UK-based Merge Aviation is expanding its operations by offering a shared ownership service for twin turboprop aircraft, aimed at companies with executives who travel throughout northern Europe and beyond.

Managing director Mark Gallie believes that new plans highlight the time efficiency and potential cost savings that can be produced through part ownership of a dedicated aircraft.

“It has always been my ambition to make aviation and business travel accessible to the average corporate man on the street. Executive travel can no longer be considered as a frivolous pastime for the rich and famous, or restricted purely to the quintessential ‘private jet.’

“The huge range and diversity of aircraft available in recent years means that there is a viable air transport solution to virtually any charter challenge. With shared and fractional ownership becoming ever more popular solutions due to the time savings and potential tax benefits that they offer, current market trends indicate a significant rise in the number of companies who will want to operate their own aircraft on a part-owned basis.”

According to the company, two customers – a prominent Jersey bank, and an international pharmaceuticals company – are set to sign up to fractional ownership of a King Air.