Portsmouth, NH, June 21, 2016 — When George Antoniadis launched PlaneSense, offering fractional shares in the Pilatus PC-12, he raised quite a few eyebrows. Like the fabled David, he would be taking on several major Goliaths. But Antoniadis appeared to have even more working against him. PlaneSense was a startup offering shares in a 1,500-nm-range turboprop while the other fractional share programs flew a broad array of jets. Perhaps the biggest risk was that the Pilatus PC-12 was totally unfamiliar in the United States, and the manufacturer itself had no reputation in America. The road to success certainly had some industry and economy related obstacles, but thanks to Antoniadis’s clear cut vision, PlaneSense stayed on track and eventually made a name for themselves. Antoniadis is now enthusiastic about the future. While he takes risks, nothing is a gamble. Every move is precisely calculated. Antoniadis elaborated:
“I will tell you that I am excited every day. I am happy to see how this company has developed from the beginning through the difficult times of 2009 and 2010 to today. We have an extremely loyal following, we have a high percentage of retained owners at contract renewal and we are optimistic about the growth opportunity that we see ahead of us.”
Antoniadis knowingly recognized that what seemed like his enterprise’s weakness would turn out to be its strength. Fast forward 20 years and three major fractional ownership providers have disappeared, the second largest firm was swallowed up by its competitor, and the launch firm and leader in jet cards dissolved under the wings of one of the two remaining giants. Throughout all these industry climbs and descents, economic turmoil, consolidation and dropouts, however, PlaneSense stayed the course in fractional aircraft ownership. Thanks to the definition of Antoniadis’ vision, the company emerged more successful than ever, and remains one of three major fractional providers that continue to be viable.
Why? “PlaneSense owners understand the unique capabilities of the Pilatus PC-12,” said Antoniadis. They take full advantage of the airplane’s exceptional ability to operate anywhere, particularly into small airfields off limits to jets, such as the 2,300-foot strip at Fishers Island off the Connecticut coast. And the Pilatus PC-12 does that with unprecedented economy, dramatically lower ownership and operating costs than the least expensive jet program and with time differentials on typical trips that amount to mere minutes. Furthermore, while jets may claim higher speeds in the air, the Pilatus, with its ability to navigate even the shortest of runways, can land closer to the ultimate destination, which means less time on the ground.
About PlaneSense fractional aircraft ownership:
PlaneSense, Inc. is a fractional aircraft ownership program based in Portsmouth, NH, that has been in operation since 1996. The PlaneSense program manages the largest civilian fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the world, and has more experience with the Pilatus PC-12 than any other aircraft management and maintenance team. Apart from its recent order for multiple Nextant 400XTi’s, PlaneSense, Inc. has also placed the largest launch agreement order for six new Pilatus PC-24 jets. Offering optimal access to many airports, and fractional owner flexibility that suits any flying profile, the PlaneSense program offers compelling value through affordable pricing, world-class service, and a practical, comfortable aircraft. For more information on fractional aircraft shares with the PlaneSense program, visit PlaneSense, Inc. online at: http://www.planesense.com
