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AirSprint
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AirSprint is a Canadian company that offers fractional ownership and management of private business jet aircraft. Today, AirSprint operates the youngest fleet of fractional aircraft in North America and is the largest provider of fractional aircraft in Canada. [5][6][7][8]
Key Information
History
[edit]AirSprint was founded in 2000 by Judson Macor as Canada's first fractional aircraft ownership company.[9]
In 2017, AirSprint was the fastest growing fractional aviation company globally. ARGUS International listed AirSprint as the No. 6 fractional ownership company on the continent, thanks in part to a 23.5 percent jump in its total flight hours over the previous year.[10]
In 2025, AirSprint celebrated its 25th anniversary of operations.[11]
Fleet
[edit]
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As of 1 February 2026[update] the AirSprint fleet consists of the following aircraft:[4]
| Aircraft | No. of aircraft |
Variants | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna CitationJet/M2 | 26 | 6 - Model 525A (CJ2+) 20 - Model 525B (CJ3+) |
Up to six passengers in the CJ2+.[12] Up to seven passengers on the CJ3+.[13] Light twin-engine business jets. |
| Embraer Legacy / Praetor | 17 | 5 - EMB-550 (Legacy 500) 12 - EMB-545 (Legacy 450) |
Mid-sized twin engine business jets. Up to nine passengers in the both aircraft.[14][15] |
| Total | 43 | ||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "ICAO Designators for Canadian Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services" (PDF). Nav Canada. 11 July 2024. p. 2. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
AirSprint: ASP, AIRSPRINT
- ^ Transport Canada (5 September 2019), Civil Aviation Services (CAS) AOC. wwwapps.tc.gc.ca.
- ^ "Federal Aviation Administration - Airline Certificate Information - Detail View". av-info.faa.gov. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: Quick Search Result for AirSprint". Transport Canada. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Canadian Aviation: Dogfight". Canadian Business Online. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
- ^ "A higher form of flying". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 5 April 2008. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
- ^ "Air Sprint helps your business take off". Business Edge News Magazine. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
- ^ "Calgary/Red Deer Edition - Execs flying friendlier skies with timeshares". Business Edge News Magazine. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
- ^ "Uncommon denominator: AirSprint". Skies Magazine. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Uncommon denominator: AirSprint". Skies Magazine. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "AirSprint Marks 25 Years in Private Aviation". Aviation International News. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Cessna Citation CJ2+". Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- ^ "Cessna Citation CJ3+". Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- ^ "Embraer Legacy 5000". Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- ^ "Embraer Legacy 450". Retrieved 29 October 2023.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to AirSprint.
AirSprint
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding
AirSprint was founded in 2000 by Judson Macor and Phil Dewsnap, two experienced pilots who first met as law students at the University of Alberta in the late 1990s.[4][5] Macor and Dewsnap, both seasoned aviators, shared a passion for aviation that led them to transition from legal careers to entrepreneurship in the private jet sector.[6] The company was initially established in the spare bedroom of Macor's home in Calgary, Alberta, marking the humble beginnings of what would become Canada's pioneer in fractional aircraft ownership.[7][6] The founders' primary motivation was to democratize access to private aviation for Canadian businesses and high-net-worth individuals through a fractional ownership model, drawing inspiration from established U.S. programs like NetJets but tailored to the regulatory and market needs of Canada.[2][4] At the time, private jet ownership in Canada was largely inaccessible due to high costs and limited options, and Macor and Dewsnap aimed to address this gap by offering shared ownership shares that provided guaranteed access to aircraft without the full financial burden of outright purchase.[8] Their vision emphasized safety, reliability, and efficiency, positioning AirSprint as an innovative alternative to commercial flights for time-sensitive travelers.[1] AirSprint secured its first client, Enerflex, and began operations with the acquisition of a single Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft in 2000, which served as the cornerstone of the company's early fleet and enabled initial flights primarily focused on Western Canada.[1][7][2] Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, AirSprint targeted regional business routes in the province and surrounding areas, laying the groundwork for its expansion while prioritizing service to clients in the energy and resource sectors prevalent in the region.[2][9]Growth and Key Milestones
