NetJets has unveiled a new solution to the Irish government’s search for jet aircraft. It is proposing that instead of buying private aircraft, the government buy into its fractional ownership programme.

This, says NetJets, would mean that the government would only pay for the flying time it required and would not incur costs for idle time.

NetJets says its programme will save the Irish taxpayer millions of euros. Aircraft costing 10 million euros or more can be acquired by the fraction for a small portion of the cost, it says.

“For example,” said a spokesman, “a leased 3/16th share in a Hawker 800XP jet seating eight, would cost as little as 19,000 euros per month and would entitle the government to 150 hours of flying time per year.

“Factoring in costs for maintenance, management and running costs, the total expense would be less than 5,000 euros per hour flown or about 12.50 euros per mile.”

As part of the tender, NetJets has suggested that the government buy fractions in two aircraft, a Hawker 800XP and a Falcon 2000, allowing ministers to use the aircraft most suited to each trip.

Said Graeme Weston, vice president of NetJets Europe: “We hope the Irish government will weigh the many advantages of the NetJets programme outlined in our tender submission and give our proposal serious consideration.”

NetJets says its European wing has doubled its owner base in the past year, and is currently 47 per cent ahead of its sales figures from this time last year.