If you're looking to charter a private jet, you need to know how much it costs. Chartering a private jet can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $20,000+ per hour, with multi-day trips in VIP airliners costing $400,000 or more. However, private jet charter cost depends on many different factors, all of which we will discuss today. Let's find out what private jet rental costs in Australia look like.
Types of Private Jet Aircraft to Charter in Australia
The first thing that you need to know about hiring a private jet charter in Australia is that there are many different types of jet aircraft available for hire.
Australia is very vast, and also in close proximity to many other countries, which means that jet charters are ideal for both domestic and international travel. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of jet aircraft available for hire.
As you might expect, the cost for each of these aircraft depends on the size and ammenities, with larger and more luxurious models having higher private jet charter prices.
Very Light Jets and Light Jets
Light jets and very light jets include options such as the Citation Mustang, Phenom 100, and Beechjet 400. These are fairly small aircraft designed to hold up to 8 people at most, and they're ideal for short business trips and leisure getaways.
These jets feature comfortable interiors, modest baggage space, and private cabins, all ideal for city to city transfers. Most of these jets have a range of up to three hours, allowing for quick flights, such as between Sydney and Melbourne.
Super Light Jets
We then have super light jets, which have slightly longer operational distances than standard light jets. One of the best examples here is the Learjet 45, which can carry up to 8 people. These aircraft are ideal for longer regional trips and corporate travel alike.
These are some of the most popular aircraft for business executives who need to get to various destinations in just one day.
Midsize Jets
We then have mid-size jets, with models such as the Citation Excel and Hawker 800XP being at the forefront. These generally feature enough capacity for up to 10 people and are ideal for intercity travel across Australia and for small team charters.
These mid-size jets generally have standing room cabins, tons of luggage space, and enclosed laboratories. These jets usually include various sophisticated business amenities and are ideal for longer domestic Australian flights.
Super Midsize Jets
Next are super mid size jets, which are also designed to hold up to 10 people, although they generally have longer operational distances, as well as full galleys, included Wi-Fi, lie-flat seating, and even greater cabin height.
These jets usually have great amenities and are suited for high level VIPs and luxury travelers who want to travel in comfort. If you're going for a cross country flight or a regional international flight, then super mid-sized jets such as the Challenger 300 and Citation Sovereign are ideal.
Heavy Jets
Moving up another level, we then have heavy jets, with models such as the Dassault Falcon 900, Challenger 601, and Gulfstream G450 featuring great long range capabilities, making them ideal for luxury group travel and transcontinental flights.
Here, you'll get boardroom style seating, various cabin zones, onboard entertainment systems, standing room, and so much more. These jets can generally hold up to 16 people and are ideal for VIP and business purposes alike.
Ultra Long-Range Jets
Moving up yet another size, we then have ultra long range jets, with models including the Falcon 7X, Global 7500, and Gulfstream G650 being at the forefront.
These aircraft are great for long haul international flights, as they can fly for up to 17 hours without refuelling.
These aircraft feature enough room for up to 19 people, and come with dedicated rest areas, cabin technology for entertainment productivity, onboard chefs, and virtually every other imaginable amenity. These are ideal for executives, government officials, and high net worth individuals.
VIP Airliners
Finally, we have VIP airliners, which can generally hold anywhere from 16 to 50 people or more. Notable models include the Airbus ACJ318, Boeing BBJ, or Airbus A320. These jets are the most spacious and luxurious.
They usually have private bedrooms, showers, conference areas, lounges, onboard chefs, and every other amenity that an aircraft could possibly have. These aircraft are ideal for diplomatic delegations, luxury tours, corporate events, and anything else of this sort.
Why Charter a Private Jet?
Now that we know all of the types of aircraft available for private jet charter hire, we can talk about the reasons to hire a jet for private flight. Although the aircraft type makes a big difference in terms of the cost, the type of flight matters as well. Let's take a look.
Corporate and Business Travel
One of the most common reasons to hire a private jet is for corporate and business travel period corporate teams and executives often have to travel between multiple locations or cities, including remote locations, particularly on tight schedules.
Private jets allows corporate members to maximize their productivity by flying right to smaller regional airports instead of large commercial airports where layovers and other time delays cause problems.
Luxury Leisure Travel
Another common reason to hire a private jet charter is quite simply for private leisure travel period the simple fact is that private jets offer the ultimate in convenience and comfort, making them ideal for luxury getaways.
No matter where you're looking to travel in or outside of Australia, and whether it's for a simple vacation, an anniversary, or a honeymoon, a private jet charter is sure to make the event more memorable.
Simple Group Travel
Although some groups may opt to travel commercially, if you're a small group and willing to spend a bit of money on a private jet, it is a great option consider.
