Pacific Coast Jet Launches VLJ Ownership Program

Pacific Coast Jet, LLC, San Francisco Bay Area operator of very light jet (VLJ) aircraft, is offering shared ownership interests on the Eclipse 500, the first operator in Northern California to do so and the first to take delivery of the Eclipse 500 in the Bay Area. The company is based at Buchanan Field...

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Pacific Coast Jet, LLC, San Francisco Bay Area operator of very light jet (VLJ) aircraft, is offering shared ownership interests on the Eclipse 500, the first operator in Northern California to do so and the first to take delivery of the Eclipse 500 in the Bay Area. The company is based at Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, CA. The company is offering a quarter share in an Eclipse 500 for $450,000, according to Director Business Development Ryan Dos Ramos, who said the company recently sold another Eclipse 500 as well as a Cessna Citation Mustang. It is also in the middle of Part 135 certification in order to be able to offer VLJ charters and expects certification to come in a about a month.
The $450,000 for a quarter share seems to be the going rate for Eclipse programs since Jetpool launched its shared ownership program in North Carolina at that rate. See related story, this issue.
“We are extremely excited to offer the Eclipse aircraft to owners, saving them time and money on their air travel,” said Co-Founder and Managing Partner Jet Jesse Ahearn. “We see tremendous demand in the Bay Area from professionals, business owners, and leisure travelers who are looking for a more convenient and cost-efficient way to get from point A to B. This option is far less expensive than traditional fractional jet ownership programs, and far less restrictive than commercial air travel.”
Pacific Coast Jet, which was founded last year, selected Eclipse 500 to launch its program for its efficient operating costs and versatile operating characteristics. It is building its operation to become a full service VLJ management company and also includes sales and acquisitions as well as its shared-ownership program among its portfolio of services. It noted that, in California alone, commercial jet carriers provide service to only 29 of the hundreds of public-use airports.
“The owner capitalizes on the cost savings and capability of their aircraft,” remarked Dos Ramos. “Quarter, half, and full ownership interests are available depending on the customer’s travel requirements. Also, to offset ownership costs, owners may offer their aircraft for charter as a revenue-generating tool. We have already received an incredible amount of interest on our shared ownership program and in the aircraft – we’re often met by a crowd of people on the airport ramp. We are bringing that concept to a new level of affordability which will reach a large segment of the Bay Area market that is currently not served.” Pacific Coast Jet also plans to add larger VLJs to its fleet beginning in 2008 as they become available.
The company is also partnering with TerraPass to offset its emissions. “As a carbon neutral operation we are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint,” said Ahearn. “Clean energy and and greenhouse gas reduction projects are funded though our partnership with TerraPass. We are committed to the environment, and pleased to extend this conscious step toward fighting climate change to our clients.