AirSprint Sees Bright Future for Fractional Ownership

AirSprint Private Aviation, Canada’s leading fractional ownership provider, is optimistic about the growth of the Canadian private jet market, as fractional ownership gains traction. President and CEO James Elian discussed the company’s expansion and fleet strategy in an exclusive interview during the NBAA-BACE conference in Las Vegas, attributing AirSprint’s success to increased demand for private travel following the pandemic.

Fractional Ownership Gains Momentum in Canada
Historically, Canadians were hesitant about private jet ownership, but the COVID-19 pandemic shifted perspectives. “Canadians gave themselves permission to fly private, seeing the health benefits and flexibility of private aviation,” Elian noted. Many companies invested in fractional ownership to ensure employee safety, driving sustained growth for AirSprint. As Canada’s only dedicated fractional ownership provider, AirSprint has captured over two-thirds of market growth since 2019, particularly among first-time owners who appreciate the lower cost and shared responsibility of fractional ownership.

Fleet Expansion and Strategy
AirSprint’s fleet includes a mix of light and midsize jets: six Cessna Citation CJ2+, sixteen Citation CJ3+, six Embraer Legacy 450, three Embraer Legacy 500, and six Embraer Praetor 500 aircraft. The company is exploring the addition of larger jets, though Elian emphasized that the majority of demand in Canada is still for light and midsize models. Expanding with a larger aircraft type would require a fleet of at least five for efficiency.

AirSprint is focused on acquiring lightly used jets, particularly those manufactured around 2020 or later, to avoid the long wait times for new aircraft delivery slots, which can extend up to two years. This approach also allows the company to bypass Canada’s 10% luxury tax on new aircraft, effective since September 2022. “Our customers are clear—they want to avoid the luxury tax,” Elian said, adding that AirSprint’s fleet strategy remains focused on models like the CJ3+ and Praetor 500 unless the tax is repealed.

Canadian Focus and High Utilization Rates
AirSprint’s strategy remains squarely on fractional ownership within Canada, resisting the temptation to enter the larger but highly competitive U.S. market. While other markets see intense competition for existing customers, Canada’s growing interest in private aviation allows AirSprint to focus on new entrants. The company’s fractional model has proved efficient, with AirSprint handling 30% of the country’s private jet flights despite operating only 6-7% of Canadian business jets, thanks to high utilization rates.

Elian highlighted that AirSprint’s model is hard to replicate, stating, “We are by far the busiest operator in the country, and there’s room for more growth.” He noted that while leisure flights currently dominate, business travel is rebounding, driven by companies needing reliable access to remote Canadian locations where commercial service is limited.

Operational Flexibility and Market Adaptation
AirSprint operates without specific city bases, using hangars in Calgary and Toronto and offering high flexibility in aircraft positioning. Owners do not incur charges for empty ferry flights, which enhances efficiency. Approximately 35-40% of AirSprint’s flights remain within Canada, while international trips primarily go to the U.S. and occasionally to Europe.

Although supply chain issues have affected the industry, Elian sees these challenges as an opportunity for efficient operators to stand out. “The market constraints are a natural filter for the most effective operators,” he explained, emphasizing AirSprint’s focus on reliability and high service standards as it navigates the evolving aviation landscape.

With a strong business model and growing demand for private aviation, AirSprint is well-positioned to continue expanding in Canada’s fractional ownership market, catering to both leisure and corporate clients looking for reliable, flexible travel solutions.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com