Got extra pocket money to the tune of $30,000?

A new luxury flying club is targeting the well-heeled – "those aged 43, drive a Porsche... who are looking for a more exciting lifestyle".

Mr Nicklaus D'Cruz, chief executive officer of The Flying Club, said this group of people "have reached a stage of life where they are comfortable".

"It's when you start looking for something else to do in your lifestyle, maybe buy yourself a boat or sports car," he said.

For the $30,000 – the equivalent of a year's salary for some – and a monthly subscription starting at $80, members get to hire a plane complete with an on-call pilot, or pursue a licence to fly themselves around the region to spots like Tioman, Bangkok and Bali.

They can also lease hangar space to house their personal aircraft.

Members will get five-star service, according to Mr D'Cruz.

He said: "Luxury is something we're very particular about.

 "So, we have a 24-hour call centre, and we’ll even pick you up in a limousine to drive you to the airport."

All the aircraft he has bought are brand-new, with the latest aviation technology.

The club will be launched in October, but it has started taking members – just 350 of them for now.

Membership lasts 10 years.

Dr Peng Chung Mien, who was at the press conference announcing the club said he was "very tempted" to join.

"I am reminded about the good old days when I flew in the United States and Israel," he said.

However, freelance fitness instructor Wang Kee Leong, 30, felt the club was not for him.

"Yes, it’s the price of a car, but it doesn't get me around Singapore. It's not utilitarian enough for me.

"Maybe it's more useful for businessmen who travel a lot."

This article was first published in my paper on Feb 14, 2008.