A COMPARATIVE GUIDE TO PRIVATE AVIATION
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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BENEFITS PROGRAMS AIRCRAFT SAFETY TRAVEL COST
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BENEFITS OF PRIVATE AVIATION Private travel offers a myriad of possibilities and advantages compared to the oftentimes restrictive and dated commercial airline structure. For one, private aircraft can access over 5,000 more U.S. airports than commercial airlines, helping you land closer to your final destination.
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THE BENEFITS OF A PRIVATE FLIGHT TIME SAVINGS
PEACE OF MIND
Experience the efficiency of private travel where a 90-minute flight might take six commercial hours, you will reach your destination in under three hours, start to finish. And because you are no longer tied to commercial airline schedules, you have the freedom to forgo overnight stays away from home.
According to research conducted by GlobeAir, an average commercial flight presents more than 700 different touchpoints compared to just over 20 with private. Plus, while many commercial aircraft rely on fans to recirculate cabin air, most private jets use compressed air endlessly gathered throughout each flight. As a result, you will feel less jet-lagged.
CONVENIENCE
COMFORT
Avoid congested airports and all of their frustrations—faraway parking, cumbersome check-in procedures, security lines, waiting at overcrowded gates, slow or delayed boarding, endless taxiing, large-group deplaning and unreliable baggage claim. By harnessing the freedom and flexibility private travel offers, you can visit multiple destinations in a single day, all without the hassle of departing from commercial airline hubs.
Fly on a world-class fleet and enjoy technology like secure Wi-Fi access that lets you conduct business on board for a seamless transition from office to aircraft. Some cabins can be configured with multiple zones to allow for in-flight meetings or gatherings with larger groups.
PRIVACY CONTROL
When in-flight, your cabin is yours and yours alone. Pets are almost always welcome and catering is either included or available. Private travel typically affords a higher level of anonymity. Overall, private aircraft cabins offer a safe, personal travel environment you do not have to share with hundreds of fellow passengers.
Take command of scheduling and departure times and enjoy call-out times of 10 to 24 hours on non-peak days, a critical advantage if you have frequent and often unpredictable travel needs that require a reliable short-notice solution.
SERVICE + SAFETY
EXTRAS
Go from dealing with an understaffed call center to a professional team of expert Owner Services Specialists available 24/7. Plus, private operators are required to meet incredibly stringent government-mandated safety requirements, while their pilots and crews qualify as many of the most experienced in all of aviation.
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When it comes to fun with friends and family, some providers like Flexjet offer special access to VIP events, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and limited-edition products via partnership programs exclusively available to private travel clients.
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PROGRAM TYPES Every traveler is unique. That is why a variety of private aviation programs exist, ranging from whole-aircraft ownership to pay-as-you-go charter. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each is vital to choosing a plan designed around your needs.
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WHOLE AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP Complete ownership and control of a dedicated aircraft, accompanied by the full responsibilities of acquisition, management, staffing, maintenance and ongoing operating costs
BENEFITS
CONSIDERATIONS
> A consistent experience you control
> You bear responsibility for the following items, which include, but are not limited to:
> The option to rent or charter your aircraft when not in use
> The ability to hire your own pilots and crews
• Maintenance costs and requirements • Financial risk involving depreciation and market shifts
> No contracts unless third parties are involved
• Legal compliance and insurance requirements
> Departure times will not change for reasons like peak travel
• Crew hiring and continuous training
> You decide aircraft aesthetics and configuration
• Aircraft parking and storage
> No limits on length of ownership
• Meeting all applicable local, state and federal regulations
> You decide if others may utilize your aircraft
> No need to buy or sell hours should your flying habits change • All repositioning costs > Control over interior configuration and outfitting > Most expensive to purchase and operate, both upfront and long-term
> Tax benefits
> No ability to switch to a different aircraft type > You must establish a flight department or hire a third-party operations partner > Aircraft downtime will require the use of supplemental lift such as charter > Your aircraft activity can be tracked using your publicly available tail number
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FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP A popular alternative to whole aircraft commitments, fractional jet ownership allows individuals to purchase a share of an aircraft, with each share providing a dedicated allocation of flight hours and guaranteed access
BENEFITS
CONSIDERATIONS
> Lower immediate and overall costs compared to whole aircraft ownership
> Significant capital is needed upfront > Minimum contract term required
> Exceptionally short call-out times > Minimum hourly purchase increments > Access to multiple bases of operation, including thousands of non-commercial airports
