Airport Development

Jet-Alliance Takes Delivery of First Eclipse 500 Jet

Written by Jamie Cheng, January 8, 2007 10:50 AM

The VLJs are finally here. Last Thursday, Jet-Alliance took delivery of the very first Eclipse 500 jet: serial # 000001 and tail registration N508JA. Jet-Alliance aims to become the NetJets of the new "very light jet" private aviation category, offering fractional ownership at a starting price of $95,000 for a 1/16th share (50 hours of flight time). The monthly fee for the fraction is $2,000, which covers expenses such as pilot salaries and insurance. Hourly costs are $788 based on an expected rate of 35% empty legs.

The Eclipse Jet has received tremendous press coverage over the past year for its $1.52 million entry price and 1,400 mile range (4 passengers). Jet-Alliance acquires, operates, and maintains the jets, dividing ownership into 50 hour increments, up to 400 hours for a 1/2 fraction (Click here to see their pricing chart, as of June 2006). Jet-Alliance makes its money by charging a 4.5% program fee for a fractional purchase, in addition to a 9% administration expense built-in to the monthly and hourly fees.

Katie Lien from Jet-Alliance's Member Relations team provided two photos of N508JA (JA = Jet-Alliance), which we've included below.

The 1st picture is David Crowe & Randall Sanada holding their keys to the plane. The 2nd picture is Randall Sanada & Dr. Bill Miller before taking the 1st flight for Jet-Alliance. Dr. Miller was the one who flew the test flight for Jet-Alliance. He serves on our advisory board & is also a member of our program.

Helium Report started covering the Eclipse when the company received FAA approval last July. Recently, we posted an article comparing four different very light jets, a prelude to our upcoming Decision Guide to Very Light Jets. Read more about our coverage of the Eclipse 500 here and email us at tips@heliumreport.com to share your views on the new private aviation category.

Written by Jamie Cheng • Filed in Eclipse Jet, Jet-Alliance, Private Jets