Bob Rosenburg and David Lee founded AirShares Elite as a "pilot-focused" program in 1999. With David’s aviation knowledge, and Bob’s business experience the two started the business in the corner of a hangar at north Atlanta’s McCollum Field (KRYY). Based on the fractional ownership modeled pioneered by Executive Jet, the partners felt the AirShares-ownership model would work well for pilots looking to buy new, personal aircraft.

In December 2000, AirShares acquired its first four aircraft and began to market them from Atlanta's McCollum Airport (KRYY).

AirShares initially selected the venerable Cessna Aircraft products, based on their reputation and ubiquitous presence. Initial AirShares sales with the Cessna product line were slow. While the aircraft was popular with rental clients, buyers wanted greater performance, modern avionics, and styling. New aircraft designs by Cirrus Design were getting great publicity in the major trade publications. The new planes were an evolutionary step forward in light design, and the marketplace was taking notice.

In August 2001, Cirrus designated AirShares a "Preferred Partner" as a way to commend the company's customer-focused approach to distributing the CIRRUS product line. Ever since, AirShares and Cirrus have worked to build a mutually beneficial relationship that has helped both companies refine marketing, support and product design.

Interestingly, the AirShares program with the Cirrus SR22 has spawned a niche in the "executive" and "personal" transportation market. AirShares did not initially target this market, but the comfort, capability and safety of these aircraft, combined with the efficiency and utility of the shared-ownership model, make the program particularly attractive to non-pilots. Light aircraft pilots have experienced the joy and simplicity of direct, point-to-point travel for decades. With the AirShares program and services, pilots and non-pilots alike are realizing the benefits of personal aircraft travel. With 14 regional locations and 51 program aircraft, AirShares is becoming more accessible every day.

www.airshareselite.com