Private jets cost less than you'd think. London to Paris? About £4,000-£6,000. Split it four ways. That's £1,000 each. Still pricey. But doable.
The real question: what changes the price? Know the factors. Get better deals. This guide shows real UK prices with examples.
Light jet per hour
Midsize jet per hour
Super-mid per hour
Heavy jet per hour
What Are the Different Private Jet Categories and Their Costs?
Jets come in four sizes. Pick the wrong one and you overpay. Pick right and you save thousands. Size matters most for your final price.
Light Jets (£2,000-£3,000/hour)
4-7 passengers | 1,500-2,000 mile range
Perfect for short European hops. Citation CJ3, Phenom 300, Learjet 75. London to Paris, Nice, or Geneva fits comfortably.
Example: London Luton to Nice = £4,500-£6,000 one way
Midsize Jets (£4,000-£5,500/hour)
7-9 passengers | 2,500-3,500 mile range
Stand-up cabin height and proper galley. Citation XLS, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60. Reaches most European destinations non-stop.
Example: London to Moscow = £18,000-£22,000 one way
Super-Midsize Jets (£6,000-£9,000/hour)
8-10 passengers | 4,000-5,000 mile range
Larger cabin, better range. Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Gulfstream G280. London to Dubai non-stop possible.
Example: London to Dubai = £45,000-£55,000 one way
Heavy Jets (£12,000-£18,000/hour)
12-16 passengers | 6,000-7,500 mile range
Full bedroom, shower, standing room throughout. Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, Falcon 8X. Transatlantic without stops.
Example: London to New York = £85,000-£120,000 one way
What Factors Affect Private Jet Charter Prices?
Two identical routes can have wildly different prices. Understanding these factors helps you negotiate better deals and time your bookings wisely.
Positioning Flights
If the aircraft must fly empty to reach you, that "deadhead" flight adds to your cost. Departing from major private aviation hubs like Farnborough or Luton often reduces this fee.
Peak Season Demand
Ski season to Geneva, summer to Ibiza, Monaco Grand Prix - prices surge 20-40%. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead during peaks is essential.
Airport Fees
Landing at Nice Côte d'Azur costs more than nearby Cannes-Mandelieu. Slot-restricted airports like Teterboro charge premium fees during busy periods.
Return Leg Flexibility
One-way charters cost more because the operator must sell the return separately. Round trips with fixed dates offer 15-25% savings.
What Are Empty Leg Flights and How Much Do They Save?
Empty legs are the charter industry's best-kept secret. When an aircraft positions empty between bookings, operators sell these flights at 50-75% discount. A £6,000 light jet trip might cost just £2,000 as an empty leg.
Empty Leg Considerations
• Routes and times are fixed - you match to available flights
• Cancellation risk exists if the primary booking changes
• Short notice typical - usually 24-72 hours
• Best for flexible travellers with common route needs
Popular empty leg routes include London to Nice, Paris to Geneva, and Ibiza returns. Our private jet industry statistics show empty leg availability peaks during seasonal migration periods.
How Do UK Private Jet Prices Compare to Europe?
UK charter prices run slightly higher than continental Europe due to operating costs, insurance requirements, and VAT considerations. However, the difference rarely exceeds 10-15% for comparable aircraft and services.
| Route | Aircraft | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| London - Paris | Light Jet | £4,000 - £5,500 |
| London - Nice | Light Jet | £5,500 - £7,000 |
| London - Geneva | Light Jet | £5,000 - £6,500 |
| London - Ibiza | Light Jet | £8,000 - £10,000 |
| London - Monaco | Midsize Jet | £7,500 - £9,500 |
FAQs About Private Jet Charter Costs
Whether you're a new client or a long-time partner, we're here to help. Below are answers to the most common questions.
Round trips with fixed dates typically save 15-25% compared to two separate one-way bookings. The operator avoids repositioning costs and can plan crew scheduling efficiently. However, one-way makes sense if you're uncertain about return timing.