NetJets 1/16 Share (Light Jet)
Year 1: $1.1M–$1.3M (share + fees + hours)
Years 2–5: $350K–$400K/year
Total 5 years: ~$2.5M–$2.9M
Exit: ~$425K–$595K (depreciated)
The Smart Choice
Why on-demand charter beats fractional ownership.
NetJets invented fractional ownership. But for most private flyers, on-demand charter is the smarter, more flexible, and more cost-effective choice.
Head to Head
PJ1 vs NetJets: A detailed comparison.
The numbers don't lie. For flexible flyers under 100 hours per year, on-demand charter wins on cost, flexibility, and transparency.
| Feature | PJ1 On-Demand | NetJets Fractional |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $215K–$850K+ |
| Monthly fees | $0 | $12K–$28K |
| Contract length | None | 3–5 years |
| Depreciation risk | None | 30–50% over 5 years |
| Hourly rate (light) | $3,500–$5,500 | ~$8,500 |
| Blackout dates | 0 | 10–90 per year |
| Aircraft choice | Any aircraft worldwide | NetJets fleet only |
| Booking notice | Same-day possible | 4–48 hours |
| Safety reports | Third-party (ARGUS/Wyvern) | Internal only |
| Price transparency | Itemized quotes | Opaque |
| Exit cost | $0 | Share value minus depreciation |
| Global reach | 150+ countries | Primarily US/Europe |
| Pet travel | Yes, any aircraft | Limited |
| 5-year total (50 hrs/yr) | ~$400K–$500K | ~$1.2M–$2.1M |
When NetJets Makes Sense
Fractional ownership works for some flyers.
If you fly 100+ hours per year, on consistent domestic routes, and want the psychological comfort of owning a share of an aircraft, NetJets is genuinely the gold standard. Berkshire Hathaway backing provides financial stability that no broker can match. The guaranteed availability and dedicated owner services are real advantages for high-volume flyers.
- 100+ flight hours per year on consistent routes.
- Desire for guaranteed aircraft availability.
- Preference for a single dedicated service team.
- Comfort with long-term capital commitment.
When PJ1 Makes Sense
On-demand charter is the smarter choice for most.
For the vast majority of private flyers — those flying 50–100 hours per year, with varied routes, and a preference for flexibility — on-demand charter delivers the same aircraft at a fraction of the cost with zero commitment.
- You fly less than 100 hours per year.
- Your routes vary (domestic, international, mixed).
- You want pricing transparency before committing.
- You don't want to lock up capital in a depreciating asset.
- You need flexibility to change aircraft type per trip.
- You want zero monthly fees.
- You need same-day or next-day availability.
- You want third-party safety verification.
Real Numbers
What 50 hours per year actually costs.
The all-in cost over 5 years for a typical light jet user flying 50 hours per year.
PJ1 On-Demand (50 hrs/yr)
Year 1: $175K–$275K
Years 2–5: $175K–$275K/year
Total 5 years: ~$875K–$1.375M
Exit: $0 (no asset)
Savings with PJ1
Total savings: $1.6M–$1.5M over 5 years
Plus: no depreciation risk, no monthly fees, any aircraft, zero blackout dates, same-day booking, third-party safety.
Make the Switch
See what on-demand charter can save you.
Request a quote for your next trip and compare it to your current fractional or jet card program.