The Top Private Jet Charter Companies With The Largest Fleets

The use of private jets has significantly increased in recent years. A large number of global aircraft management companies offer various private aviation services, including charters, fractional ownerships, jet cards, and memberships. This article explores the top private jet companies based on their fleet size and annual private jet activity. These companies operate hundreds of aircraft of different sizes and categories.

NetJets

Fleet size: 900+ aircraft

Embraer Phenom 300
Embraer Phenom 300E
Cessna Citation XLS
Cessna Citation Ascend
Cessna Citation Sovereign
Cessna Citation Latitude
Cessna Citation Longitude
Bombardier Challenger 350
Bombardier Challenger 650
Bombardier Global 5000
Bombardier Global 5500
Bombardier Global 6000
Bombardier Global 7500

NetJets is by far the largest private jet charter company, with more than 900 aircraft in its fleet. These aircraft include those from its subsidiaries NetJets Europe and Executive Jet Management, Inc. Founded in 1964, NetJets became the world’s first private business jet charter and aircraft management company. In 1986, the company launched its fractional ownership business, sharing fractional shares in private jets.

In 1986, NetJets became a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. As the largest private jet operator, the company recorded nearly 600,000 flight hours in 2022. Most of NetJets aircraft are registered in the United States. The company operates a comprehensive fleet of light, mid-sized, super midsize, and large (ultra-long-haul) aircraft. NetJets primarily operates Bombardier (Challenger 350 and 650, and Global 5000, 5500, 6000, and 7000), and Cessna Citations (Longitude, Latitude, and Sovereign).

How Much Does It Cost To Fly With NetJets?

The cost of buying a NetJets card and flying gradually decreases as the market becomes more competitive.

According to NetJets,

“NetJets maintains and operates an expansive fleet of the finest cutting-edge aircraft, offering premier programs with complete cost transparency.“

“Flying NetJets provides reliable access to mission-ready aircraft, inspiring serenity that comes from receiving exactly what you expect and deserve every time.”

A NetJets Gulfstream G450 on an airport apron.

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

The company is set to welcome hundreds of new jets into its fleet in the coming years. In May 2023, the company announced an order of up to 250 Embraer Praetor mid-size jets. A few months later in September, NetJets announced it had options to purchase up to 1,500 additional Cessna Citation jets over the next decade.

Netjets Europe Cessna 560XL Citation XLS (CS-DXG) departing.

NetJets Records Its Busiest Day For Flying Privately

The company recorded nearly 900 private jet flights in a single day.

VistaJet

Fleet size: 360+ aircraft 151,192

Bombardier Global 7500: 14 passengers
Bombardier Global 6000: 14 passengers
Bombardier Global 5000: 13 passengers
Bombardier Challenger 850: 14 passengers
Bombardier Challenger 605: 12 passengers
Bombardier Challenger 604: 10 passengers
Bombardier Challenger 300: 9 passengers
Bombardier Challenger 350: 8 passengers
Cessna Citation X/XLS: 7-8 passengers
Dassault 7X: 12 passengers
Embraer Legacy 500: 9 passengers
Embraer Legacy 600: 13 passengers
Embraer Legacy 650/650E: 13 passengers
Embraer Praetor: 9 passengers
Embraer Phenom 300: 6 passengers
Embraer Lineage 1000E: 18 passengers
Gulfstream GIV-SP: 16 passengers
Gulfstream G450: 14 passengers

VistaJet is another large private jet charter and aircraft management company with a fleet of over 360 aircraft. The global company was founded in 2004 by Thomas Flohr and uses a “pay-per-use” charter model structure. The company has a mixed fleet of midsize and large business jets, primarily Bombardier Global and Challenger jets. VistaJet has an iconic global presence, with its flights reaching over 2,400 airports in nearly 200 countries and territories.

According to Thomas Flohr, the founder and chairman of VistaJet,

“VistaJet offers access to a global fleet of silver and red jets, offering an unparalleled cabin experience flying into and out of the hardest to reach destinations. Simple, Efficient, Reliable, Global: This is what we stand for, and what we do best.”

