A fractional ownership company has opened for business in High Wycomb, UK. Skyhopper operates a fleet of Sikorsky S-76s, Bell 430s and Eurocopter AS 355N TwinStars, and will be adding three Augusta 109E Powers later. Skyhopper is selling shares in these aircraft for conventional fractional ownership, and also for a programme called "retained charter." The latter is plan under which clients buy a block of flight time for a five year contract, with no claims on the ownership of the aircraft, and hence none of the tax implications. Prices start at US$640,000 for a one-eighth share of a Bell 430, plus a $5,800 monthly maintenance fee and $963 per occupied flight hour. Clients opting for a half-share of an aircraft are guaranteed a six hour response time throughout the UK, and those opting for smaller shares will see the rotorcraft within 12 hours of their request.