Following its founding in 2000, AirSprint experienced rapid early scaling, with its fleet value reaching nearly $100 million by the end of 2002, a testament to the quick adoption of its fractional ownership model among Canadian business leaders.[10] This period marked the company's initial expansion from a small operation with Pilatus PC-12 turboprops to incorporating business jets like the Cessna Citation Excel to meet demands for faster travel.[11] Between 2005 and 2006, critical growth occurred as the PC-12 fleet expanded and AirSprint opened its first hangar at Calgary International Airport, solidifying its infrastructure for broader operations.[2] In the post-2000 era, AirSprint transitioned fully from a turboprop-dominated fleet to an all-jet lineup between 2012 and 2014, replacing the PC-12s with Cessna Citation CJ2+ aircraft to enhance speed and range for its clients.[2] By the 2010s, this strategic shift positioned AirSprint as Canada's largest fractional jet provider, operating the most extensive dedicated fleet in the country and outpacing competitors in market share.[1] The company's growth during this decade was further evidenced by a 2008 order for 23 aircraft valued at US$116 million, underscoring its commitment to fleet modernization and capacity building.[12] The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a surge in demand for private aviation, with AirSprint reporting a 25% increase in fractional owners since 2020, driven by preferences for contactless travel.[13] This momentum led to a record first quarter in 2021, representing the largest client growth in the company's history at that time.[13] By 2023, AirSprint achieved another record year for flight activity, with a three-year growth rate of 96% that outpaced international private aviation trends amid recovering global demand.[10] In 2025, AirSprint marked its 25th anniversary on May 1, reflecting on a quarter-century of leadership in Canadian private aviation since its inception.[14] Earlier that year, in February, the company added its 40th aircraft—an Embraer Praetor 600—expanding its fleet to become the largest fractional operation in Canada.[15] This milestone contributed to AirSprint's recognition as one of Canada's top growing companies, based on a 117% three-year growth rate.[16] Supporting this expansion, the workforce grew to nearly 400 employees by 2025, an increase of over 150% from 2020 levels, enabling enhanced service across the network.[17]Business Model
Fractional Ownership Program
AirSprint's fractional ownership program allows individuals and corporations to purchase a share of a specific serial-numbered private jet, providing guaranteed access to flight hours without the full responsibilities of outright ownership. Owners can opt for a capital purchase, which grants equity in the aircraft with potential residual value upon resale, or a five-year lease option that functions like a refundable deposit, both managed entirely by AirSprint for maintenance, crew, insurance, and operations.[18][19] This model combines the flexibility of charter services with the predictability of ownership, enabling users to book flights with as little as 24 hours' notice through a dedicated concierge service.[18][19] Share structures begin at 25 annual flight hours, equivalent to a 3.125% share (1/32nd ownership), and increase in 25-hour increments up to 250 hours or more, tailored to light, midsize, or super-midsize jets based on travel needs. Hourly operating rates are fixed and cover fuel, crew, and maintenance, with an additional annual overhead fee that includes all fixed costs such as hangar space and inspections. For example, a minimum 25-hour share might involve an initial purchase price around $320,000 USD or equivalent lease payments, with occupied hourly rates approximately $2,443 CAD and annual fees about $109,075 CAD (as of September 2025), though these vary by jet category and are subject to market adjustments.[20][18][19] The program's benefits include significant cost savings compared to full aircraft ownership, often representing a fraction of the multimillion-dollar upfront investment and ongoing expenses, while eliminating repositioning fees and providing access to the broader fleet for upgrades or substitutions when needed. Owners gain enhanced privacy, productivity during flights, and reliability, with AirSprint's ARGUS Platinum-rated operations ensuring safety and compliance.