A COMPARATIVE GUIDE TO PRIVATE AVIATION
OF CONTENTS 02 04 11 14
16
18 BENEFITS PROGRAMS AIRCRAFT SAFETY TRAVEL COST
“One thing I can assure you is once you start flying privately, you’ll understand its value and wonder why you waited so long. I like to say, flying privately won’t add years to your life, but it will add years of enjoyment to your life.”
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 4,500 more U.S. airports than commercial airlines, helping you land closer to your final destination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Unlike commercial flight … a private jet allows you to fly on your own schedule, at a time that suits you best. There are also hundreds of dedicated private jet terminals around the country to choose from to avoid the lengthy check-in process and security line at public airports. And the best part is, you don’t have to get there an hour early. Arriving at the tarmac 15 minutes before your flight is more than enough. No need to worry about your plane leaving without you!”
Whole aircraft ownership puts you in control while leaving you responsible for everything from maintenance to pilot training
> A consistent experience you control
> The option to rent or charter your aircraft when not in use
> You decide if others may utilize your aircraft
> The ability to hire your own pilots and crews
> No contracts unless third parties are involved
> Departure times will not change for reasons like peak travel
> You decide aircraft aesthetics and configuration
> No limits on length of ownership
> No need to buy or sell hours should your flying habits change
> Control over interior configuration and outfitting
> Tax benefits
> You bear responsibility for the following items, which include, but are not limited to:
• Maintenance costs and requirements
• Financial risk involving depreciation and market shifts
• Legal compliance and insurance requirements
• Crew hiring and continuous training
• Aircraft parking and storage
• Meeting all applicable local, state and federal regulations
• All repositioning costs
> Most expensive to purchase and operate, both upfront and long-term
> 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
Forgo a total commitment and secure the best of whole aircraft ownership for a fraction of the cost
> Lower immediate and overall costs compared to whole aircraft ownership
> Exceptionally short call-out times
> Access to multiple bases of operation, including thousands of non-commercial airports
> Majority of costs are fixed for the duration of your contract
> You have the ability to upgrade or downgrade aircraft based on your needs
> Some offer the option to utilize more than one aircraft simultaneously
> Some offer the option to buy or sell flight hours with fellow travelers
> No need to hire crew, operations staff or a third party
> 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
> Significant capital is needed upfront
> Minimum contract term required
> Minimum hourly purchase increments
> Management fees
> Direct and indirect expenses
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> You take on market risk, though on a lesser scale compared to whole ownership
> No ability to rent, charter or decide who uses your aircraft
> You do not control crew hiring selections
> You do not select aircraft aesthetics or cabin configuration
Enjoy the many benefits associated with fractional ownership while avoiding a significant upfront capital deployment
> Lower immediate costs compared to fractional ownership
> Fixed lease payments in lieu of upfront capital outlay
> Exceptionally short call-out times
> Access to multiple bases of operation, including thousands of non-commercial airports
> Majority of costs are fixed for the duration of your contract
> Ability to upgrade or downgrade aircraft based on your needs
> Some offer the option to utilize more than one aircraft simultaneously
> Some offer the option to buy or sell flight hours with fellow travelers
> No need to hire crew, operations staff or a third party
> No maintenance downtime or need for supplemental lift
> 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
> A security deposit is needed upfront
> Minimum contract term required
> Minimum hourly purchase increments
> Management fees
> Direct and indirect expenses
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> No ability to leverage aircraft value at the end of the term
> No ability to rent, charter or decide who uses your aircraft
> You do not control crew hiring selections
> You do not select aircraft aesthetics or cabin configuration
> A fixed monthly lease fee is required
A way to experience the advantages of private travel with minimal upfront investment, no fixed costs, set hourly rates and minimal commitment
> Lowest cost of entry outside of charter
> Ability to experience a “closed fleet” with no long-term commitment
> No fixed costs — pay-as-you-fly pricing structure
> Designed for those who fly less than 25 hours annually
> Ideal for those looking to supplement whole ownership
> Set hourly rate
> No minimum term
> No depreciation risk
> A seamless, guaranteed and reliable alternative to charter
> Purchase flight hours as needed
> Can involve minimum hourly purchase increments
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> Peak travel may involve fees in addition to the base hourly rate
> Less control over aircraft access and availability compared to fractional
> Less scheduling flexibility compared to fractional
> Unused hours may not be refundable with some programs
> Does not offer simultaneous use of multiple aircraft
> Primary service area can be limited compared to fractional
> Some travel schedules include blackout dates
> Call-out times require more advanced notice than fractional
> Aircraft upgrades/downgrades are not always available
An affordable, as-needed solution with no upfront costs or hourly minimums, charter service is available at most major airports and is popular among those with light travel needs
> No upfront financial commitment
> No fixed costs — pay-as-you-fly pricing structure
> No contracts or term minimums
> No depreciation risk
> Ideal for those with minimal or infrequent travel requirements
> Booking usually available via website or app
> Available within almost all major airports
> Peak travel can impact departure times
> Peak travel may involve fees in addition to the hourly rate
> Little control over aircraft access and availability
> Little scheduling flexibility
> Provider may pull aircraft and cancel a flight at any time
> Can involve significant cancellation fees
> 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
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.