> Management fees
> Majority of costs are fixed for the duration of your contract
> Direct and indirect expenses
> You have the ability to upgrade or downgrade aircraft based on your needs
> Peak travel can impact departure times > You take on market risk, though on a lesser scale compared to whole ownership
> Some offer the option to utilize more than one aircraft simultaneously
> No ability to rent, charter or decide who uses your aircraft > Some offer the option to buy or sell flight hours with fellow travelers > You do not control crew hiring selections > No need to hire crew, operations staff or a third party > You do not select aircraft aesthetics or cabin configuration > No maintenance downtime or need for supplemental lift > Extensive service area encompassing the contiguous United States > Ability to use depreciation deductions applicable to a capital asset purchase > You are not responsible for maintenance, aircraft storage, pilot training, legal compliance, insurance or repositioning costs
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JET LEASE A jet lease offers the advantages of purchasing a fractional jet share, replacing the upfront capital outlay to purchase a share of an actual aircraft with a structured monthly installment
BENEFITS
CONSIDERATIONS
> Lower immediate costs compared to fractional ownership
> A security deposit is needed upfront
> Fixed lease payments in lieu of upfront capital outlay
> Minimum contract term required
> Exceptionally short call-out times
> Minimum hourly purchase increments
> Access to multiple bases of operation, including thousands of non-commercial airports
> Management fees > Direct and indirect expenses
> Majority of costs are fixed for the duration of your contract > Peak travel can impact departure times > Ability to upgrade or downgrade aircraft based on your needs > No ability to leverage aircraft value at the end of the term > Some offer the option to utilize more than one aircraft simultaneously > No ability to rent, charter or decide who uses your aircraft > Some offer the option to buy or sell flight hours with fellow travelers > You do not control crew hiring selections > No need to hire crew, operations staff or a third party > You do not select aircraft aesthetics or cabin configuration > No maintenance downtime or need for supplemental lift > A fixed monthly lease fee is required > Extensive service area encompassing the contiguous United States > No depreciation risk regardless of market conditions > Some leases offer shorter terms than fractional contracts > Leases can be classified as a “travel expense” rather than an “asset” > You are not responsible for maintenance, aircraft storage, pilot training, legal compliance, insurance or repositioning costs
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JET CARD A convenient debit-style access structure which provides immediate flight hours to a fleet of aircraft, without the capital investment and term commitments of whole aircraft or fractional ownership
BENEFITS
CONSIDERATIONS
> Lowest cost of entry outside of charter
> Can involve minimum hourly purchase increments
> Ability to experience a “closed fleet” with no long-term commitment
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> No fixed costs—pay-as-you-fly pricing structure
> Peak travel may involve fees in addition to the base hourly rate
> Designed for those who fly less than 25 hours annually
> Less control over aircraft access and availability compared to fractional
> Ideal for those looking to supplement whole ownership
> Less scheduling flexibility compared to fractional
> Set hourly rate
> Unused hours may not be refundable with some programs
> No minimum term
> Does not offer simultaneous use of multiple aircraft
> No depreciation risk
> Primary service area can be limited compared to fractional
> A seamless, guaranteed and reliable alternative to charter
> Some travel schedules include blackout dates
> Purchase flight hours as needed
> Call-out times require more advanced notice than fractional > Aircraft upgrades/downgrades are not always available
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CHARTER A jet charter model provides supplemental access to private aviation through primarily on-demand flight hours, offering flexibility, convenience and aircraft availability without long-term ownership commitments
BENEFITS
CONSIDERATIONS
> No upfront financial commitment
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> No fixed costs—pay-as-you-fly pricing structure
> Peak travel may involve fees in addition to the hourly rate
> No contracts or term minimums
> Little control over aircraft access and availability
> No depreciation risk
> Little scheduling flexibility
> Ideal for those with minimal or infrequent travel requirements
> Provider may pull aircraft and cancel a flight at any time
> Booking usually available via website or app
> Can involve significant cancellation fees
> Available within almost all major airports
> Can require substantial repositioning fees > Service, safety, crew experience and reliability will vary > Rates can vary widely from provider to provider > No guarantees on aircraft type or class > Catering typically not included > Not all providers own their aircraft or directly employ their pilots > Several different providers may be required to complete a trip
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AIRCRAFT Whether you are looking to make the most of a quick weekend in Aspen or you need to take the entire team to meet a new client in London, there are several private jet types to suit virtually any occasion. Understanding each type, from passenger capacity and cabin dimensions to amenities and performance, is key to creating a personalized private aviation plan.
