Summary
- Renting a private jet offers more flexibility in landing destinations, personalized scheduling, and the advantage of avoiding layovers, resulting in significant time savings.
- The cost of renting a private jet varies depending on factors such as the size, age, type of aircraft, crew size, onboard services, and airport fees.
Only a select few around the globe have the possibility to own and operate a private jet on a daily basis. However, a more affordable alternative is chartering a private jet for those seeking the allure of business travel. This option offers a more budget-friendly experience and a convenient way to soar through the skies.
Exploring the reasons for private jet hire
Before delving into the prices of hiring a private jet, let’s explore the reasons for a private jet charter. It might appear that booking a commercial flight is simpler than chartering a private jet, but there is a lot to discuss and consider.
Renting a private jet can sometimes make more sense, especially if you want to decide exactly where you want to fly. Private jets have more flexibility in landing destinations due to their smaller size, unlike commercial planes, which are restricted by size and destination popularity.
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Another advantage is that you not only travel in comfort but also avoid baggage fees, minimize how many people touch your baggage, and bypass the airport’s hectic atmosphere.
In addition, private jet rentals offer the advantage of personalized scheduling and the avoidance of layovers, adding to their appeal. This means that you can reach your destination more swiftly compared to commercial flights, resulting in significant time savings.
How much does it cost?
You can reduce a lot of hassle by renting a private jet, but whether this will always lead to cost savings, certainly not. But this is not to say that flying by private jet is reserved only for celebrities, even though it typically costs more than flying in first or business class.
Private jet providers calculate the hourly rate to estimate the cost of renting a private jet. Rates can vary depending on factors such as the aircraft’s size, age, type, crew size, onboard services, and airport fees.
The most economical private jets are turboprops or very light jets. According to a US private jet brokerage firm, Paramount Business Jets, they cost around $2,600 to $3,500 per flight hour within the US. Meanwhile, large and ultra-long-range jets typically range from $5,600 to $11,000 per flight hour. For ultra-luxury VIP airliners like the Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) with executive configurations, the cost can go as high as $11,000 to $18,000 per flight hour.
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The cost of renting a private jet can fluctuate significantly based on the season and the chosen route. Many providers’ hourly rates do not cover the expenses associated with positioning the aircraft. Therefore, it is essential to consider the additional costs of the plane flying to your location for pickup and returning to its base after your trip.
Private jet rental costs in the US can differ from those in other regions. For instance, Aeroaffaires, a European private jet charter company, provided prices for flights within France. A light private jet (3-7 seats) costs €5,050, a midsize plane (6-14 seats) costs €10,050, and long-haul jet (6-20 seats) costs €13,750 for a flight from Nice to Paris.
Meanwhile, chartering a private flight in China can range from about $2,000 per hour for a turboprop to $5,000 per hour for a light jet, $7,000 per hour for a midsize jet, and $10,000 per hour or higher for long-range jets, according to Air Charter Advisors.
Sources: Paramount Business Jets, Aeroaffaires, Air Charter Advisors