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PlaneSense spreads wings westward
Fractional aircraft ownership company PlaneSense eliminates fees for jet fleets heading west
Responding to a strong demand by its clientele to fly without penalty west of the Rockies, PlaneSense is eliminating what it calls its “out-of-area fees” for its fleet of PC-24 jets, one shown here flying above the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. (Courtesy photo)
PlaneSense, the fractional aircraft ownership company based at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, is spreading its wings westward.
Responding to a strong demand by its clientele to fly without penalty west of the Rockies, PlaneSense is eliminating what it calls its “out-of-area fees” for its jet fleet.
The growing trend to fly further west has been fueled by PlaneSense’s growing fleet of jets — the PC-24, made by Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland.
“Demand for fractional shares in the PC-24 jet has far exceeded expectations,” said George Antoniadis, president and CEO of PlaneSense, Inc. “We are thrilled to soon offer jet shares in the western U.S. without any out-of-area restrictions. The Pilatus PC-24 is ideally suited for the missions of the West Coast region, and we are looking forward to making it available to our existing clients and to the many prospects who have reached out to us.”
Shares in PlaneSense historically have been focused on flights east of the Rockies. But, with the longer-range PC-24 jets, clients have increasingly used their shares for flights on the West Coast.
Before, flying out of a prescribed area meant higher fees. By the end of June 2024, out-of-area fees will be eliminated for its Pilatus PC-24 jet fleet. As with the PC-12 program, all 48 states in the continental U.S. and parts of Canada will be served by the PlaneSense® program without restrictions.
PlaneSense took its first delivery of the PC-24 in 2018. In October 2023, Pilatus announced enhancements to the PC-24, improving its maximum range with six passengers to about 2,300 miles (2,000 nautical miles or 3,704 kilometers). PlaneSense took delivery of its first improved PC-24 in December 2023.
At the end of 2023, according to PlaneSense, it had 13 PC-24s in the fleet with five additional jets scheduled for delivery in 2024.
“Our clients really love the spacious, modern and quiet interior of the PC-24 cabin and the large cargo compartment, which is accessible in-flight,” said Antoniadis. “They also appreciate the jet’s incredible short runway capabilities, which allow clients to get closer to their destinations in varying weather conditions.”
In anticipation of the jet expansion and to better serve the growing flight activity in the West, PlaneSense, Inc. established a state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Boulder City, Nev., in 2021, and expanded it significantly in 2023. The maintenance operation performs expert routine maintenance, inspections and detailing to safely and quickly return aircraft to service.
PlaneSense says it operates the largest commercial fleet of Pilatus PC-12s and PC-24 jets in the United States.
Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets serve the continental U.S., Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Among the program’s many benefits, share owners enjoy guaranteed access, state-of-the-art aircraft, and no blackout dates or hidden fees.
PlaneSense was founded by Antoniadis in 1992 as Alpha Flying Inc., changing its name in 2012 to PlaneSense. Originally based in Norwood, Mass., it provided rental and management of high-performance piston and turbine-powered general aviation aircraft. In 1995, the PlaneSense program of fractional ownership was founded with the first Pilatus PC-12 planes delivered in 1995. It also used Nextant 400XTi jets over the years.
In 1998, the company moved to a facility at Nashua Airport, then in 2000 it relocated to a facility at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. In 2007, it moved to a new custom-built facility at 115 Flightline Road, along the airfield apron of the airport at the Pease International Tradeport, with a 40,000-square-foot hangar and 62,000 square feet of corporate space that includes pilot training and flight operations.
“The PC-24 raises the bar in private jet travel and perfectly embodies our principles of comfort and service,” Antoniadis said when the PC-24 made its debut in February 2018. “This intelligent aircraft is an incredible addition to the fleet, providing our clients a unique opportunity for fractional ownership.”
