Time is a premium commodity for top executives. Private aviation has become a strategic investment for large companies and high-net-worth individuals. While acquiring a private jet isn’t inexpensive, the ongoing costs of ownership can be prohibitive – a challenge addressed by a growing trend known as “jet-sharing.” Jetfly, a company with a 25-year history, is a pioneer in fractional aircraft ownership in Spain and Europe.
The private aviation market is currently experiencing a surge, with projections indicating a 5% increase in flights, according to data from the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). Within this expanding market, fractional ownership is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional aircraft acquisition. Currently, it represents approximately 18.5% of the global private aviation market, a slight increase from 15% and demonstrating stability rather than rapid expansion.
In Spain, this growth is even more pronounced, around 5% annually. This is largely due to Spain becoming the second most in-demand European destination for private aviation users in 2025. The country, along with Portugal, is increasingly viewed as a strategic investment hub and a key gateway for establishing operations in Europe.
Fractional ownership, as Jetfly’s Sales Director for Spain and Andorra, Alazne Bilbao, explains, allows clients to enjoy the benefits of aircraft ownership without the full financial burden of acquisition or the complexities of operational management. It’s a return to co-ownership models popular in the 1990s, but instead of a property, it’s a private jet.
One of the key advantages is cost efficiency. Bilbao notes that fractional ownership is “sharing the asset, but not the availability.” Jetfly ensures access to an aircraft within 24 hours, anywhere within its operating area, thanks to a large and modern fleet. The company boasts the largest fleet globally of Pilatus PC-12 (25 aircraft) and PC-24 (12 aircraft) planes, supplemented by three Cirrus SF-50 aircraft strategically positioned worldwide for immediate client assistance.
The rise of private aviation reflects a fundamental shift in how business is conducted. For leaders in sectors like technology, investment, and professional services, time optimization, efficient travel, and increased competitiveness are paramount. Private aviation is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage, a tool for maximizing productivity.
The modern fractional ownership client is evolving. Bilbao describes a shift from the traditional profile of “founders, established entrepreneurs, and executives of family businesses seeking discretion, comfort, and efficiency” to a new generation of entrepreneurs aged 35-45, primarily in the technology and fast-growing startup sectors. These clients no longer view private aviation as a status symbol, but as a strategic investment to optimize time, reduce operational friction, and enhance competitiveness.
Approximately 90% of Jetfly’s clients are European, with France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany being key markets, all with established traditions in private aviation. These clients prioritize direct connectivity between destinations underserved by commercial airlines. Routes like Madrid–Portimão, Madrid–Courchevel, and Madrid–Gstaad–Saanen exemplify this demand for tailored travel solutions.
Demand is also shifting geographically. While the Mediterranean remains a popular destination during the summer months – particularly the Balearic Islands, Italy, Croatia, and Greece – there’s a growing trend towards more unique and exclusive destinations, reflecting a desire for differentiated experiences.
The fractional ownership model works by allowing clients to purchase a share of an aircraft, corresponding to their annual flight hour needs. Each aircraft type – offering varying passenger capacities (8, 6, and 4) and range – has different participation options. Jetfly’s structure includes certified in-house maintenance, continuous crew training, and insurance coverage exceeding industry standards, reducing risk and enhancing the overall value proposition.
Bilbao emphasizes that even when a shared aircraft is in use by another owner, access is never compromised. The limited number of shares per aircraft, combined with Jetfly’s extensive fleet, guarantees on-demand availability. This model offers predictable costs based on actual flight time, providing greater financial transparency compared to traditional charter services or the complexities of full ownership.
