For billionaires, pop stars, ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI), and top sports stars, private jets are nothing new, and there is no doubt that they offer the utmost in convenience, privacy, and comfort. Since the pandemic, business aviation has boomed, charter prices have settled, and more people are traveling by private jet than ever before. But how do you charter a private jet? Let’s take a look at the finer details.
What is a private charter flight?
A charter flight is a flight on a private jet where the aircraft is for the sole use of the client who booked it and any guests that they may have. The client can request the time, destination, and nearest regional airport and even request their favorite meals. The truth is that most famous people do not actually own a private jet; they charter it, unsurprisingly, as private jets can cost up to $70 million plus all of the operating costs.
Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock
Many people who charter private jets regularly use fractional ownership. Therefore, they rent out a private jet for their personal use for a set number of hours per year, at a cost, of course. Those who do not use private jets frequently, can book a single or return charter instead and just pay for the hours the aircraft is used.
Although both fractional and single charters are the most common, nowadays, some private jet operators offer seat-only bookings, meaning that you travel by private jet, but it is shared with other passengers and is scheduled. It is considerably cheaper to do this than chartering an aircraft.
Basically, you decide what aircraft you would like, where you want to go, and the dates and times that you wish to travel. The charter operator will arrange everything else and make the flight happen.
Photo: Aero
Benefits of private jet travel
Of course, there are lots of benefits to private jet travel. Some of the most important are before the flight itself. Long queues at the airport are avoided and replaced by a streamlined service through the FBO (fixed-based operator), and the same is true at the destination airport; there are no waits at baggage claim or immigration. The client doesn’t have to arrive at the airport hours before. FBOs have a lot fewer passengers, and you can use small, convenient airports close to home.
Flights are flexible and are not held to a schedule and connecting flights and layovers can be avoided. The comfort and convenience of private jets goes without saying and the crew will offer a personalized service. If you are traveling to multiple destinations in a short space of time, private jets can act as a ‘time machine’ and save a lot of precious time.
Photo: Tom Kuest – Fotograf | Shutterstock
How to charter a flight
In recent years, it has become easier to charter a private jet, and you can get quotes more easily than before, and it is more accessible. First, you need to identify your needs, including the destination, local airport, and preferred dates and times of travel. The next thing is to decide on your budget. In general, the larger the private jet, the bigger the bill. This amount will also depend on how many passengers are traveling and the distance of the trip.
A private jet typically carries between 4 and 19 passengers plus crew. Distance is a factor, as smaller jets have less range, and the further the journey, the larger the jet. The charter operator or a private jet broker can recommend the best aircraft for the trip.
Photo: VistaJet
Be safe
Clients should also research operators, as charter companies can vary. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safe Air Charter Scheme (SACS) and The Air Charter Association (ACA) both offer valuable advice on safe and legal air charter services. They always say to avoid the charter, if the price seems too good to be true. Make sure that the company is reputable and has an Aircraft Operator Certificate and the appropriate insurance.
Photo: Luxaviation
Collect quotes
Ultimately, the final quote may come down to whatever is available at the time needed. A private jet broker can also help with quotes if chartering a private jet seems overwhelming. They will find the best aircraft for the best price that meets the client’s needs. They will provide a selection of quotes and charge a commission for their services.
Alternatively, you can check online for quotes and will receive a proposed hourly rate as a guideline. Empty legs are another option where you can buy a flight that is repositioning the aircraft and is not being used by passengers. The previous passengers may have been dropped at their destination, but the aircraft needs to return to base. These flights are often available for a discounted price and some fees may be negotiated.
Once the client has decided which quote to accept, they make a payment and sign a service contract. The client still needs to carry an ID and have a valid passport and appropriate visa and may be asked questions about customs. Special requests can also be made for preferred meals, limousine transport, and accommodation.
Photo: Private Jet Clubs
Before the flight
The client can arrive at the FBO just 30 minutes before the flight, check-in, and then wait in the lounge for formalities to be completed. The client is escorted through the FBO directly to the aircraft. The pilots will have the aircraft ready to leave and load the luggage for the customer. The flight attendant will prepare the interior and any welcome drinks and snacks, and then you are on your way.
The flight attendant will prepare meals and drinks and offer five-star service. Pets are often allowed. The client can do what they please as long as it doesn’t affect onboard safety. They may want to watch movies, work or sleep. The dining is 5-star quality and served as requested, whenever you wish.
Photo: Media_works | Shutterstock
The cost of flying privately
It is true that private jet charter is expensive compared to commercial flying, but comfort and convenience are key. If the client is traveling as a family or within a group, it can be cheaper than flying first class. The cost can vary based on the size of the aircraft and the distance flown. Turboprops and light jets will cost less to charter, and something like a Pilatus PC-12 will cost less than a Gulfstream G550.
Short flights on a small light jet with five to nine passengers can cost around $2000 per hour. For an ultra-long-range jet, it can cost upwards of $10,000 per hour. As an example, a three-hour flight at $3500 per hour will cost $10,500, as a base fee plus any extra fees.
Additional fees may include:
- Catering
- Landing fees
- Taxes
- Limousine service
- Accommodation
- Concierge services
- Freelance flight attendant fees
A guide to hourly costs and different jets
Very Light Jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cessna Citation M2 |
1,550 |
$1,800 – $2,200 |
|
Embraer Phenom 100 |
1,178 |
$1,600 – $1,900 |
|
HondaJet HA-420 |
1,223 |
$1,900 – $2,300 |
Light Jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cessna Citation CJ3+ |
2,040 |
$2,500 – $3,000 |
|
Embraer Phenom 300 |
1,971 |
$2,800 – $3,400 |
|
Bombardier Learjet 75 |
2,040 |
$3,000 – $3,600 |
Midsize Jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cessna Citation Latitude |
2,700 |
$3,200 – $3,800 |
|
Bombardier Challenger 350 |
3,200 |
$3,600 – $4,400 |
|
Gulfstream G200 |
3,400 |
$4,200 – $5,000 |
Super-Midsize Jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bombardier Challenger 300 |
3,100 |
$4,000 – $4,800 |
|
Gulfstream G280 |
3,600 |
$4,500 – $5,400 |
|
Embraer Legacy 500 |
3,125 |
$3,800 – $4,600 |
Large Cabin Jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Gulfstream G450 |
4,350 |
$7,500 – $9,000 |
|
Bombardier Global 5000 |
5,200 |
$8,500 – $10,000 |
|
Dassault Falcon 900LX |
4,750 |
$8,000 – $9,600 |
Long-range business jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bombardier Global 6000 |
6,000 |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
Dassault Falcon 7X |
5,950 |
$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Gulfstream G550 |
6,750 |
$11,000 – $13,000 |
Ultra-long range jets
|
Aircraft Model |
Range (nm) |
Estimated Hourly Charter Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Gulfstream G650 |
7,000 |
$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Bombardier Global 7500 |
7,700 |
$11,000 – $13,000 |
|
Dassault Falcon 8X |
6,450 |
$10,000 – $12,000 |
(Data from Flying Magazine)
A summary
In conclusion, since the pandemic, there has been an increase in private jet travel, and business aviation has become more accessible than ever before. Those who could afford it realized all the benefits it offers and never went back to commercial travel. Chartering a private jet is easy and operators and brokers will assist clients and tailor everything to the client’s needs.
Comfort, convenience, and flexibility are key factors to chartering a private jet, as well as being extremely time-saving. Fractional ownership is more suited to those who travel on a regular basis. Empty legs or single-seat charters are another alternative for those looking for a less expensive option. The hourly rate for private jet charter varies massively depending on the type of jet and how far the client is flying.
