How much is a private jet to rent UK

Friday, February 7, 2025

Renting a private jet in the UK offers a luxurious and convenient way to travel for business executives. The cost of chartering a private jet varies based on factors such as aircraft size, route, and additional fees. Understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions when booking your next private flight.

Understanding the Cost of Renting a Private Jet in the UK

Hourly rates for different jet sizes

Private jet charter rates in the UK vary based on the size of the aircraft. According to PrivateFly, hourly rates start at £1,300 for small jets, such as the Embraer Phenom 100, which can accommodate 4-6 passengers. Mid-size jets, like the Hawker 900XP, cost between £1,350 and £2,989 per hour and can seat up to 10 passengers. For larger groups, heavy jets like the Gulfstream G450 start at £4,504 per hour and can accommodate up to 16 passengers. Ultra-long-range jets, such as the Global 6000, are the most expensive, with hourly rates starting at £5,641.

Let's take the example of a CEO who needs to fly from London to Geneva with a team of five executives. A light jet, such as the Embraer Phenom 100, would be a cost-effective choice, with an estimated flight time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes and a total cost of approximately £3,900 (based on a £1,300 hourly rate). This option offers a comfortable and efficient way for the team to travel together, avoiding the hassles of commercial air travel.

Example prices for popular routes

The cost of chartering a private jet in the UK also depends on the route and distance flown. According to industry experts, a short flight from London to Paris starts at around £3,000 in a small jet. A medium-haul flight, such as London to New York, can cost approximately £45,000 in a mid-size or heavy jet. For long-haul flights, like London to Sydney, prices can reach £150,000 or more in an ultra-long-range jet.

These examples demonstrate the wide range of prices for popular routes flown by UK business executives. By comparing prices for different routes and aircraft sizes, passengers can find the most cost-effective option that meets their needs. Additionally, empty leg flights, where a jet is repositioning without passengers, can offer significant discounts of up to 75% off standard charter rates, providing an opportunity for savings on popular routes.

Factors Influencing Private Jet Rental Prices

How aircraft size and range affect cost

The size and range of the aircraft are two of the most significant factors influencing the cost of a private jet charter. Smaller jets, such as light and super-light aircraft, are the most affordable options for short flights within the UK and Europe. For example, a flight from London to Manchester in a 5-seat light jet like the Embraer Phenom 100 starts at around £6,500. These jets have a range of about 1,000 miles and are ideal for quick, regional trips.

Mid-size and super-mid jets offer more space and range, making them suitable for longer flights and larger groups. A flight from London to Nice or Istanbul in a 7-seat super-light jet, such as the Cessna Citation XLS, can cost around £17,000. These jets have a range of about 2,000 miles and can comfortably accommodate up to 9 passengers.

Heavy and ultra-long-range jets are the most expensive options, but they offer the most space, luxury, and range. A flight from London to Dubai in a heavy jet like the Bombardier Challenger 605, which can seat up to 12 passengers, can exceed £25,000. Ultra-long-range jets, such as the Gulfstream G650, have a range of over 7,000 miles and can fly non-stop from London to Singapore or Los Angeles, but they come with a hefty price tag.

Additional fees and charges to consider

In addition to the base charter price, there are several other fees and charges that UK business executives should consider when budgeting for a private jet rental. These include:

Airport fees: Private jets often use smaller, more convenient airports, but these can come with higher landing and handling fees compared to commercial airports.

Fuel surcharges: The cost of fuel can fluctuate and is often added as a separate surcharge to the base charter price.

Crew expenses: The cost of the crew, including their salaries, accommodation, and per diems, is factored into the charter price.

Catering: Many private jet charters include basic catering, but more extensive or customized options can incur additional costs.

Ground transportation: If required, the cost of ground transportation to and from the airport will be added to the overall charter price.

Taxes: VAT and other taxes may apply to private jet charters in the UK and Europe.

By understanding these additional fees and charges, UK business executives can create a more accurate budget for their private jet charter and avoid unexpected expenses.

The Process of Renting a Private Jet

Steps to charter a private jet

Chartering a private jet in the UK is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps:

Contact a charter provider or broker: Reach out to a reputable private jet charter company or broker with your travel requirements, including dates, destinations, number of passengers, and any special requests.