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LIGHT
MIDSIZE / SUPER-MIDSIZE
L ARGE CABIN
ULTRA-LONG-RANGE
Perfect for short to mid-range missions, this class of aircraft will transport you swiftly and efficiently while delivering an exceptional travel experience.
These aircraft are designed for travel requiring coast to coast reach and the space to comfortably serve up to eight with features like generous luggage capacity and increased cabin height.
When you need intercontinental reach and the size to accommodate parties of 10 or more, this private aircraft type has the range and endurance to move you around the world while providing space and comfort for all.
For global flights and international tours requiring maximum range, performance, and comfort for 13 or more passengers, nothing eclipses an ultra-longrange aircraft.
Citation M2 Citation CJ3 HondaJet HA-420 Pilatus PC-24 Phenom 100 Phenom 300 / 300E*
Challenger 300 Challenger 350 / 3500* Citation Latitude Citation Longitude Citation Sovereign Citation X Hawker 800XP Legacy 450 Legacy 500 Praetor 500 / 500E* Praetor 600 / 600E*
Challenger 604 Challenger 605 Challenger 650 Falcon 2000 Gulfstream G450* Gulfstream G500* Gulfstream GIV-SP
*Flexjet Aircraft Aircraft in order of manufacturer—not size
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Falcon 7X Falcon 8X Global 5000 Global 6000 Global 7500 Global 8000 Global Express Gulfstream G650* Gulfstream G700*
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SAFETY Safety and security are essential travel companions. In private aviation, providers must adhere to FAA requirements for Part 135 operators. This standard applies to day-to-day activity in addition to pilot training and aircraft maintenance. Private operators are required to implement a Safety Management System driven by formal processes, policies and data governed by highly trained and experienced subject-matter experts.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK:
MEASURING SAFETY
> Are pilots evaluated according to Captain’s standards? If so, how often?
Certain industry evaluations and certifications can shed light on how much an operator prioritizes safety, including the ARG/US assessment, Industry Audit Standard certification and IS-BAO compliance. Pilot standards can also vary in areas like time spent in the cockpit of specific aircraft, including fixed-wing, turbine-powered and multi-engine jets. For aircraft maintenance, most private operators perform work in-house via dedicated facilities or through third-party vendors.
> Are pilots trained in first aid, CPR and AED usage? > Are pilots trained by in-house instructors or a third-party? > How many turbine and multi-engine hours are required for new pilots?
Safety standards can vary among private providers. At Flexjet, we are wholly committed to a proactive approach to risk management—led by a highly advanced, IS-BAO Stage 3 Safety Management System (SMS) at its core.
> What is the average amount of flight time logged by pilots? > Does the provider’s safety program hold ratings from the FAA, ARG/US, ACSF-IAS and IS-BAO?
Our comprehensive organization-wide system goes far above and beyond FAA requirements, relying on formal processes, policies, proprietary data and trained experts to help govern a strategically structured safety environment.
> Does the provider participate in the FAA Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program or Aviation Safety Action Program? > Is maintenance performed in-house or by a third party? > Do maintenance and pilot training meet or exceed the FAA requirements? > Has the provider taken steps to ensure the privacy of in-flight data through an information security program? > Does the provider use real-time flight data monitoring across its entire fleet? > Has the provider implemented safety measures to protect crew and passenger health? > Who is the provider’s medical emergency partner? > Has the provider taken steps to mitigate the risk of disease spread, such as the development of cabin sanitization protocols and procedures?
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TRAVEL With so many factors influencing every trip, it is good to be familiar with the variables associated with private aviation. All operators organize dates as either peak or non-peak travel, with peak periods representing days throughout each year when traffic is heaviest. Typically, to fly during peak periods requires advanced notice and scheduling flexibility, while some travelers will incur additional fees.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK:
SERVICE AREAS > Which FBOs does the provider utilize on the airfield?
Private operators offer varying service areas. For U.S.-based providers, the Primary Service Area (PSA) usually includes the contiguous United States and can also contain parts of Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. The Secondary Service Area (SSA) sometimes involves multiple “zones,” with the first often representing the parts of North and South America not included in PSA. Subsequent SSA zones can extend internationally, although not all providers offer service outside of the United States. Travel outside the PSA almost always incurs ferry fees, which cover the cost of positioning an aircraft before and after a flight.
> Which airports are closest to frequent departure locations and destinations? > What is the provider’s Primary Service Area (PSA), Secondary Service Area (SSA) and/or International Service Area (ISA)? > Does the provider offer ferry fee waivers for flying to certain locations between the PSA and SSA?
