Debunking the Myth: Is a Private Jet Charter Really Cheaper for Groups?
When planning group travel, many people consider chartering a private jet group charter, often under the assumption that it might be more cost-effective than booking multiple seats on commercial airlines. In many cases, private group charters can indeed be a convenient and worthwhile option to consider, offering distinct advantages that make them a cost-effective choice. Let’s explore the factors that influence the cost of private jet charters for groups and compare them to commercial airline bookings.
Myth Busting: Is Private Jet Charter Cheaper for Groups?
One of the most persistent myths in private aviation is that when traveling with a large group, chartering a private aircraft becomes more economical than flying commercially. This potential benefit is worth an in-depth exploration to understand the factors that contribute to the cost differences.
The Per-Passenger Calculation Misunderstanding
Many potential clients approach private jet charters with a simple calculation: dividing the total charter cost by the number of passengers to arrive at a per-person price. While this calculation is technically correct, it often leads to faulty comparisons with commercial airline tickets.
Essentially, when you rent a private jet, you’re paying for the entire aircraft, not individual seats. So, if you fill the aircraft with more people, the cost is split among a larger group, making it cheaper per person. However, it’s important to note that while sharing the cost among more passengers reduces each person’s share, the overall operational expenses of private flights are still much higher compared to commercial airlines.
Economy of Scale Differences
Commercial airlines benefit from massive economies of scale that private aviation cannot match. A commercial Airbus A320 may carry 160 to 220 passengers, spreading operational costs across many more travelers than even the largest private charter aircraft. Additionally, commercial airlines optimize their routes and scheduling to maximize efficiency and load factors.
Private aviation, by contrast, provides customization, convenience, and time savings that come with premium costs. One key factor to consider here is the operational cost per seat kilometer (CASK), which refers to the cost of operating an aircraft for each seat over a kilometer. Even when a private aircraft is filled to capacity, its CASK typically exceeds that of commercial airlines.
A significant contributor to this CASK difference lies in the frequency of empty leg flights, which are necessary for repositioning the aircraft before or after a passenger flight. Commercial airlines strive to optimize their routes to minimize the need for empty legs, keeping them under 5% of their total flights. In private aviation, by contrast, aircraft often fly without passengers between 30% and 50% of the time. These empty legs directly inflate the overall operational costs, thereby increasing the CASK.
The Break-Even Analysis
For certain mid-sized groups (typically 15-30 passengers) traveling to destinations which are poorly served by commercial airlines, private charter can occasionally approach commercial pricing, especially when considering:
- Last-minute commercial fares which tend to be higher;
- Destinations requiring multiple connections commercially;
- Trips where time savings translate to significant business value;
- Scenarios where avoiding overnight stays reduces total travel costs.
However, for most routes between major cities, commercial group bookings will remain more economical on a pure price comparison basis.
How to Optimize Private Jet Group Charter Pricing
While private group charters typically won’t beat commercial airlines on base price alone, understanding the factors that influence pricing can help you optimize the value proposition.
Aircraft Selection: Right-Sizing for Your Group
The aircraft you choose dramatically impacts your charter cost. Selecting an appropriately sized aircraft for your group is crucial for cost efficiency. To better understand the options available, we will evaluate three primary categories: Turboprop Airliners, Regional Airliners, and Jet Airliners.
Turboprop Airliners
Starting at approximately €4,500 per hour, turboprop aircraft like the Metroliner or Beech 1900 can accommodate up to 19 passengers. These aircraft offer the lowest hourly rates but have limitations in range, speed, and payload capacity.
Turboprop aircraft are also suitable for slightly larger groups, also offering low hourly rates. This includes options like the Saab 340 for up to 33 passengers, the ATR42-300 for up to 48 passengers, or the Dash 8 Q400 which accommodates up to 78 passengers. The charter prices of those options start at approximately €5,500 based on the Saab 340 or €8,000 based on the Q400.
Weight Limitations for Turboprop Airliners
Important to know is that, compared to aircraft with jet engines, turboprop aircraft generally have a lower Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). This is the maximum weight at which an aircraft is allowed to take off. It includes the weight of the aircraft itself, passengers, cargo, and fuel. This lower MTOW results in a limited flight range and limitation of the maximum amount of luggage allowed to be carried by the passengers. Especially for groups with substantial luggage requirements, upgrading to a regional jet airliner might be necessary.
Regional Airliners
Mid-sized regional jets, like the Embraer ERJ-145 and E190, start around €7,000 per hour. There aircraft can accommodate between 37 to 122 passengers in maximum configuration, or 35-96 passengers in their typical configuration. These aircraft strike a balance between operational costs and passenger comfort, making them suitable for medium-range group travel.
Weight Limitation for Regional Airliners
Regional airliners generally have a higher MTOW compared to turboprop airliners. Their increased weight capacity allows them to transport passengers travelling with more luggage over a longer distance.