Perfect for short to mid-range missions, this class of aircraft will transport you swiftly and efficiently while delivering an exceptional travel experience.
Citation CJ3
Citation Encore
Citation Excel
Citation XL
Citation XLS
Hawker 400XP
Learjet 75
Phenom 300*
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.
Challenger 300
Challenger 350*
Challenger 3500*
Citation Latitude
Citation Longitude
Citation Sovereign
Citation X
Hawker 800XP
Legacy 450
Legacy 500
Praetor 500*
Praetor 600*
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.
Challenger 604
Challenger 605
Challenger 650
Falcon 2000
Gulfstream G450*
For global flights and international tours requiring maximum range, performance, and comfort for 13 or more passengers, nothing eclipses an ultra-longrange aircraft.
Challenger 850 Falcon 7X Global 5000 Global 6000 Global 7500 Global Express
Gulfstream G500
Gulfstream G650*
Gulfstream G700
Gulfstream GIV-SP
“If you’re flying private … you can find a closer airport and land there. Take a quick taxi or ride to the [destination], then head back to the airport. Take off within 10 minutes of arriving and fly to the next [location]. The visits that might have taken a week or two flying commercially can be knocked out in two days. The same holds true for people who manage multiple franchise locations, car dealerships, or other businesses. While there are roughly 5,000 public airports in the U.S., only 10% of them have any commercial service, which could be as few as two flights a day.”
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.
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.
Safety standards — while highly regulated — can vary among operators. Our organization has always been a one that promotes open reporting of potential safety risks. We are in constant communication with our pilots and workforce regarding safety protocols and any abnormalities that are experienced are immediately assessed and addressed without regard to potential financial consequences.
> Are pilots evaluated according to Captain’s standards? If so, how often?
> 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?
> What is the average amount of flight time logged by pilots?
> Does the provider’s safety program hold ratings from the FAA, ARG/US, ASCF-IAS and IS-BAO?
> 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
> Which FBOs does the provider utilize on the airfield?
> 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?
> Does the provider offer a customer app? What are its features?
> Does the provider offer a private terminal network?
> Does the provider offer dedicated flight crews?
> Does the provider offer the ability to travel internationally?
> Does the provider offer short-leg waivers?
> 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?
> What cabin sizes does the provider offer?
> What aircraft classes does the provider offer? Are large-cabin or ultra-long-range jets available?
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.
> Upfront capital cost (fractional ownership purchase) allows for a minimum of 50 flight-hours per year at predictable rates over a set term in a specific aircraft
> Monthly management charge covers indirect aircraft operating expenses including pilot training, insurance, crew provisions and administrative costs
> Hourly rate charged for each hour in-flight, plus 2/10th taxi time, and includes direct expenses such as aircraft maintenance, catering, engine operating costs and pilot compensation
> Fuel component adjustment added to the base hourly rate to account for fluctuations in the price of jet fuel, which varies monthly
Certain federal and state taxes may apply
> 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%
> Fuel component adjustment added to the base hourly rate to account for fluctuations in the price of jet fuel, which varies monthly
> Security deposit paid upfront that allows for a minimum number of flight-hours per year over a set term in a specific aircraft: it is fully refundable at the time of lease-end
> Monthly lease payment based on a particular aircraft and annual allocation of hours
> Monthly management charge covers indirect aircraft operating expenses including pilot training, insurance, crew provisions and administrative costs
> Hourly rate charged for each hour in-flight, plus 2/10th taxi time and includes direct expenses such as aircraft maintenance, catering, engine operating costs and pilot compensation
> Fuel component adjustment added to the base hourly rate to account for fluctuations in the price of jet fuel, which varies monthly
Certain federal and state taxes may apply
“ … flying private tends to be much faster than flying commercial because private aviation is not tied to specific routes and schedules. Operators can plan their routes, while the jets often fly at a higher altitude than commercial airlines to avoid air traffic. All these factors, plus access to smaller airports closer to city centers, speeds up and simplifies the entire boarding-flying-disembarkation process … flying private [also] helps increase work productivity, thanks to the absence of unwanted disturbances and airport layovers. From the boarding process until disembarkation, private jets recreate ideal conditions for focus and concentration, almost similar to that of a home office.”
TRAVELDAILYNEWS.COM