CLEARWATER, Fla., May 29, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Avantair Inc. (OTCBB:AAIR) (OTCBB:AAIRU) (OTCBB:AAIRW) ("Avantair"), the only publicly traded stand-alone fractional operator and the exclusive provider of fractional shares in the Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft, announced today that it maintains the youngest fleet in the fractional aircraft industry along with the lowest fuel surcharge.
Of the five major competitors in the industry, Avantair is operating the youngest fleet at approximately 3.7 years, according to the JetNet Fractional Ownership and Aircraft Report. Avantair has realized significant benefits, including lower maintenance costs, as a result of maintaining the youngest fleet of aircraft. Additionally, the company retains in-house, factory-trained maintenance professionals that work solely on Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft.
Furthermore, at approximately one third of its major competitors, Avantair maintains the lowest fuel surcharge in the industry. Combined with its absence of hourly fees and significantly lower annual operating costs, Avantair offers consumers upwards of 47% yearly cost savings over the competition.
"In these fluctuating economic times, it is important that our fractional owners are receiving the best value along with the efficiency that only Avantair's Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft can provide," said Avantair's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Darren Blackett. "The results from our recent owner satisfaction survey show that our owners report safety and value as their top two reasons for choosing Avantair, and we are pleased that we are able to provide this service for our fractional owners and Edge card members."
About Avantair
Avantair, with operations in 5 states and over 300 employees, offers private travel solutions for individuals and companies at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership. Headquartered in Clearwater, FL, the Company is the sole North American provider of fractional aircraft shares in the Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft. Avantair is the fifth largest company in the North American fractional aircraft industry and the only stand-alone fractional operator. The company currently manages a fleet of 48 Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft, with another 59 Piaggio Avanti IIs on order through 2013. For more information about Avantair, please visit: http://www.avantair.com.