Review aircraft options: The charter provider will present a selection of aircraft that meet your needs, along with their associated costs and amenities.

Choose your preferred aircraft: Select the aircraft that best suits your requirements, taking into account factors such as size, range, comfort, and budget.

Sign the charter agreement: Once you have chosen your aircraft, review and sign the charter agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of your rental.

Payment: Provide payment for the charter, typically via credit card or bank transfer.

Fly: On the day of your flight, arrive at the designated private terminal and board your chartered jet. The crew will handle all flight preparations and any additional requests you may have.

By following these steps, UK business executives can easily and efficiently charter a private jet for their travel needs.

Benefits of using a charter broker

Using a charter broker can provide several benefits for UK business executives looking to rent a private jet:

Access to a wide range of aircraft: Charter brokers have established relationships with multiple private jet operators, giving them access to a diverse fleet of aircraft to suit needs and budgets.

Competitive pricing: Brokers can negotiate competitive rates on behalf of their clients, leveraging their industry knowledge and volume of business to secure the best possible prices.

Simplified booking process: Charter brokers handle all aspects of the booking process, from sourcing the aircraft to arranging catering and ground transportation, saving clients time and effort.

Expertise and advice: Brokers have extensive knowledge of the private aviation industry and can provide valuable advice on aircraft selection, airport options, and travel logistics.

Flexibility and customization: Charter brokers work closely with their clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, ensuring a tailored and flexible travel experience.

By working with a charter broker, UK business executives can enjoy a streamlined and personalized private jet rental experience, while benefiting from the broker's industry expertise and network of aircraft providers.

4- Comparing Private Jet Charter to Ownership

Costs of owning vs. chartering a jet

Owning a private jet is a significant investment that comes with substantial upfront and ongoing costs. Depending on the size and model of the aircraft, the purchase price can range from £1 million for a small light jet to over £60 million for a large, ultra-long-range jet. In addition to the initial acquisition cost, owners must also factor in ongoing expenses such as maintenance, hangar fees, crew salaries, and insurance.

In contrast, chartering a private jet allows business executives to enjoy the benefits of private air travel without the financial burden of ownership. Charter customers only pay for the flights they take, with costs varying based on factors such as aircraft size, route, and duration. This pay-as-you-go model can be particularly advantageous for those who fly less frequently or have varying travel requirements.

For example, a business executive who flies 50 hours per year may spend around £500,000 on a mid-size jet charter, while owning a similar aircraft could cost several million pounds annually when considering the purchase price, depreciation, and operating expenses. However, for those who fly more than 200 hours per year, ownership may become a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Flexibility and convenience of chartering

One of the primary advantages of chartering a private jet is the flexibility and convenience it offers compared to ownership. When chartering, business executives can:

Choose the ideal aircraft: Charter customers can select the most suitable aircraft for each trip based on factors such as passenger count, luggage requirements, and range, without being limited to a single owned aircraft.

Avoid ownership responsibilities: Chartering eliminates the need for owners to manage aircraft maintenance, crew hiring and training, and hangar arrangements, as these responsibilities fall on the charter operator.

Access a wider range of airports: Charter jets can access smaller, more convenient airports that may be closer to the final destination, saving valuable time on ground transportation.

Enjoy cost-effective options: Charter customers can take advantage of cost-saving options like empty leg flights, which are heavily discounted one-way flights that occur when a jet needs to reposition for another scheduled flight.

Pay only for what you use: With chartering, customers only pay for the flights they take, without the need to worry about the fixed costs associated with ownership, such as hangar fees and crew salaries.

The flexibility and convenience of chartering make it an attractive option for UK business executives who value the benefits of private jet travel but prefer not to commit to the responsibilities and costs of ownership.