Jet Airliners
Large group charters utilizing converted commercial aircraft like the Boeing 737-700 can accommodate up to 149 passengers in typical configuration, though standard capacity is typically around 186 passengers. With charter rental prices based on the Boeing 737-700, these aircraft start at approximately €18,000 per hour. For truly large groups, these aircraft offer the best per-passenger economics within private aviation, though they remain more expensive than commercial options on popular routes.
Trip Duration and Aircraft Positioning
A frequently overlooked factor in charter pricing is the time spent at the destination.
- Same-Day Return: When your group plans to return on the same day, the aircraft and crew often remain with you, waiting at the destination. From an operational perspective, this is the most cost-effective arrangement as it eliminates empty repositioning legs.
- Short Stays: For trips requiring 1 or 2 nights at the destination, the aircraft may still remain positioned at your destination, depending on the operator’s policy. Although the additional costs for crew accommodation during the overnight stays will apply, this arrangement remains relatively cost-efficient.
- Extended Stays: For longer stays, the economics change dramatically. The aircraft typically cannot remain idle at your destination for extended periods, necessitating “empty leg” repositioning flights both after dropping you off and before picking you up. These empty flights effectively double your air time costs, significantly increasing the total charter price.
Special Services
Private group charter offers customization options that can significantly enhance your travel experience.
- Premium Catering Options: Unlike commercial airlines’ standardized meal service, private charters allow for customized catering ranging from simple refreshments to gourmet multi-course meals.
- Personalized Branding Opportunities: For corporate groups, private charters offer unique branding possibilities, such as customized headrest covers with company logos.
- Specialized Ground Services: Private group charters can arrange specialized ground services, such as expedited security screening and dedicated check-in counters.
Rental Prices for Private Group Charters
Group Charter Prices for Private Turboprop Airliners
| Aircraft Type | Max. Passengers | Typical Passenger | Flight Attendant | Price Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beechcraft 1900 | 19 | 19 | Optional | € 3,500 / flight hour |
| Jetstream 32 | 19 | 19 | Optional | € 3,500 / flight hour |
| Metroliner | 19 | 19 | Optional | € 3,500 / flight hour |
| Saab 340 | 36 | 30 | ✅ Yes | € 5,500 / flight hour |
| Dornier 328 | 39 | 33 | ✅ Yes | € 5,500 / flight hour |
| ATR42-300 | 48 | 42 | ✅ Yes | € 6,500 / flight hour |
| Dash 8 Q400 | 90 | 78 | ✅ Yes | € 8,000 / flight hour |
Group Charter Prices for Private Regional Airliners
| Aircraft Type | Max. Passengers | Typical Passenger | Flight Attendant | Price Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer ERJ-135 | 37 | 35 | ✅ Yes | € 7,000 / flight hour |
| Embraer ERJ-145 | 50 | 49 | ✅ Yes | € 8,000 / flight hour |
| Embraer E170 | 88 | 76 | ✅ Yes | € 11,500 / flight hour |
| Embraer E175 | 114 | 88 | ✅ Yes | € 13,000 / flight hour |
| Embraer E190 | 122 | 96 | ✅ Yes | € 14,000 / flight hour |
Group Charter Prices for Private Jet Airliners
| Aircraft Type | Max. Passengers | Typical Passenger | Flight Attendant | Price Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A220 Family | 135 – 160 | 100 – 150 | ✅ Yes | € 16,000 / flight hour |
| Airbus A320 Family | 160 – 244 | 120 – 220 | ✅ Yes | € 18,000 / flight hour |
| Airbus A330 Family | 277 – 465 | 220 – 300 | ✅ Yes | € 28,000 / flight hour |
| Airbus A340 Family | 295 – 475 | 261 – 380 | ✅ Yes | € 30,000 / flight hour |
| Aircraft Type | Max. Passengers | Typical Passenger | Flight Attendant | Price Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 Family | 149 – 230 | 126 – 204 | ✅ Yes | € 18,000 / flight hour |
| Boeing 777 Family | 317 – 392 | 301 – 368 | ✅ Yes | € 28,000 / flight hour |
| Boeing 787 Family | 359 – 440 | 248 – 356 | ✅ Yes | € 32,000 / flight hour |
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Group
Private group charter offers flexibility, time savings, and customization that commercial airlines simply cannot match. While it rarely competes purely on price with commercial group bookings, understanding the value proposition beyond the basic fare comparison is crucial.
For groups valuing convenience, schedule control, and a personal travel experience, private group charter remains an attractive option despite the premium cost. By carefully considering aircraft selection, trip duration, group size, and luggage requirements, you can optimize your private aviation experience and maximize value.
At FA Jets, we specialize in helping groups navigate these considerations to find the most cost-effective private aviation solution for their specific needs. Contact our team to discuss how we can tailor a group charter experience that balances your budget constraints with your travel requirements.