Photo: Sam Churchill | VistaJet

In 2022, the company recorded nearly 152,000 flight hours, nearly three times the hours recorded in 2017, when the company recorded approximately 60,000 flight hours. Vista operates two brands in the US: the high-level VistaJet and XO, which also offers individual seats on shared flights between New York and South Florida.

Malta-Based Private Jets: The History Of VistaJet

VistaJet, and its parent company Vista Global, has grown to become one of the most popular private jet providers in the world.

Flexjet

Fleet size: 300+ aircraft

Embraer Phenom 300: Light jet
Embraer Legacy 450/500: Mid-size
Embraer Praetor 500/600: Mid-size jet
Bombardier Challenger 300/350: Super Midsize jet
Gulfstream G450: Large cabin jet
Bombardier Global Express: Ultra-long-range jet
Gulfstream G650ER: Ultra-long-range jet

Flexjet is another major private jet operator with more than 300 aircraft in its fleet. Founded in 1995 as a division of Bombardier Aerospace, Flexjet offers fractional ownership services, aircraft leasing, jet cards, and charter services. Managing over 2,100 clients worldwide, FlexJets is one of the major private jet management companies.

The company operates a comprehensive fleet of private aircraft in all sizes and classes, ranging from light jets to large and ultra-long-haul jets, mid-sized, super-midsize, and large (ultra-long-haul) aircraft. In 2022, the company recorded nearly 185,000 flight hours.

The company thrives with a mix of Bombardier (Challenger 300/350 and Global Express), Embraer (Phenom 300, Legacy 450/500, and Praetor 500/600), and Gulfstream (G450 and G650ER) aircraft. With the addition of tens of new Embraer and Gulfstream jets in 2023, the company is well-positioned to have strong fleet offerings in the coming years. A report from Sherpa states that the Executive Vice President of Sales at Flexiet, D.J. Hanlon, commented,

“Together with the existing Embraer Praetor 500 and Challenger 350 aircraft flying in our fleet, the addition of the Praetor 600 and the Challenger 3500 has given Flexiet the industry’s leading offering of mid- and super midsized aircraft.”

The History Of Flexjet: A Major Private Jet Provider

A story shaped by vision, acquisitions, and innovation – Flexjet has redefined private aviation beyond the experience of simply fractional ownership.

Wheels Up

Fleet size: 185+ aircraft

Beechcraft King Air 350i
Hawker 400XP
Cessna Citation Encore
Cessna Citation CJ3+
Bombardier Challenger 300
Bombardier Challenger 604
Gulfstream G450
Embraer Phenom 300
Dassault Falcon 2000

Wheels Up is one of the largest Part 135 charter operators, with a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft. The company was founded in 2013 by Kenny Dichter using a membership/on-demand business model. Wheels Up allows its members to book private aircraft from its own fleet and third-party operators. In August 2023, Delta Air Lines purchased a 95% stake in the company, taking it out of financial losses and potential bankruptcy.

The company operates a strong fleet of Embraer Phenom 300 and 300E aircraft, along with Cessna Citation jets and Beechcraft King Air 350i turboprops. According to Wheels Up,

“Our fleet of Phenom 300 Series jets delivers an upgraded experience with a luxurious interior and unrivaled performance in speed and range. These premium jets are perfect for non-stop mid-range flights, accommodating up to 7 passengers for both business and leisure. With a quieter cabin than ever before, you can enjoy unmatched technology, superior capabilities, and uncompromised comfort.”

A Wheels Up Cessna Citation Excel on an airport apron.

Photo: Wheels Up

In 2022, the company recorded nearly 168,000 flight hours, nearly three times the hours recorded in 2017, when the company recorded approximately 60,000 flight hours. With Delta Air Lines’ involvement in the company, Wheels Up members can earn qualifying Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion Status when flying with Wheels Up. According to Wheels Up,

“Our partnership with Delta provides Wheels Up charter customers with value that is unmatched elsewhere within the aviation industry. Enjoy earning Medallion® Status with Delta based on qualifying spend with Wheels Up.”