-ment division, so far has three Chieftains and a Beech Baron in its shared ownership scheme.