true jets, travel true 0 35 <img src="http://realestate.halogenguides.com/image/show/flexjet-challenger-300.jpg" class="floatright" alt="Challenger 300 private jet from Bombardier"> The economic pinch is giving way to some try-before-buying programs, even among private jet companies. While exclusive [destination clubs](http://realestate.halogenguides.com/register/info_request?s=jetsite) have recently [tested this tactic](http://realestate.halogenguides.com/archives/1587-exclusive-resorts-offers-way-to-try-out-destination-club) to entice new members, fractional jet operator [Flexjet](http://jets.halogenguides.com/companies/flexjet) introduced a split-payment option for one of their popular jet card programs. The Flexjet 25 jet card program originally (and still does) let flyers purchase a bulk of 25 flight hours up-front for $107,000 or more, depending on which jet model(s) they chose. The split-payment option, which is available through the end of February, lets prospective buyers pay for half the total cost up front. The second half of the payment is due after six months or upon scheduling more than half of the purchased flight hours. The 25-hour card owners don't have an equity stake in Flexjet's fleet of jets&mdash;fractional ownership programs begin at around 50-hour purchases&mdash;so the new card program appears geared at consumers still on the fence about flying privately. It remains to be seen if fractional jet operators like [NetJets](http://jets.halogenguides.com/companies/netjets) and [Flight Options](http://jets.halogenguides.com/companies/flight-options) follow suit in some way, and extend their current programs to more wary consumers. Flight Options, who has a comparable share of the fractional ownership jet market, [laid off](http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/01/flight_options_lays_off_63_pil.html) 63 employees yesterday, adding to the 105 laid off in November of last year. Industry leader NetJets is deferring the delivery of new aircraft, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), but no widespread layoffs within the company have been reported. 2009-01-16T22:33:57Z 0 true 1648 true false 2009-01-16T22:21:00Z true true flexjet-sweetens-deal-on-jet-cards false 0

Is Flexjet's recent split-payment promotion going to lure wary consumers?

Article 2009-03-31T23:12:10Z 483 193