AirShares Elite began a "pilot-focused" program in 1999. The fractional-ownership model was quite effective with Fortune 500 executives, and AirShares felt the same 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.

Early in Cirrus Design’s' history, the products were in such high demand that there was a two-year waiting list. AirShares developed a favorable, volume-based relationship with Cirrus and obtained several early-production aircraft, making AirShares the first fractional-ownership company to offer Cirrus products. Our early customers were absolutely delighted. Not only were our customers the first clients to own a "share" in the aircraft, they were the first in the state to own any amount of a Cirrus.

The flagship product of the Cirrus SR-2x line is the SR22, which boasts an automotive-like interior, all-composite construction, state-of-the-art avionics, a unique airframe parachute system, and performance unmatched in aircraft costing twice as much.

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 12 regional locations and 43 program aircraft, AirShares is becoming more accessible every day.

http://www.airshareselite.com/