Private Jet Price: New, Used & Ownership Costs

A private jet can mean very different things to different buyers. For one person it is a small used jet bought outright. For another it is a new long-range aircraft ordered from the factory. And for many travelers it is not an aircraft they own at all, but a jet card that sells hours of flying. The price of each is set on a different scale, so mixing the numbers leads to confusion.

This guide separates those three. It covers what new jets list for, what used jets sell for on average, and what jet cards charge per hour. It also covers the running costs that come with ownership.

Buying a new jet means paying list price, adjusted for options and the buyer's configuration. The table lists published prices for a few popular models across the midsize, super-midsize, and heavy categories.

List prices describe a basic aircraft. Interior design, avionics, and delivery position can change the invoice, and buyers often negotiate. The Global 7500 and Global 8000 are both in the heavy category, with the 8000 listed as a starting price, so compare what each figure covers before drawing conclusions.

A used jet usually costs less than a comparable new one, though condition, age, hours, and maintenance status can shift the price in either direction.

These are average asking prices across all listed jets in each size category, not the price of a particular aircraft. TTM means trailing twelve months, so the figure reflects a year of listings rather than a single week. An average of a whole category also hides a wide spread: a very old jet and a recent one are both included.

For a specific model, the next table lists a used asking price for the Challenger 350, which can be compared with the new price above.

The new list price and the used asking price for the Challenger 350 come from the same publisher, but a used price depends on the individual aircraft. Treat the difference between them as a rough indication of how much value a jet keeps after the first owner, not as a rule that applies to every model.

A jet card lets you prepay for flight hours on a provider's fleet without owning anything. The prices are quoted per flight hour and rise with the size of the aircraft.

These figures are averages of jet card programs, not charter rates. Charter, where you book a specific trip, is priced differently and should not be compared directly with these numbers. Jet card contracts also carry terms that affect the real cost, such as fuel surcharges, repositioning fees, deposit sizes, and peak-day restrictions. Read the full contract before paying a deposit.

The purchase price is the beginning of the cost, not the total. Request current numbers for the items below from a broker or a management company.

• Crew. Pilots are paid salaries, and training must be kept current.
• Fuel. Consumption and price vary by aircraft and by airport.
• Maintenance. Scheduled inspections, parts, and engine programs make up a large share of annual cost.
• Insurance. Premiums depend on aircraft value, pilots, and use.
• Hangar. Large aircraft need space, and the price varies by airport.
• Management. Many owners hire a management company to handle crew, scheduling, and compliance.
• Landing, handling, and navigation fees. These are charged per trip and vary by airport.
• Depreciation. The aircraft usually loses value over time, though how fast depends on the model and the market.

The right choice depends mostly on how many hours you expect to fly each year. Owning an aircraft carries the highest fixed costs but gives full control. A fractional share reduces the upfront cost by splitting ownership. A jet card has no ownership cost and a contract that fixes the hourly price. Charter has no commitment and varies with each trip. A broker or a financial advisor can model the choices against your expected use.

Because aircraft purchases are large and complex, consult a licensed aviation attorney, tax professional, and broker for the details of any deal. Pilot certificates and aircraft registration are covered by FAA rules, so check them before you buy.