Fractionals a Major Factor in European BizAv Growth

Honeywell's year 2000 business aviation survey pinpoints fractional ownership as a growing contributor to the European market, evidenced by the recent purchase of 50 Cessna Citations by NetJets that will more than triple its current European fleet.

Fractional operations currently account for about 3% of the European business aircraft fleet, but by 2011 could make up between 9% and 14% of the active business aircraft in Europe, Honeywell says.

The firm's Purchase Expectations Survey queried over 130 chief pilots and flight department managers of companies operating 330 aircraft in Europe. The survey detailed the types of aircraft currently operated and assessed specific plans to replace or add to the fleet with new aircraft.

Responses indicate that 11% of traditional corporate flight departments in Europe are interested in the possibility of shared ownership. 13% were uncertain about participating in a fractional program, meaning that the fractional market may well fare even better than currently predicted.