Traveling as a group, whether small or large, can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to coordinating every single aspect. This can be heard on commercial flights.
However, small groups and families can easily travel together in a single aircraft when private jets are concerned. Able to seat up to 20 people in some cases, group travel is made easy.
FIFO Flights
Yet another reason to hire a private jet charter is for FIFO or fly in and fly out purposes. When it comes to infrastructure, energy, and the mining sectors, these often are located in very remote areas where normal aircraft and vehicles can't get to.
However, by chartering a jet aircraft, companies can ensure reduced fatigue, minimised disruptions to operations, and timely crew changes. These aircraft can land at smaller airstrips, making them ideal for remote locations.
Diplomatic and Government Travel
The next most common reason for private jet charter hires is for diplomatic delegations and government officials.
Politicians and government officials generally fly privately, as these flights offer great flexibility, security and discretion, particularly for military personnel, high-ranking officials, and even heads of state.
This makes private travel ideal for visiting remote areas, coordinating rapid response efforts, and attending international conferences.
Pet Friendly Travel
It's no secret that pets are a part of the family, but flying commercially can be a challenge for pets.
Simply put, nobody wants to put their pet in a commercial cargo hold, as those just aren't comfortable, and are often very scary and traumatizing for animals.
However, many private jets allow you to bring your pet in the cabin, allowing for them to be comfortable and safe right by your side. This is ideal for long haul journeys where pets might spend many hours in the cargo hold.
Other Purposes
The fact of the matter is that a private jet charter can be used for many different purposes. For instance, business people can use private jets to get to various conferences and events.
Furthermore, private jet charters are also ideal for quick evacuations during geopolitical crises, floods, bushfires, and other natural disasters.
On that note, private jet charters are often used for crisis response and emergency situations, for time critical freight and cargo flights, for special occasions, and much more. Let's move on an discuss private jet rental prices and private jet charter rates.
Private Jet Cost in Australia
Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to determine how much a private jet rental costs in Australia. Keep in mind that there are various factors that affect jet charter cost, all of which we will discuss in the below sections. For now, let's take a look at the costs of private jet hire based on hourly, full-day, and multi-day trips. Let's find out how much a private jet charter service will cost you.
Private Jet Rental Hourly Rates
First, private jet travel can be organised on an hourly basis, or in other words, depending on the number of flight hours. Here's a breakdown of jet charter cost on an hourly basis, based on the the private plane type.
Hourly Cost of Hiring a Light Jet
For light jets and very light jets such as the Embraer Phenom 100, Cessna Citation Mustang, or CJ2, which are excellent for inter city travel and up to 8 people, generally cost between $3500 and $6000 per hour. The common of jet used for travelling short routes like from Brisbane to Melbourne.
Hourly Cost of Hiring Midsize and Super Midsize Jets
in terms of mid size and super mid size jets, ones that have great amenities such as enclosed laboratories, entertainment systems, extended range, even more cabin space, often with enough capacity for up to 12 people, you can expect these private jet charters to cost anywhere between $6000 and $10,000 per hour.
Hourly Cost of a Heavy Jet Charter
When it comes to heavy jets, such as the Challenger 601 or the Falcon 7X, ones that have international range, full standing room cabins, and super luxurious interiors, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10,000 and $18,000 per hour period these are ideal for long haul trips, such as from Australia to Southeast Asia, or even for luxury domestic travel.
VIP Airliners
As you could assume, VIP airliners, such as the Airbus ACJ318, are generally the most expensive. This is quite simply because they can fly the furthest, hold the most people, and have the most luxurious and amenity rich interiors. These VIP airliners can easily cost $20,000 per hour, and often much more.
Full-Day Private Jet Charter Cost
If hiring a private jet for a full day, you will likely be able to save a bit of money, although private jet charter prices for full day trips can still be extremely high. Here's what you need to know about the to charter a private jet for a full day.
Something that you must keep in mind when it comes to full day jet charter pricing is that these costs generally include both trips. Even if you're only flying one way and not return, the cost of the return flight is generally still included. The pricing usually reflects both the outbound and the return legs, as well as aircraft standby time, airport usage, and pilot wait fees.
Short-Haul Day Trips
Of course, this also depends on the distance being traveled as well as the type of aircraft. For instance, a light jet for a single day might only cost you anywhere between $9000 and $12,000, making them particularly ideal for short haul day trips. However, to rent a mid-size jet for a full day, you can easily pay anywhere between $14,000 and $18,000.
To provide you with an example, if you're going on a round-trip day charter from Brisbane to Charleville, which is about 1400 kilometers, and you’re flying on a King Air 200 with eight people, this will generally cost in the neighbourhood of $13,500, taxes not included.
