Posted on May 8th, 2019
These terms are often used interchangeably: Private jet charter, business jet charter, executive jet charter, corporate jet charter and private aircraft charter to name a few. They all refer to the act of renting, on demand, an entire aircraft for your exact travel preferences. This means that you fly on your own schedule (it can be done with only a couple of hours notice) to whatever destination you choose (even several on the same day). You are able to fly anywhere, at any time on any aircraft you choose.
Private aircraft charter is an an alternative to commercial air travel, which, as we all well know, presents many drawbacks such as long lines, extended wait times, traffic delays, unfriendly service, lack of privacy and limited/rigid scheduling options. Private aircraft charter users point out that the increased cost over commercial aviation is mitigated by reduced travel time, lower stress levels, and increased privacy. Because of this flexibility and the fact that you are renting the whole aircraft, private aircraft charter is almost always much more expensive than commercial air travel.
Aircraft available for charter are generally operated under FAR Part 135. When operating under a Part 135 certificate, an owner or operator can lease the aircraft to gain additional utilization. This is typically done to help offset the fixed costs of owning the aircraft. These types of commercial operations can be most beneficial and compatible if the aircraft is used infrequently by its owner. As a Part 135 operator, the company is a certificate-holding entity in the eyes of the FAA and must comply with specific requirements in regard to paperwork, maintenance, and training. As a certificate holder, the operator is subject to additional monitoring from FAA inspectors and has less flexibility in conducting flight operations. These include flying under instrument on approaches when the weather is below minimums, takeoff minimums (there are none for Part 91), flying into airports that may lack weather reporting equipment, mandated crew rest times, and more. Scheduling flexibility and control are more complex because aircraft may be obligated to lease or charter commitments. Insurance, accounting and tax considerations all change under any lease or charter arrangement.
Following are some of the different terminologies:
These are aircraft are owned by private individuals who make them available for charter. Often, one has to get direct owner permission when chartering these aircraft.
These aircraft are owned by businesses and corporations who make them available for charter. This term is also used when chartering the aircraft for business purposes.
These aircraft are owned by businesses who make them available to their executives for business. When not being used by the executives, they make them available for charter.
This term is very similar to the last entry. Aircraft owned by corporations or businesses that make them available for their highest-level executives in senior management usually with titles beginning with “chief” and are therefore usually called “C-level” or part of the “C-suite”. The traditional three such officers are chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), and chief financial officer (CFO). When not in use, they are made available for charter.
This term is the same as all of the above but it also encompasses non-jet aircraft. Turboprops, piston engine, and helicopters are examples of non-jet aircraft.
Once you have decided that you want to charter a private aircraft, you have the following different types of aircraft to choose from. You can see different models of aircraft with specs, photos, and videos here, but following is a summary of the main choices you have that we hope you find useful for comparing:
These jets offer large cabin spaces, stand up height and comforts such as a fully equipped galley and separate living spaces. They are able to comfortably fit between 8 to 18 passengers depending on their configuration. Many also have berthable seats that fold flat to provide sleeping accommodations. These aircraft will also have substantial baggage space. These jet types are generally used for international flights. This may also include nonstop transoceanic travel with a maximum travel range of up to 12 hours flight time or around 6,000 miles for the ultra long range jets. All of the large and heavy cabin jets include an enclosed restroom (lavatory) and a fully-equipped kitchen (galley) with room for preparing and serving food and drinks. All flights have a flight attendant on board. Heavy jet hourly charter rates start at around $5,100.00
Super mid jets are a step up from mid jets and they are designed to comfortably accommodate eight to nine passengers with generous baggage space. Ideal for longer trips including domestic and transatlantic travel. Their maximum travel range is up to seven hours flight time or 3,500 miles in optimal conditions. All super midsize cabin jets include an enclosed lavatory and typically have a full galley with room for preparing and serving food and drinks that is often found in large jets. They also have generous standing and walking room compared to small and midsize cabin jets. A flight attendant can be made available upon request. Super mid jets hourly charter rates start at around $3,900.00
Designed to comfortably accommodate six to eight passengers with less baggage space than super mid jets. They are ideal for trips within the U.S. and can fly to many U.S. locations nonstop. Their maximum travel range is up to five hours flight time or 2,200 miles in optimal conditions. All midsize cabin jets include an enclosed lavatory and generally have a small galley. They also feature a more comfortable interior arrangement and a taller cabin than the small cabin jet. They typically do not include a flight attendant. Mid jets hourly charter rates start at around $2,900.00
Designed to comfortably accommodate six to seven passengers with modest baggage space. They are best suited for shorter trips where your destination is up to three hours flight time or around a 1,400 mile distance, in optimal conditions. Some light jets include an enclosed lavatory. None have a galley or include a flight attendant. Light jets are usually the most cost effective choice for in the jet category. Light jets hourly charter rates start at around $2,000.00
Propeller aircraft powered by a jet engine. They have a pressurized but small cabin for between 4 and 7 passengers (there are turboprops with higher capacity), and mostly without a stand up cabin. Range limitations and relatively high cabin noise make turboprops better for the use of flight legs of up to 2 hours. Although turboprop aircraft generate a lower speed than jet equivalents, they are more economical due to greater fuel efficiency and offer more access to smaller airports with limited runways due to their short take-off and landing distance capabilities. A turboprop engine will power the same size cabin over the same distance for less fuel than a jet and at a lower speed. Turboprop hourly charter rates start at around $1,700.00
There are many beneficial reasons for chartering a private aircraft. Private jet charter and all of the variants we mentioned above allows you to rent any aircraft in any cabin size or aircraft type you prefer for any trip you desire to take. Each trip is individually priced based on your choice of aircraft, flight times, etc. and you pay for each trip. You can see some of the common private jet charter costs you will find here. There is no long term commitment from you since your use will vary for each mission/trip you and it will be on demand.
Call us at 888-535-9538 or email us at Charter@FlyJetOptions.com if you have any questions or want more information regarding private jet charter or if you would like to request a private jet charter quote. We are experts in private jet charter and can answer all your questions.
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