Jet Expert is a column from experts in the field like Craig Bowers. Craig is the President of JetForward Aviation, an aviation portfolio management firm. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and an MS Degree in Aviation Systems. A former Marine attack pilot and instructor test pilot, he is a rated ATP with over 3,000 hours in 35 different aircraft and extensive experience in Part 91, 121 and 135 flight operations. You may email him at craig@jetforwardaviation.com.

After years of struggling to reach profitability, recent financial reports from the major fractional players should be welcome news for private jet share owners.

Flexjet recently announced its first GAAP profit since start-up in 1995. The company, currently the number three provider by fleet size, is working feverishly to boost its fleet. President Michael McQuay announced Flexjet will add over twenty aircraft annually over the next three years, significantly expanding its current fleet of 93 aircraft.

The crown jewel of the fleet expansion is the Challenger 300, Bombardier’s brand new super-midsize business jet boasting a roomy cabin and coast-coast range. However, it isn’t just fleet expansion that current owners should see as welcome news. “Profitability contributes to the peace of mind of our owners,” says Flexjet Vice President of Marketing, Sylvain Levesque.

Flexjet isn’t the only player announcing major fleet expansions, as the Cessna Aircraft Company announced at this summer’s Paris Air Show that industry-leader NetJets had placed an order for 96 Cessna Citation aircraft. The order, which includes Encore+, XLS+ and the ultra-sleek, ultra fast Citation X, represents a cool $1 billion expansion to the NetJets fleet. With over 300 Cessna Citation business jets currently under management worldwide, NetJets is no stranger to the Cessna product line. Obviously, this announcement alone may have made the trip to Paris worth the cost for Cessna Aircraft President Jack Pelton.

Another sign of good news – the growth is worldwide. NetJets recently announced that it will double its European pilot force over the next four years.

All of this should be welcome news for current and prospective shareowners. As fractional providers have struggled to gain their financial footing over the past few years, the owner-experience has often paid the price. Among the top concerns has been the impact of jet cards and charter outsourcing – both of which should be alleviated by fleet expansion.

For an overview of the fractional industry and things to consider when shopping for a program, see the Helium Report Decision Guide to Private Jet Travel.

Note to Readers: Halogen Guides is the new name of Helium Report.