Mid and Longer Range Day Trips
For slightly longer trips, weather regional international flights or longer domestic flights, you'll need a bigger jet aircraft, and this comes with increased costs. If you're looking for a longer day trip with a mid-sized jet, you can expect to spend anywhere between $20,000 $25,000. However if you're going for a heavy jet or even a VIP airliner, you can easily spend over $30,000 for the whole day.
Multi-Day Private Jet Charter Cost
It is also possible to get a jet charter flight for several days, such as international charter flights or just for multi-day trips within Australia.
What you need to keep in mind when it comes to the cost of a private jet charter for multi day trips is that there are many different fees that you'll have to account for.
You'll need to account for overnight fees for both the aircraft and crew, hangarage and parking, outbound and return flights, wait time, and more.
Two to Three Day Regional Jet Charters
Hey Cortana talking about shorter two- or three-day regional jet charters, ones that stay within Australia, the cost will depend on the size of the jet.
Generally speaking, you'll need at least a mid-sized jet, and for a two- or three-day trip, this can easily cost you anywhere between $35,000 and $55,000.
However, if we're talking about heavy jet, this can easily cost you anywhere between $70,000 and $110,000, or more.
Long Haul International Charters
If we're talking about long haul international charters, this means that you'll need a large airplane that is capable of traveling great distances.
For instance, for a two- or three-day international charter, such as from Sydney to Los Angeles and back, you could easily pay anywhere between $250,000 and $350,000.
That said, if you upgrade to a VIP airliner, the same trip can cost you in the neighborhood $400,000 or more.
The Minimum Usage Clause
Something else to consider when hiring a private jet charter for a multi day trip is that operators will usually require a minimum daily usage of around 1.5 or 2 hours of flight time.
If this requirement is not met, you may have to pay repositioning costs, or you may just be billed as though the aircraft were used the whole day.
Factors Influencing Private Jet Charter Cost
As you are about to see, although private air travel costs greatly depend on the type of aircraft, there are also other factors to consider when hiring a private aircraft.
Here are the main factors that affect private jet charter cost:
Aircraft Type and Size
As we already covered above in great detail, the smaller the airplane and the less luxuriant it is, the less it will cost to charter. Light and super light jets are generally the most affordable, with VIP airliners being the most expensive. Furthermore, if an aircraft has recently been upgraded or refurbished, it will likely also cost more.
Distance and Flight Time
Another factor to consider when determining the cost of a private jet hire in Australia is how far the distance is and how long the flight time is. This is because the duration of the flight affects fuel consumption, crew hours, and wear and tear.
Fuel costs always need to be considered, as longer flights require more fuel, and longer flights also require more crew, even multiple pilots that change shifts. Keep in mind that factors such as weather conditions and routing efficiency may also affect flight times.
Type of Trip
The next factor to consider when determining the cost of a private jet hire in Australia is if you're doing a one way trip or a round trip. One way trips are generally the least cost effective, as you'll still pay for the return trip even if you're not on the aircraft.
Therefore, round trips with same day returns are generally the most cost efficient. Furthermore, multi leg itineraries may at times be bundled together for better value, although this depends on the company in question.
Departure Location and Route
Yet another factor to consider when it comes to private jet costs is the departure location and the route you'll be taking. For instance, if you're departing from or landing at major cities, these tend to have more aircraft available, and also lower repositioning costs. However, remote areas generally have higher repositioning fees, more expensive logistics, and limited aircraft types. The more remote the location, the more the cost will be.
Ground and Overnight Time
Something else to consider when it comes to private charter costs is that if you have to wait at the destination, such as for a multi leg trip, you'll have to pay for things like aircraft parking, crew accommodations, and there will be daily minimum usage requirements as well.
Additional Amenities
Of course, you always end up paying for luxury, which means that any additional amenities will increase the cost of a private jet charter. Things like catering, Wi-Fi, luxury concierge services, pets on board, on board entertainment, and more, all factor into the cost.
Time and Season of Travel
The other factor that determines how much it costs to hire a private jet in Australia is the season you're traveling in. For instance, holidays and long weekends will generally be more expensive than offseason. You'll also pay more to fly to major festivals or sporting events, and summer vacation is always expensive as well.
Visit our Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane jet charter pages to get a personalised quote for your journey.
Private Helicopter Charters in Australia
The other aspect worth covering is that it is also possible to hire a private helicopter charter in Australia. For instance, Rotor One provides helicopter charters to and from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
These charters start at $1,500 per hour, making them much more cost effective for short and mid-range flights compared to private jet rental costs. Rotor One is able to fly clients to and from hundreds of locations within Australia, all in state-of-the-art helicopters with all possible amenities.
