The scheme is the idea of NextGen Aviation Group, set up by Tim de Meijer, Maxim Schelfhout and Thomas Brackx and based at Antwerp Airport in Deurne. The idea is as simple as time-share: the company has three single-engine planes –a Cirrus SR22 Turbo for economy, a Daher-Socata TBM850 for speed and a Pilatus PC-12 (pictured) for comfort. For an initial stake of €125,000 you can become a member of the club, either flying the planes yourself or using a NextGen pilot. The costs thereafter are estimated to be in the region of €200 to €600 a week, depending on the use of the planes.

The company, De Meijer says, is aiming at small and medium-sized companies who can’t justify owning their own planes, as well as simple flight enthusiasts. The planes also have the advantage, he explained, of being able to use smaller airports, making them more flexible. With a range of some 2,500 km on one tank of fuel, the whole of the European continent is within reach, according to NextGen.

www.nextgen.aero