Timeshare in a Private Jet

By McGregor McCance.

Meanwhile, business continues to flourish on the general aviation side of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. Here, Landmark Aviation provides ground services for private and corporate aircraft through a long-term contract with the airport.

That includes selling fuel, providing hangar space, aircraft maintenance and other services.

General Manager John Whitmer said Landmark Aviation opened a new hangar about two years ago, but he already sees a need to plan for more.

As Whitmer talked about operations, a steamroller inched by his office, rattling windows and furniture. Crews are rehabilitating and expanding the general aviation parking apron.

Two years ago, 46 private aircraft took off in 20 minutes after the Hurricanes blew out of town. Some 85 total flew out of the airport’s general aviation wing that afternoon and the next morning.“

It’s like stacking firewood,” Whitmer recalled. “We had our guys use lighted wands and we created our own taxiway. Knock on wood, everything went well.”

The popularity of “fractional” aircraft ownership is increasing as well. That means multiple owners buy the right to use a private jet, almost like a timeshare.

On the horizon, the arrival of a new class of aircraft called VLJs - very light jets - could create a niche that would add to demand for general aviation services. The jets are capable of landing on the shorter runways that are common at many smaller airports.

DailyProgress.com | Airport traffic dips

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