How Much Does a Private Jet Charter Cost?
The charter plane cost depends mainly on the type of aircraft used. Since there are hundreds of models for hire, the price per flying hour often varies significantly.
Let’s take a quick look at the cost per flying hour of different types of jets:
- Turbo Prop: These are the smallest of aircraft that can seat anywhere from 2 to 8 passengers. The cost to fly a turboprop can be as low as $800 per flying hour for a 2 passenger airplane to almost $2500 per flying hour for an 8 passenger turboprop. Most charter companies will usually quote hourly prices at the higher end of this price range.
- Light Jet: A light jet carries between 4 to 8 passengers. Based on the size, model and age of the aircraft, the charter plane cost of a light jet is between $2200 and $3800 per flying hour. Depending on the definition of what constitutes a light jet, sometimes large turboprop aircraft are also included in this category.
- Midsize Jet: These planes are able to accommodate 6 to 12 passengers. A typical midsize private jet costs between $3500 and $5000 per flying hour. Cessna Citation XLS, Dassault Falcon 20 and Gulfstream 250 are examples of midsize jets.
- Super Midsize Jet: A super-midsize has the capacity to seat 8 to 14 passengers. The cost per flying hour ranges from $4000 to $6500. This super jet may look similar to a midsize jet but it is typically more customizable and flies farther.
- Heavy Jets: This is the largest category that can easily fit 12 to 16 individuals. The cost to fly a private heavy jet is approximately $6500 to $11500 per flying hour. Heavy jet, ultra-long-range jet and large jet are name variations used interchangeably.
What Are Additional Expenses That Add to the Charter Plane Cost?
There are a lot of additional expenses that clients need to pay. These can include crew overnight costs, landing fees, income tax, fuel surcharge and segment fees. A lot of individuals overlook these additional expenses. The lack of understanding often results in surprises when clients are quoted a final price.
Charter plane costs a lot more than paying per hour charges only. To ensure a smooth ride, here are a few changes to watch out for:
- Crew Overnight Fee: If you’ve booked a multiple-day journey, the owner will likely charge a crew overnight fee. The cost covers food, lodging, and related expense of the plane crew.
- Landing Fee: The final quote will always include a landing fee. Almost every airport charges this fee because it enables them to maintain runways, buildings, and facilities.
- Federal Income Tax: Everyone needs to pay income tax. You can clearly see the federal excise tax and other taxes on the detailed price quote.
- Segment Fees: Segment fees are charges levied by the government. The fee is usually very low compared to the overall charter plane cost.
- Fuel Surcharge: A fuel surcharge is included in the price if you’re paying a fixed annual cost. The surcharge allows owners to compensate for an abrupt change in oil price.
- Reposition Fee: If the required aircraft flies from its home base to your local airport, a repositioning fee is included to cover the charter plane cost.
Additional expenses may also include wait time fees, one-way fees, short-leg fees, de-icing fees, crew per diem fees, cleaning fees, catering fees and similar charges.
By now, you must have guessed that per flying hour cost is just a ballpark figure, which doesn’t reflect the total cost to fly a private jet. Perhaps, a Jet Card membership is a much better option.