[18][20][19] This structure appeals particularly to high-net-worth individuals and businesses in Canada requiring 25 to 250 hours of efficient private travel annually, avoiding the hassles of sole ownership like pilot hiring or regulatory filings.[18][2][19] Onboarding involves selecting the desired annual hours and jet category, followed by AirSprint sourcing and integrating the specific aircraft into the program if not already available, with seamless management of all post-acquisition aspects including crew assignment and maintenance schedules to ensure immediate usability.[18][19] This process positions the program as Canada's largest fractional jet offering, emphasizing nationwide accessibility for business and leisure travel.[2]Additional Services
AirSprint provides on-demand charter services for non-owners, enabling access to its fleet of light and midsize jets for individual trips across North America with as little as 24 hours' notice. These charters offer flexibility without the commitment of ownership, allowing clients to select aircraft types suitable for their needs, such as the Cessna Citation CJ3+ for shorter regional flights or the Embraer Legacy 450 for longer routes. However, unlike fractional ownership, charter availability is not guaranteed, and passengers may face additional costs for repositioning the aircraft, including empty-leg fees when the jet must fly without passengers to reach the departure point.[21] Complementing its core offerings, AirSprint's Personal Flight Concierge service delivers tailored support for all clients, including charter users, by coordinating ground transportation, catering, hotel reservations, and custom itineraries to ensure seamless travel experiences. This concierge assistance extends to arranging airside pickups, pet-friendly accommodations, and even event tickets, emphasizing discretion and convenience for business executives and leisure travelers. For cost-conscious charter clients, AirSprint occasionally promotes empty-leg flight opportunities, where discounted rates apply to pre-positioned routes within Canada and the continental U.S., though these are subject to availability and do not deduct from any pre-purchased hours.[22][23] These additional services integrate effectively with AirSprint's fractional ownership program, allowing hybrid users—such as owners exceeding their annual hours—to book charters seamlessly using the same fleet and concierge support without disrupting their primary access guarantees. This approach supports flexible usage for frequent flyers, particularly in business contexts where unpredictable schedules demand supplemental lift. AirSprint positions these offerings to provide comprehensive coast-to-coast coverage in Canada, facilitating efficient travel from hubs like Toronto and Vancouver to remote destinations, while prioritizing safety and reliability for both corporate and personal needs.[24][17]Operations
Fleet
AirSprint operates a fleet of 40 aircraft, making it the largest fractional ownership fleet in Canada and one of the youngest in North America. This inventory supports efficient private aviation services across the continent, emphasizing reliability, performance, and passenger comfort through a mix of light, midsize, and super-midsize jets.[25][26] The fleet's composition includes a balanced selection of Embraer and Cessna models, selected for their advanced technology and operational versatility. As of 2025, it comprises eight Embraer Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 jets, eight Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 jets, eighteen Cessna Citation CJ3+ light jets, and six Cessna Citation CJ2+ light jets. These aircraft cater to various mission profiles, with the Praetor 500 serving as a midsize jet with a range of approximately 3,340 nautical miles (nm), the Praetor 600 as a super-midsize option extending up to about 4,018 nm, the Legacy 450 as a midsize jet for intermediate routes, and the Citation models providing agile light-jet capabilities for shorter trips. Passenger capacities range from six to eight seats, with cabin dimensions optimized for productivity and amenities like full galleys and lavatories.[25][17][27]| Aircraft Model | Quantity | Type | Approximate Range (nm) | Passenger Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer Praetor 500/600 | 8 | Midsize/Super-Midsize | 3,340–4,018 | 7–9 |
| Embraer Legacy 450/500 | 8 | Midsize | 2,900–3,125 | 8 |
| Cessna Citation CJ3+ | 18 | Light | 2,040 | 6–7 |
| Cessna Citation CJ2+ | 6 | Light | 1,800 | 6 |