CALL-OUT TIMES Call-out times are also a consistent part of the private travel experience. Commercial airlines require booking weeks, if not months, in advance. Private operators can usually offer service within 24 hours, while more extended call-out times may be required during peak travel periods, to fly outside of your PSA or to procure large or ultra-long-range aircraft. In today’s digital age, many providers now offer mobile apps that allow instant access to details such as your flighthour balance, trip schedule, custom catering orders, travel updates and more.
> Does the provider offer a customer app? What are its features?
AIRCRAFT CL ASS FLEXIBILITY
> Does the provider offer short-leg waivers?
> Does the provider offer a private terminal network? > Does the provider offer dedicated flight crews? > Does the provider offer the ability to travel internationally?
Depending on your flight program, a provider may offer the ability to upgrade or downgrade your aircraft to better suit the size and range requirements of a specific trip. Some even allow access to multiple aircraft simultaneously, an especially popular benefit with corporate flight departments. In most instances, flight time is billed by the hour. However, for flights under 60 minutes, you may be able to take advantage of a limited number of short-leg waivers that only require you to pay for time spent in the air.
> Does the provider offer a credit if hours flown on non-program aircraft exceed a specific percentage of utilized flight hours? > Does the provider allow for the use of multiple aircraft at once? > Does the provider offer the option to sell or purchase extra hours with fellow travelers?
PRIVATE TERMINALS AND DEDICATED CREWS
> What cabin sizes does the provider offer?
For travelers who prefer anonymity, select premium operators have established private terminal networks. Another recent innovation introduced to the fractional space includes dedicated flight crews, in which pilots are not just assigned to a specific fleet or even a particular jet model, but a single aircraft tail number.
> What aircraft classes does the provider offer? Are large-cabin or ultra-long-range jets available?
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COST As with any form of travel, numerous factors can influence the cost of a trip and vary from operator to operator. Aside from charter, most private programs require the purchase of a minimum number of hours to get started, with additional flight time available in increments, such as 25-hour blocks. Fractional and lease providers include both minimum and maximum contract terms, which often range from 24-60 months. Some operators charge for aircraft repositioning, while others only bill for time spent in flight. While the elements of private charter and jet card programs are relatively straightforward, fractional and lease offerings include a separate set of considerations. With fractional ownership, a large upfront purchase is required, some of which is returned at the end of your contract term. Of course, this return will vary due to factors such as aircraft depreciation, which sits at approximately 7-10% annually and is impacted by variables related to the global economy, OEM production rates and current retail pricing. One main advantage of fractional is the use of depreciation deductions involved with a capital asset. With a lease, there is no upfront investment and financial risk belongs solely to the provider. However, monthly lease payments do represent an extra expense not included with other programs. Corporate flight departments sometimes prefer leasing as it is can be classified as a business expense rather than an owned asset.
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FRACTIONAL—FOUR COST COMPONENTS
LEASE—FIVE COST COMPONENTS
> Capital Cost (Ownership) Your asset purchase cost is determined by the number of hours you buy each year, priced at predictable rates over a specific term for the type of aircraft owned.
> Security Deposit A refundable deposit based on aircraft type and annual flight hour allocation, returned at the conclusion of the lease term. > Monthly Lease Payment A fixed monthly payment determined by the selected aircraft and annual flight hour commitment.
> Monthly Management Fee Covers the indirect expenses associated with operating your aircraft, including pilot training, insurance, cabin support, trip management, crew provisions and other administrative costs.
> Monthly Management Fee A fixed monthly fee covering the ongoing costs of operating the aircraft, including crew training, insurance, cabin services and administrative support.
> Occupied Hourly Rate Charged for each hour an aircraft is in flight, plus 2/10 taxi time. This rate also includes direct expenses associated with maintenance, standard catering and engine operation.
> Occupied Hourly Rate Charged only when you fly. Covers direct operating expenses such as maintenance, engine programs, standard catering and crew costs.
> Hourly Fuel Variable Added to the base hourly rate to account for fluctuations in the cost of fuel, which varies monthly.
> Hourly Fuel Variable A monthly-adjusted charge applied to flight hours to reflect changes in prevailing fuel prices.
Certain federal and state taxes may apply
Certain federal and state taxes may apply
JET CARD—TWO COST COMPONENTS > Upfront Deposit Representing a prepaid number of flight hours multiplied by the hourly rate of the primary aircraft type, plus a federal excise tax of 7.5% > Hourly Fuel Variable Adjustment added to the base hourly rate to account for fluctuations in the price of jet fuel, which varies monthly
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