Let's consider the example of a CFO from Paris who works for a large bank and flies 3 to 4 times per month with Orizair. By chartering a private jet, the CFO can:

• Select the most suitable aircraft for each trip, depending on the number of passengers and luggage
• Avoid the hassle of managing aircraft maintenance, crew, and hangar arrangements
• Access smaller, more convenient airports closer to their final destination
• Take advantage of empty leg flights to save on costs when possible
• Pay only for the flights taken, without worrying about fixed ownership costs

Choosing the Right Private Jet Charter for Your Needs

Matching jet size to passenger count and luggage

Selecting jet size is important for ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience. When choosing a private jet charter, UK business executives should consider the following factors:

Passenger count: The number of passengers will determine the minimum size of jet required. Light jets can typically accommodate 4-6 passengers, while mid-size jets can seat 6-10, and heavy jets can hold 10-16 passengers.

Luggage capacity: The amount of luggage each passenger brings will also impact the choice of jet size. Smaller jets may have limited cargo space, while larger jets can accommodate more suitcases, golf bags, or ski equipment.

Cabin layout: Different jet sizes offer cabin layouts, which can affect passenger comfort and privacy. Larger jets may have separate sleeping areas, dining spaces, or meeting rooms, while smaller jets may have a more compact layout.

Flight distance: The flight distance and required range will also dictate the most suitable jet size. Smaller jets are more cost-effective for short flights, while larger jets are necessary for longer, intercontinental trips.

By carefully considering these factors and working closely with a charter provider or broker, UK business executives can select the ideal jet size for their specific needs, ensuring a tailored and comfortable travel experience.

For example, an executive team flying together from London to Geneva would likely require a mid-size jet, such as the Hawker 900XP, which can comfortably accommodate 8-10 passengers and their luggage. The Hawker 900XP offers a spacious cabin with a separate seating area, a private lavatory, and ample storage space for bags and equipment. With a range of over 2,800 nautical miles, this aircraft is well-suited for the short flight from London to Geneva, providing the team with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Evaluating charter providers' safety, service, and sustainability practices

When selecting a private jet charter provider, UK business executives should carefully evaluate the company's safety, service, and sustainability practices to ensure a secure, high-quality, and environmentally responsible travel experience. Some key factors to consider include:

Safety record and certifications: Look for charter providers with a proven track record of safety and industry certifications, such as Wyvern Wingman or ARGUS Platinum ratings, which demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Crew experience and training: Inquire about the experience and training of the flight crew, ensuring that they are well-qualified and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Aircraft maintenance: Confirm that the charter provider follows rigorous maintenance schedules and uses only certified maintenance facilities to ensure the airworthiness and reliability of their fleet.

Customer service: Evaluate the level of customer service offered by the charter provider, including their responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to accommodate special requests.

Sustainability initiatives: Consider charter providers that have implemented sustainability practices, such as carbon offset programs, fuel efficiency measures, or the use of sustainable aviation fuels, to reduce the environmental impact of private jet travel.

Reputation and reviews: Research the charter provider's reputation within the industry and read reviews from previous clients to gauge their level of service and customer satisfaction.

By thoroughly evaluating a charter provider's safety, service, and sustainability practices, UK business executives can make an informed decision and select a provider that aligns with their values and expectations for a secure, high-quality, and environmentally responsible private jet experience.

For example, a CEO of a Swiss company who flies twice a month with Orizair can have peace of mind knowing that:

• Orizair maintains a flawless safety record and holds top industry certifications
• The flight crew is highly experienced and trained in the latest safety protocols
• Orizair follows strict maintenance schedules and uses only certified facilities
• The company offers exceptional customer service and flexibility
• Orizair has implemented sustainability initiatives, such as carbon offset programs, to reduce its environmental impactConclusion

Renting a private jet in the UK offers a tailored, luxurious, and efficient travel solution for business executives. The cost of chartering varies based on factors such as aircraft size, route, and additional fees, with prices ranging from a few thousand pounds for short flights to over £150,000 for long-haul trips. By understanding these elements and carefully evaluating charter providers, UK business executives can make informed decisions and enjoy the many benefits of private jet travel.

Furthermore, Orizair's private jet chartering service aligns with the needs of busy executives by providing a simple, friendly platform that offers real-time availability and the ability to offset carbon emissions through investing in tree planting initiatives. This commitment to flexibility, luxury, and sustainability makes private jet chartering an increasingly attractive option for UK business travelers.

As the demand for private jet travel continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves to meet the changing needs and preferences of discerning clients. Will advancements in technology and sustainability further transform the private jet experience, making it even more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly?