Private jets represent the epitome of luxury travel; state-of-the-art technology, spacious surroundings, and a true VIP experience. Private aviation travel is rising at a staggering rate, and with huge savings and being a time-effective alternative to commercial travel, the experts think the trend will only continue.
The Boeing 757-200 VIP lives up to its name as a truly unique aviation experience, with its ability to carry a record-breaking 182 passengers, and a flying time of 9 hours. The 4,786 square foot jet boasts a ‘regal stateroom’, spacious lounges, and an office as just a few of its amenities.
At a buying price of $367 million USD and an hourly charter rate of $16,000 USD per hour (or $87 per person, per hour if you’re splitting the cost 182 ways), it’s an eye-watering sum for many, but the innovative nature of transforming a commercial jet into a private version means it’s paving the way for a new era of private aviation travel.
What is a private jet?
Private jets, also known as business jets, are small aircrafts designed to transport small groups of people.
First developed in the 1930’s by Dr Hans von Ohain and Sir Francis Whittle, they are popular for transporting the rich and famous, as well as government officials, casualties and the armed forces.
According to Air Charter Service, a private jet charter company, prices start from $1,300 per hour for a smaller jet, which typically seats 4-6 passengers. This total includes aircraft fees, handling fees and crew costs, with almost all charter flights having a minimum of one pilot and one cabin crew on-board.
Private jets are almost synonymous with complete travel freedom for more reasons than one. Private jets are designed to climb faster than commercial airliners, so they can avoid adverse weather, as well as flying above the traffic so they don’t have to compete for space.
How many passengers do private jets typically hold?
Generally, anywhere from six to eighteen passengers can be seated comfortably on a private jet, but there is a new era of commercial jets being turned into private jets on the horizon, meaning this number may dramatically increase.
There are eight sub-categories of private jets, from ‘very light jets’ (VLJS), which are compact and suitable for up to three hour flights, through to ‘executive liners/ bizliners’, the the crème de le crème in the industry, which include commercial airplanes modified for private use.
What are the advantages of private aviation over commercial flights?
The versatility private jets offer is a huge selling point for many prospective travelers. In North America, private jets can land at 10 times as many airports as commercial jets, including smaller airports and remote locations such as Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe.
An often bewildering fact is that private jets are sometimes cheaper than their commercial counterparts. For a fraction of the cost, you can book onto ‘empty legs’, where a customer has booked a one-way journey, therefore you can hop onto the return flight for as much as 75% off.
Private aviation is most advantageous to those who equate their time with money. Offering the luxury of breezing through security is worth the price tag for those who live life in the fast lane, and the privacy and comfort of a luxury private jet means working on-board is a delight.
First-class service, spacious lounges and futuristic technology; private jets really are a home in the sky. For nervous flyers, being able to close the blinds and immerse themselves in the luxury charter flights have to offer is a priceless experience.
Another advantage is seeing the earth’s beauty from up above. From the maroon hue of the Grand Canyon, to the ice caps of Alaska or even Wyoming’s sprawling sunflower fields, private flights offer the freedom for customising your flight path, so you can couple your flight with a unique take on sight-seeing.
What does the future hold?
In the past, private aviation travel was viewed as reserved for those with a pretty penny, but with the emergence of ‘empty leg’ flights and companies offering cost-effective memberships, where for a monthly fee they can access unlimited flights, it is becoming more accessible to the masses.
In the US, 2.5 million private jet flights take off every year, with this number increasing by 1% annually. Corporate Jet Investor reveals 17% of industry professionals believe there will be a ‘dramatic increase’ in those flying privately for the first time by 2021, with a further 67% thinking there will be a ‘slight’ increase.