Summary

  • Helicopters are ideal for short, urban trips, offering convenience to avoid traffic and accessing hard-to-reach locations at an affordable cost.
  • Private jets cater for longer distances, providing luxury for international travel, with costs varying significantly based on distance.
  • Overall, helicopters are cheaper for short, urban travel, while private planes are more suited for long-distance, international journeys.

Which is cheaper, chartering a helicopter or a private plane? Let’s start by deconstructing the question. Both flying machines transport VVIPs and Ultra-High-Net-Worth individuals from point A to point B. However, they have very different use cases and are not as similar as one may initially think. To better understand, we will divide this story into two: What are helicopters used for, and how much do they cost? We will then do the same for their long-range fixed-wing counterpart.

The world of choppers: what are helicopters used for?

As mentioned in the paragraph above, they are used to transport VVIPs in specific scenarios from one airfield to another (or another location that can host VTOL aircraft)—but in contrast to private jets, it’s usually going to be somewhere other than two airports.

According to Paramount Business Jets, when considering the advantages of chartering a helicopter, it’s important to note that there are specific scenarios that make perfect sense.

An example illustrated by Paramount Business Jets is São Paulo, Brazil, for a business trip. As Brazil’s financial and economic hub, São Paulo is home to over 12 million people. Unfortunately, the city is notorious for its chaotic and perennial traffic jams. This congestion is a consequence of the city’s struggle to modernize its infrastructure with its economic growth. As a result, the affluent residents of São Paulo have turned to alternative means of transportation, such as chartering helicopters, to navigate the city’s challenging transportation landscape.

Flying by helicopter offers several advantages:

  • Helicopters provide a convenient way to avoid traffic congestion when traveling to or from the airport, saving time and reducing stress.
  • They are especially well-suited for individuals needing to visit multiple locations in a single day, offering flexibility and efficiency in travel.
  • With the ability to take off and land in areas with adequate space, helicopters offer accessibility to various destinations, providing convenience and time-saving benefits.

A helicopter is primarily utilized as the final segment of a luxury customer’s travel experience. Its function is akin to a limousine, offering exclusivity and convenience, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion is expected. Wealthy corporate individuals often rely on helicopters to commute to work or travel to their residences in major cities.

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How much does a helicopter cost to charter?

Well, there isn’t a direct answer that fits the question universally. Instead, much like a private jet, this will depend on the size of the rotorcraft, the range, overall demand, and unit cost.

But let’s take an example from New York City, a metropolis plagued by terribly congested arteries, especially those serving the primary airport. To make journeys to the airport more accessible, operator BLADE opened routes from Manhattan to all JFK, EWR, and LGA. Looking at the website, a flight leaving Downtown to Teterboro, where a customer would rent out the entire aircraft for themselves the same day as the booking, would cost $1,875 for the journey.

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What are private jets used for?

Private jets need no introduction; they are the staple of VVIP flying. They come in various classes, from very light jets that can carry up to 8 passengers to widebody state airliners that can transport a detail of 80 people. It would be tough to say that all jets in all categories have the same mission—they do not.

However, unlike helicopters, the BBJ747 and Citation XLS have one thing in common: they are used for longer distances. The former will carry Gulf country,ies leaders to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, whereas the XLS will bring passengers to smaller intracontinental destinations. Although the scope of use differs, both imply distances too big for a helicopter.

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How much does it cost to charter a jet?

The pricing for a private jet charter is not universal and depends on various factors. For instance, flying a Global 7500 for a certain distance will cost more than flying a Cessna Citation II for the same distance. As a general rule of thumb, the pricing is influenced by the category of the jet and the distance flown.

Capture d’écran 2024-07-10 à 20.59.16

Photo: XO Jets

Private jet trips can sometimes cost tens of thousands of dollars. For instance, if we consider XO Jet, a private jet trip from London to Paris can range from $20,000 to $120,000.

Private jet vs helicopter: What’s the conclusion?

Comparing the cost of chartering helicopters versus private planes depends on various factors, including the purpose of travel, distance, and specific requirements of travelers.

Airbus Helicopter AS355

Photo: Airbus Helicopter

Helicopters are ideal for short distances, particularly in congested cities. They allow VVIPs and Ultra-High-Net-Worth individuals to efficiently avoid traffic and access hard-to-reach locations. For example, a helicopter ride from Downtown to Teterboro can cost around $1,875, highlighting its affordability for short, urban trips.

On the other hand, private jets cater to longer distances, offering luxury and convenience for international travel. The cost of flying a private plane can vary significantly, with a short trip from London to Paris costing between $20,000 and $120,000, illustrating a higher expense for longer distances.

Coca Cola Private Jet

Given these considerations, helicopters generally offer a cost-effective solution for short, urban travel, whereas private planes are more suited for long-distance, international journeys. Thus, helicopters are the cheaper option for their specific use case.

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