How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
Need a quick idea of the cost to charter (Rent) a private plane?
If you’ve never chartered before, we’ve got a quick guide to help get you the answer you need. When you are ready to charter, request a quote. We are always competitive on price.
The cost of a private air charter - Learn what’s behind the numbers
Private aircraft are time machines. They offer tremendous value for businesses, families and individuals looking to maximize their time, get more done in a day, de-stress, balance their lives, and social distance. The derived benefits from chartering a private plane include a wide choice of aircraft to fit different budgets, access to thousands of airports that would otherwise be impossible to reach by the airlines, and the ability to set your schedule.
Private air travel affords a wide range of possibilities. You can book a small propeller plane for short hops, a well-appointed business jet for longer trips, and even a large airliner that can accommodate larger groups of people. At ELEVATE, we handle private charters of every size for a wide range of clientele.
Private charter pricing is based on how much an aircraft costs to own and operate, and on the value they deliver to users. In this article, we’ll lay out the costs of different options and show you how working with ELEVATE can save you time and money.
All the benefits of a private plane without the cost of owning one
For those who might make occasional use of a private aircraft, usually under 25 hours per year, chartering makes the most sense. Chartering affords all the benefits of private air travel without the ownership burden, such as having to maintain the aircraft and pay for crew and support infrastructure. Chartering allows you to select the aircraft that is best suited to the length of your trip and number of travelling companions. A small aircraft will generally do for short trips with only a few people. Conversely, a large aircraft will seat more and have the range for longer flights.
Calculating the cost of a private charter
There are two main components to private jet charter costs:
Base hourly charter rate
Miscellaneous costs, fees, and taxes
1. Base hourly charter rates
Private air charter flight costs consist of the base hourly rate for the plane, and a series of other costs, fees and taxes that vary depending on where you are departing from, where you are going, and for how long.
The base charter rate is dependent on aircraft type. Each aircraft comes with a unique set of operating costs. A luxurious private jet capable of travelling between continents will naturally cost more to own and manage than a smaller aircraft that cannot fly as far. These considerations help the owner/operator determine a base hourly charter rate for a given aircraft. Here are a few examples:
A 9-seat Beechcraft King Air 350i turboprop aircraft costs over $8 million to purchase, but will usually charter at roughly $4,000 per hour before other fees and taxes. While generally operating flights under 2 hours its size is well-suited for smaller budgets. In some cases the aircraft will be the most viable option for accessing smaller airports with particularly short runways.
Towards the other end of the spectrum, a new 9-seat super-midsize Bombardier Challenger 350 business jet lists for around $26 million. Its charter rate is in the range of $8,000 per hour before other fees and taxes. You'll be able to fly well over 3,000 miles, depending on the number of guests on board, and enjoy many of the finest cabin amenities while in flight. An aircraft like this is commonly chartered for trans-continental journeys.
The Bombardier Challenger 350 is a super-midsize jet, well suited for trans-continental trips, the Caribbean and more!
2. Other Charges, Fees, and Taxes
A number of other factors help determine your final private jet charter cost. These are mostly variable costs.
Positioning fees/ daily minimums - The hourly rate to move the plane to the airport of your choice if it is not based there, and the minimum number of hours some aircraft are chartered out by the day, by their owners
Fuel surcharges – Charges vary by type of plane, distance flown and the cost of fuel at a particular location
Crew expenses – hotel costs, meals, and pilot per diems
Airport charges - Landing fees and handling fees which can vary by type of plane and airport
Federal Excise Tax (FET) / taxes specific to your origin and destination – US domestic flights incur a tax of 7.5% on top of all charges
Certain aircraft may have daily minimum hours requirements, more common to larger aircraft types. Peak days of the year, such as during major holidays and sporting events, bring surcharges.
In the US, all domestic flights are normally subject to 7.5% Federal Excise Tax as well as per-passenger segment fees of $4.50. In other countries flights may be subject to Value Added Taxes (VAT) or Goods and Services Taxes.
International fees are added where applicable, so trips to Mexico and the Caribbean from the United States or Canada will cost more than domestic trips.
Customer selected add-ons such as meal catering are extra in North America. Basic meal catering is included in Europe and elsewhere. Be sure to ask what’s included when booking a trip.
The Gulfstream IV is a large cabin "heavy jet" with a full passenger range of just under 4,500 miles, well suited for large groups or international trips.
Consider the value: Hourly charter rate broken down by the seat
Private aircraft are typically chartered out by the hour. While you are paying by the aircraft, naturally the more seats you fill the greater the value.
A typical turboprop aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air 200 typically seats 6-7 people comfortably. If all seats are filled, a one hour charter in a King Air can cost roughly $700.00 per person before taxes. For larger and more luxurious jets, the price per person resembles that of a first class seat on a commercial airline. A one-way trans-Atlantic flight on a 14-seat Gulfstream IV can be priced as low $6,000 per person if all seats are filled.
Adding in the advantages of chartering, the total value proposition becomes compelling. Consider the ability to choose the airports, set the schedule, use a private terminal, and avoid time-consuming airport procedures.
The midsize Hawker 800 delivers exceptional value for short to medium-range flights. Over 650 were built. It commonly charters out at rates below competing aircraft in its class.
Finding the right private air charter solution
Let ELEVATE’s expertise guide you to the right solution.
AGE OF AIRCRAFT
Newer aircraft within the same category can also cost more per hour than older ones. Helicopters traditionally have higher operating costs than other aircraft and are therefore more expensive on an hourly basis than fixed wing aircraft of the same size.
One-way pricing
We have access to competitive one-way pricing. Purchasing a one-way flight is advantageous particularly if you want greater flexibility to choose your return date without risk of change fees, or if your trip is over several days or weeks.
One-way priced options also remove the burden of crew accommodation costs, positioning fees, and aircraft daily minimums.
Empty legs
A one-way empty leg flight is offered at a discounted hourly charter rate. Empty legs are a great way to experience flight on a private aircraft for the first time, when you are on a limited budget, or a spur of the moment decision to get away. Buyer beware- Empty legs carry risk, and some may cost more than a one-way confirmed trip on a smaller jet. We would encourage you to contact us to determine the best solution for your needs.
ELEVATE was built on a unique set of values.
We take pride in personalized service. We are highly approachable and easy to work with, whether you are a seasoned pro or are new to charter. Learn more about us here.
Our commitment to you:
-Respond to every inquiry we receive and take the time to work with you;
-Always provide you with a competitive price;
-Never pressure or “upsell” (if we don’t hear back from you, we may follow up);
-Answer every question - there is no such thing as too many questions;
Demystifying private air travel
Find a wealth of resources on private air charter right here. We look forward to working with you to find a solution that fits your budget. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Explore our comprehensive Guide to Flying Private. Check out our FAQ where we answer common questions on chartering private aircraft.
About us
ELEVATE Innovation creates bespoke flying experiences for both business and leisure customers. Clients deal directly with an ELEVATE charter director: a licensed pilot with decades of experience in commercial aviation management and private air charter. We are among the few brokers registered by ARGUS, the globally recognized leader in operational safety and risk management solutions for private aviation. We deal only with top-rated aircraft operators that meet our stringent standards for safety, training, and maintenance.
Book now at www.elevatecharter.com
Disclaimer: The prices described in this article are approximate, by no means comprehensive, and are for information purposes only. Pricing can depend on many factors. Hourly rates do not purport to include taxes, fees, or customer-selected options.