Liftbrief / Direct questions
26. How do I compare aircraft-management fees and supplemental lift?
Compare the complete owner cost and service obligations, not the management fee alone. Management is a tailored service: Solairus, for example, describes its charter and management services as customised to the client’s travel and financial requirements rather than a universal package. (solairus.aero)
Request a reconciliation using the management agreement, flight records, invoices and credits:
| Cost or credit | Recommended review |
|---|---|
| Management fee | Included services, exclusions and annual changes |
| Crew | Employment, training, travel and allocation basis |
| Maintenance | Approved work, supporting invoices, mark-ups and reserves |
| Fuel and airport services | Supplier charges, discounts and allocation |
| Charter revenue | Gross receipts, deductions and net owner credit |
| Positioning | Which movements are charged to the owner and why |
| Supplemental lift | Supplier selection, price basis and approval process |
| Termination | Notice, records transfer, outstanding balances and transition support |
Our recommended charter-contribution calculation is net owner revenue less the incremental costs attributable to that charter activity. State the treatment of maintenance accruals, positioning and other allocations; do not present gross revenue as a reduction in ownership cost without reconciliation.
For supplemental lift, request a comparable external quotation where practical and permitted. Document any preference for the manager’s own network and the reason for accepting it.
This is a specialist review: the owner’s aviation lead, accountant and aviation counsel should agree the methodology before drawing conclusions from an invoice difference.