A Closer Look At The Costs To Rent A Private Jet

Living in Singapore, we are fortunate to be at a crossroads of international travel. Thanks to Changi Airport, one of the greatest in the world, we have easy access to a huge number of commercial flights that can take us nearly anywhere. There’s just one problem: These flights are scheduled on international airlines, which is good for most people—but not all.

If you have the money and want to travel as conveniently as possible, and in total luxury without the hoi polloi, there is an alternative to the ubiquitous airport experience: Renting a private aircraft. A private jet charter provides the exclusivity and comfort of private travel without the long-term commitment of aircraft ownership, much like renting a luxury yacht for a few days. However, private jets can cost millions of dollars, and then there’s the upkeep and staff, so their services don’t come cheap.

Comfortable seats, extra space, lavish meals and drinks, remote locations, and extraordinary service are only some advantages of private travel. Flying privately lets you avoid drawn-out security checks, immigration lines, baggage problems, and check-in procedures. You’ll also appreciate the ability to arrive at the airport and take off in a matter of minutes.

In Singapore, there are about a dozen charter airlines that will provide a private jet for your travels. The real question is, how much can you expect to pay for such an exclusive and extravagant experience?

One of the more experienced aircraft hire companies is Singapore Air Charter. The aviation company was established in 2010 by a former airline owner and airline captain. The company offers various jet services besides private chartering, including medical evacuation, air freight forwarding, and aviation consultancy services. 

According to Managing Director Stefan Wood, the company’s fleet includes small, midsize, big cabin, and ultra-long-range aircraft. The different aircraft types mean that it accommodates a range of needs for travellers for both budget and distance travelled. 

The kind and size of the aircraft, the distance and duration of the flight, whether it is one-way or round-trip, and the cost of fuel are some of the variables that affect the price. Wood says, “Booking a charter jet couldn’t be easier. Singapore Air Charter will get your requirements and present you all available options and all within 24 hours.”

Naturally, you need to ask any chartered private jet operators for a price quote to get the precise cost of the flight you want. As a rule, you should budget approximately $2,000 per hour for each passenger. For example, a three-hour flight for four people will cost almost $24,000 (one-way).

Another notable private aviation company is Seletar Jet Charter, which is based at Seletar Airport in Singapore, one of the main airports for private jets. Like Singapore Air Charter, Seletar Jet Charter provides other private jet services, including aircraft management and air ambulance repatriations. It offers a range of jets, from ultra-long-range to mid-sized. An example of its ultra-long-range jet is the Bombardier Global 7500, which can accommodate up to 19 passengers, travel up to 16 hours, and has a cruise height of 51,000 feet. 

UK-based Air Charter Service, a global private jet charter firm with 27 offices in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, also has an office in Singapore. The company lets you fill in your travel dates and requirements on its website and then provides a quote. Air Charter Service arranges more than 25,000 charter flights annually. Additionally, the charter service offers access to more than 50,000 different airplanes around the world.

For example, if you want to charter an entry-level business jet—that can seat up to eight passengers — from Singapore to Bangkok. That flight would set you back an estimated S$34,000 one way (before taxes and fees). If you wanted to go even farther, in a private jet from, say, Singapore to London, a flight to the English capital on a US$72,000,000 (S$96,500,000) Gulfstream G650 (which can hold up to 18 passengers) will cost you the neighbourhood of S$240,000 one way, excluding fees and service charges.

While the cost may leave you gasping for air, taking a chartered private jet can help save you precious time and provide you with an extraordinary experience. As indicated earlier, various factors will decide the eventual cost, from the type and size of aircraft to the distance travelled, fuel costs, and even the time and airport you land at/depart from.

Finally, if you’re looking for a charter bargain, they do exist.  An “empty leg” flight, which occurs when a private aircraft has to return to its home base or fly empty to another destination for a planned pickup, can occasionally be booked through a charter company. Compared to standard full-price charters, these flights can be provided at a 50–75% reduction; nevertheless, flexibility is necessary as you can’t dictate the schedule. Who knows, with a bit of patience and a bit of luck, you just might be able to enjoy that once-in-a-lifetime private jet experience that’s much better than travelling first class on a commercial airline.