The Overall Costs Of Owning A Private Jet In 2025

Owning a private jet may sound fancy and luxurious, it comes with its fair share of expenses. From capital costs and taxes to fixed and operating costs, private jet owners commit to some big bills when they decide on being one. Light jets are cheaper and easier to maintain. Midsize and large jets are more luxurious and come with a hefty price tag. Large jets are also expensive to store, maintain, and operate.

Liberty Jet states that the annual operating cost of light jets such as the Honda Jet, accommodating 4-5 people, can range between $579K and $928K, depending on the usage. Midsize jets require anywhere between $940K and $1.5 million annually to operate. Large, ultra-long-haul jets, such as a Bombardier Global 7500, may require as much as $3.2 million a year to operate.

It is worth mentioning that prospective private jet owners can choose several avenues, commonly complete ownership, fractional ownership, and lease. This article explores the capital and operating costs of various categories of jets and analyzes which jets have lower operating costs.

Owning a Light Private Jet

Honda HA-420 Honda Jet

Aircraft category	Very light or light jet
Typical seating	4-5 passengers
Length	42 ft
Wingspan	39 ft
Height	14 ft
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	10,600 lb (4,800 kg)
Engines	Two GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines
Operational range	1,220 NM
Maximum speed	420 mph
Average cruise speed	340 mph

Photo: Honda Aircraft Company

A light private jet with a capacity of 4-6 people can cost between $3 million and $12 million, depending on the make, type, and customization. One of the most advanced light jets is the Honda Jet, the basic model of which is priced at approximately $5.5 million. A Honda Jet’s operating costs include fixed and direct operating costs.

Fixed costs primarily include aircraft storage, hangar usage, insurance, crew (including training), and jet management fees. Liberty Jet states that annual fixed costs come out to be approximately $230K.

According to Honda Aircraft Company,

“Honda Aircraft Company builds aircraft with the latest innovations in aviation to change the way we travel. Every HondaJet uses cutting edge technology to meet a variety of needs, from those of small business owners and entrepreneurs to medevac and special missions. With aircraft that are fast, comfortable, and fuel efficient, Honda is extending the benefits of private aviation to a wider audience.”

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Direct operating costs include the cost of fuel, maintenance (aircraft and engine), airport landing and handling fees, and other miscellaneous expenses related to aircraft operations. These costs are estimated to be $350K for 200 hours of annual flying, and $700K for 400 hours of flying.

The maximum speed of the Honda Jet is approximately 420 mph, and an average cruise speed of 340 mph. As such, the average operating cost (fixed and direct operating costs) per mile for 200 hours of flying would be $8.56.

Assuming outright ownership of a light jet and operating it for 10 years at approximately 200 hours a year, the total cost would include a one-time capital investment ($5.5 million), fixed costs for 10 years ($2.3 million, and direct operating costs for 10 years ($3.5 million). In such a case, a basic Honda Jet would cost approximately $12-15 million (including inflation) for ten years.

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Midsize Business Jets

Cessna Citation XLS

Aircraft category	Midsize jet
Typical seating	7-9 passengers
Length	53 ft
Wingspan	56 ft
Height	17 ft
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	20,200 lb (9,200 kg)
Engines	Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C turbofan engines, each generating 4,119 Ibf (18.32 kN) thrust at takeoff
Operational range	1,850 NM
Maximum speed	500 mph
Average cruise speed	400 mph

Midsized business jets can accommodate between 8 and 12 people and have a longer range, typically between 2,000 and 4,500 nautical miles. With a larger Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), these jets have higher-power engines that consume more fuel. The capital cost of a midsize jet varies between $5 million and $20 million, depending on the type and customization. Newer light and mid-size jets come with added safety systems, including emergency autoland systems, costing slighty more.

According to the President and CEO of Textron Aviation, Rop Draper,

“Adding the Garmin Emergency Autoland system to our entire Citation light jet family lineup represents a monumental leap in aviation technology. As the world’s first certified system of its kind, Autoland offers not just an advancement in automated flight capabilities but a profound enhancement in passenger and pilot peace of mind. The system stands as a guardian against loss of control following pilot incapacitation, offering automated emergency communications and landing when needed and providing unparalleled peace of mind to pilots and passengers.”

Photo: Flexjets

For example, a midsize Cessna Citation XLS can accommodate up to nine passengers and costs approximately $15 million. On the other hand, a Dassault Falcon 8X, another mid-to-super-midsize aircraft with a capacity of 12–16 passengers, costs $55 million.

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The annual fixed cost of a Citation XLS is approximately $388, whereas the annual direct operating costs, including fuel and maintenance for 200 hours of flying, are estimated to be $552 K. With the outright ownership and 10 years of usage at 200 hours a year, the total cost would be $25 million. The maximum speed of the Citation XLS is approximately 500 mph, and the average cruise speed is 400 mph.

According to NetJets,

“The Cessna Citation XLS offers midsize jet comforts with light-jet flexibility, making it one of the bestselling private jets of all time. Reach half the country in just three to four hours, flying at a high-speed cruise of 495 miles per hour. The versatile Citation XLS is sleek and sophisticated in design. During your journey, take advantage of the many offerings to complement and heighten your experience.”

Photo: Dassault Aviation

As such, the average operating cost (fixed and direct operating costs) per mile for 200 hours of flying would be $11.85. The Dassault Falcon 8X is slightly larger and heavier and has three engines, which means the annual operating costs would be greater. For 200 hours of flying, the total annual operating costs come out to be $1.5 million, nearly 50% more than the Citation XLS.

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Large Business Jets

Bombardier Global 7500

Aircraft category	Large, long-range jet
Typical seating	14-19 passengers
Length	111 ft
Wingspan	104 ft
Height	27 ft
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	114,850 lb (52,100 kg)
Engines	Two General Electric Passport turbofan engines, each generating 18,920 Ibf (84.2 kN) thrust at takeoff
Operational range	7,500 NM
Maximum speed	700 mph
Average cruise speed	570 mph

Large business jets can accommodate between 12 and 19 people and are capable of flying nonstop for 10-14 hours. These jets are heavier, more luxurious, typically offering a range of 6,500 to 8,000 nautical miles. The capital cost of a large private jet varies between $55 million and $81 million, depending on the make and type.

For example, the ultra-long-haul Bombardier Global 7500 can accommodate up to 19 passengers (with sleeping arrangement for 10), and comes at a price tag of $78 million.

The annual fixed cost of a Global 7500 is approximately $1.2 million, whereas the annual direct operating costs, including fuel and maintenance for 200 hours of flying, is estimated to be $1.1 million. With the outright ownership and 10 years of usage at 200 hours a year, the total cost would be $105 million to $120 million for ten years (with inflation).

The maximum speed of the Global 7500 is approximately 700 mph, and an average cruise speed of 570 mph. As such, the average operating cost (fixed and direct operating costs) per mile for 200 hours of flying would be $18.37.