The rise of affordable private jet travel

Once reserved for rockstars and presidents, private jets are now the vehicle of choice for savvy travellers – but what’s driving the price down and demand up? Laura Barry investigates the rise of affordable private jet travel.

Since resuming in 2022, Australia’s commercial aviation industry has struggled with delayed departures, sky-high fares and poor customer service – a climate that’s facilitated the democratisation of private chartered flights. Today, affluent families, business travellers, groups of friends and corporate delegations can hire private jets at a cost that’s comparable to commercial business and first-class fares.

VIP treatment: What to expect on private jets

Comfort, privacy and flexibility drive the appeal of affordable private jet travel, offering luxurious interiors, personalised catering, and bespoke itineraries tailored to your schedule. Passengers can avoid the chaos of commercial airports, replacing lengthy check-ins and security lines with swift boarding and private lounges, often taking off within 15 minutes of arrival. The added perks of bringing pets or customising seating – think lie-flat beds – make private jets ideal for families and groups seeking a seamless travel experience. Ultimately, private jet travel provides a bespoke in-flight experience that commercial airlines cannot match

The rise of affordable private jet travel

Offering a luxurious and practical alternative for large groups and families accustomed to flying in premium cabins, chartered jets combine exclusivity with cost-effectiveness – and the trend is backed by data. Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics’ Domestic Aviation Activity January 2023 report found private jet travel in Australia had increased by 28 per cent since 2020. In April 2024, The Australian reported that charter flights carried more passengers than Rex, flying 13 per cent of all domestic air travellers around Australia, up from 8.6 per cent pre-Covid.

Globally, private jet travel has been growing year-on-year since 2020. Peaking in 2022 and taking a very slight dip in 2023, private jet travel was still 17% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Research published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment this year found the number of private jets increased by 28% and the distance flown jumped by 53% between 2019 and 2023. The US, the UK and Australia are among the top 10 countries with the most private jet travel undertaken, with a private jet taking off every six minutes in the UK. In Europe, July 2024 saw a 250% increase in private jet arrivals compared to January, suggesting many flights were for leisure purposes.

Empty legs

The shift away from flying business or first class to private is largely due to a change in accessibility to affordable private jet travel. In June, FlyJets CEO Jessica Fisher told Business Insider that people can fly private for cheaper by booking ‘empty legs’, a practice that’s more cost-effective for customers yet allows operators to generate more revenue. That is, when a private charter drops off a guest, it still has to return the plane and crew to home base – and that flight is typically empty. To offset the cost, aviation companies offer this leg to passengers at a discount. In Australia, look to companies such as Airly, Navair and Flight Charter for similar services.

How much does it cost to charter private jets in Australia?

In Australia, entry-level charters begin at approximately $2,000 per hour, escalating to $20,000 per hour for premium long-haul routes, with prices influenced by variables such as aircraft type, passenger count, distance, and seasonal demand. Opting for an empty-leg flight can further reduce costs, creating more opportunities for affordable private jet travel.

What is a private jet membership?

Private jet memberships offering access to flights are designed to make private aviation more accessible by utilising empty-leg flights, repositioning flights that would otherwise operate without passengers. These memberships typically involve an annual fee, granting members the opportunity to book available flights at minimal or no additional cost.

Can you buy a seat on a private jet?

You can buy a seat on private jets through empty-leg flights, on-demand platforms or via private flight-sharing apps.