Summary
- Helicopters are versatile, can land in small spaces, and offer a unique experience with panoramic views.
- Private jets provide faster speeds, more range, and more onboard amenities and space for passengers and baggage.
- Helicopters are more cost-effective for short trips to remote locations, while private jets offer luxury and long-range comfort for extended travel.
Private flights by private jet or helicopter are always popular and an exclusive and speedy way to travel with the ultimate in comfort and convenience. It goes without saying, that with both, you can avoid the hassles of commercial travel and save a lot of time, but at a cost. But what’s the difference? Let’s compare.
Let’s look at the features, cost, and speed of both, and you will have all the information needed to make the decision between the two for the perfect private flight.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both and costs can range dramatically. Both are time-saving, discreet and avoid the issues usually reserved for commercial travel. At the end of the day, personal preference, budget and personal need and reason for travel will dictate which works best for the individual.
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Advantages and disadvantages of helicopters
Helicopters offer a completely free and agile way to travel, and you can travel anywhere, at any time. The best thing is that they can take off and land in remote destinations that otherwise cannot be accessed due to their ability to take off and land vertically in a relatively small area. This also makes them ideal for cities with heavy traffic.
In São Paulo, in Brazil, for example, a trip from the FBO to Guarulhos International Airport by car can take two hours into the city. By helicopter, it is a matter of minutes away. There are 260 helipads in the city, and a helicopter lands every 45 seconds. The wealthy of the city make full use of this way of travel.
- You are never stuck in traffic in the city.
- You can visit multiple locations in one day.
- Take off and land in small spaces close to the destination.
Helicopters offer a very unique experience, with panoramic views as you travel at low altitude. They are a versatile, fast and flexible mode of transport that also offers a sense of adventure and freedom. Of course, there are limitations to a helicopter’s range and payload compared to a private jet.
- Speed: Average speed of 250 kilometers per hour
- Range: Piston powered 200-350 miles, Gas turbine powered 300-450 miles
Advantages and disadvantages of private jets
Private jets are often ssen as the ultimate in luxury and traveling in comfort and are synonymous with celebrities and UHNWIs. They are larger than helicopters and can accommodate more passengers and baggage., so perfect for group travel.
They have a much longer flight range and fly further at higher altitude, making them ideal for long range and transcontinental travel.
- It is faster and has more range than a helicopter.
- More passengers onboard and baggage space on private jets.
- A quieter and comfortable cabin with more amenities available.
The onboard facilities are much more than those of a helicopter, as most private jets have a fully enclosed lavatory/washroom. There is a full-size galley for gourmet food and drink preparation and a cabin service provider on most jets.
There is also an inflight entertainment system, a cabin management system, and comfortable seating with ample cabin space to work, dine or sleep. Private jets are much quieter and more pleasant to travel on overall.
- Speed: Cruise speed of up to 900 kilometers per hour
- Range: 1000-4000+ miles, depending on type.
Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock
Comparing costs
Of course, the costs of chartering a helicopter or private jet will depend on many factors including, the type, distance flown and number of passengers. A one-hour flight on a helicopter may cost between $1,500 and $5,000 or a half day $7,000 to $15,000, depending on type.
There might be additional costs for fuel and the pilot’s fee. Some operators have customized packages that can be adapted to a client’s needs.
A private jet can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000 per hour to charter, but this will vary according to aircraft type, destination and season.
The cost is not per passenger but the cost for chartering the whole aircraft, whether that be for a one hour flight or a 12-hour flight. The rate varies massively, comparing a light jet, right up to an ultra-long-range jet or airliner.
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In comparison
Because of the time saved, privacy and the convenience, there is no doubt that both modes of transport are great for jetsetters who can afford it. Both offer a sense of an experience in that a helicopter trip offers panoramic views whilst private jets highlight the luxury experience.
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Helicopters generally offer a cost-effective solution for short, urban travel, whereas private planes are more suited for long-distance, international
For short journeys, helicopters are ideal to get you as close to your destination as possible whilst also being much cheaper than a private jet. This is due to lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Helicopters are perfect for hard to access destinations like remote islands and mountainous terrain. They are also great for traveling around cities that are population dense and have a lot of traffic.
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For longer journeys, upwards of two hours, private jets are ideal as they offer the maximum in comfort, speed and range that a helicopter could not compete with. Ultimately, the decision between helicopter and private jet charter is based on personal budget, travel needs and preferences of the individual.