Private jet charters are the ultimate solution for international travel, offering unparalleled flexibility, comfort and convenience. No more navigating through long security and customs lines, finding your gate (after it’s inevitably been changed), waiting for multiple layovers when you’re jetlagged, or maneuvering through crowds.
When you fly a chartered plane, you have the privacy of a dedicated entrance, faster security clearance and a stress-free flying experience. You can sit back, relax, and simply travel from Point A to Point B.
When planning an international charter flight, choosing the best plane depends on two main factors: range and airport access.
If you’re traversing oceans, you’ll need a plane with adequate range to make it between land masses. Choosing a plane with excess range can increase your cost on a per-flight-hour basis, but multiple stops for refueling will also increase the duration of the trip.
Additionally, not all planes can land at every airport — particularly, small airports with short runways. So this is another consideration when picking which aircraft to charter.
Here’s a look at each type of aircraft and the journeys they’re best suited for.
Midsize and Super Midsize Jets
This class of jet has relatively affordable per-flight-hour rates (between $3,000 and $8,000), making it an economical choice for short and midrange international charter flights. These jets are also some of the most common models, so it’s faster and easier to book a flight to a given location on short notice.
Examples of common midsize and super midsize jets include the Gulfstream G280, the Hawker 800XP and the Learjet 60.
- Best for: Budget-conscious private fliers traveling on mid-range international flights.
- Characteristics: Cost-effective options with sufficient range for moderate international routes.
- Example routes: Chicago to Mexico City, Atlanta to the Caribbean.
- Average cost to charter: $3,000 to $8,000 per flight hour.
These aircraft have sufficient range to tackle mid-length international routes, anywhere between 2,200 miles (roughly the distance between New York and Mexico City) and 3,500 miles (New York and London), or seven flight hours. For longer distances, these jets will need to stop to refuel, which will add to the bottom-line cost of the flight.
Their relatively small size may be a benefit in many instances, however, as they can land at smaller airports with shorter runways — something many heavy and long-range jets cannot do.
While they represent the cheapest charter option for most international flights, midsize and super midsize jets often have smaller cabins and less luxurious amenities than heavier jets. They can accommodate only 7 to 12 people and often lack the full-sized galleys, beds, and entertainment centers offered on larger aircraft. These differences may be negligible on short flights but become more relevant for long-haul journeys.
Heavy Jets
Heavy jets are a step up in cost, typically coming in at around $8,000 to $12,000 per flight hour. But for the additional cost, you also get exceptional range. This class of aircraft can go around 4,000 miles (from Tokyo to Honolulu) without stopping to refuel.
Common examples of heavy jets available for charter include the Bombardier Challenger 650 and the Embraer Legacy 650. Some newer jets, including the G500 pictured above, have an expanded range of up to 5,000 miles.
- Best for: Non-stop intercontinental travel.
- Characteristics: Long range, spacious cabins, luxury amenities.
- Example routes: New York to London or Los Angeles to Tahiti.
- Average cost to charter: $8,000 to $12,000 per flight hour.
These jets feature luxurious cabins and spacious seating arrangements for up to 19 passengers, making them ideal for corporate travel, sports teams and other large groups. The additional space often comes with extra amenities, such as onboard high-speed WiFi, full galley kitchens and advanced entertainment systems. Larger planes also tend to be quieter and less bumpy during turbulence, as there is more mass to absorb sound and motion.
Because of their large size and heavier weight, they cost more to operate, as many airport fees are based on the size and weight of the aircraft. The increased size also means that they cannot land at all airports, as they need a minimum of 6,000 feet of runway. This can eliminate heavy jets as an option if you’re traveling to a remote area with a small airport.
Ultra-Long-Range Jets
These jets offer state-of-the-art technology and comfort. Common features include enclosed bathrooms, lie-flat beds, private staterooms, a full-service galley and roomy luggage areas. These interiors are highly customizable and can be configured according to the passenger’s wishes. Some even offer lighting that helps passengers’ circadian rhythms adapt to new time zones.
However, ultra-long-range jets are fewer and further between that their smaller counterparts, making them more difficult to find and book (especially on short notice).
Examples of ultra-long-range jets you can charter for international trips include the Gulfstream G650/650ER, the Bombardier Global 6000/7500, and the Dassault Falcon 8X. Note that the Dassault Falcon 10X and the Gulfstream G700 are both in development and may be available for charter in the near future.
- Best for: Long-range routes with groups looking to travel in unmatched style.
- Characteristics: Cutting-edge technology and range.
- Example routes: Miami to Dubai or San Francisco to Sydney.
- Average cost to charter: $12,000 to $14,000 per flight hour.
The main advantage of ultra-long-range jets is their range. Their capacity is similar to heavy jets (up to 19 passengers), but this class offers unmatched non-stop flying distance of up to 6,500 miles (e.g., from Los Angeles and Auckland). This longer range comes at a premium price, however, as the average flight hour costs between $12,000 and $14,000. Like heavy jets, ultra-long-range jets require full runways (6,000 feet or more) and will likely not be able to land at smaller airports.
How to Find the Right Plane
Many classes of aircraft can work for international charter flights, whether they’re transoceanic or just hopping over a country’s border. The key factors to consider when chartering the flight are how many passengers the plane needs to carry, the range needed for the journey, and the takeoff and landing requirements needed for the departing and arriving airports.
As these factors can get technical, a professional charter broker like AvSky can help match clients with the perfect jet for their needs. A knowledgeable broker can give quotes for different classes of jets, including the amenities available and the total costs involved so you can make an informed choice about the best vehicle for your journey.
And by choosing the right size of plane for your specific itinerary, you can potentially save thousands of dollars.
