Owning a private jet has long been associated with luxury and exclusivity, but beyond the appeal of prestige, there are practical benefits that make it a desirable investment for many high-profile individuals and businesses. From time-saving convenience to increased productivity and flexibility, the benefits highlight the significant impact private jet ownership can have on both personal and professional endeavors. Read on to learn more about these four key benefits, exploring how owning a private jet can be a game-changer for those seeking an efficient, tailored, and unforgettable travel experience.
When it comes to the most expensive purchases, people have a frame of reference based on previous experience. In real estate, there is not much difference between buying a $250,000 house and a $2,500,000 one. Likewise, buying an expensive car involves the same principles as buying your first piece of junk to get from point A to point B.
The problem with business aviation is that first-time buyers have no reference point other than what they've seen in movies and magazines.
Perhaps they have a friend who is involved in aviation. Or maybe they have previously tried business aviation through charter or fractional ownership. But now the idea of owning their own jet for the first time seems like a foreign concept, akin to changing careers and learning an entirely new skill.
The biggest question buyers need to answer is: 'Where do I go for reliable information?' Luckily, you've found this article to help…
Along the way you will come across many questions, including how to find the right aircraft and how to negotiate the right deal, right through to how to take delivery of your newly acquired asset and where to find the right team to advise you from start to finish.
Many buyers are surprised to discover that you can buy a plane for less than half a million dollars. (And yes, it flies!) But just because it seems cheaper, does that automatically make it a better choice? What do you get when the price goes up?
Buyers who dig a little deeper into the world of private aviation will quickly discover a wide range of options, including:
Before deciding what type(s) of aircraft you will purchase, you should understand why people use private jets in the first place so you know what aspects are especially important for your intended use. Below are the key benefits of owning a private jet:
Private jets like private jet charter London are the ultimate time machines. Think about how much time and energy is spent on, say, business travel on an airline. Early arrivals at the airport, security checks, flight cancellations, waiting for everyone to board, air delays, bad weather, baggage claim – all of this can lead to a long, drawn-out trip that could be better spent doing something else.
And if you're not traveling to an airport directly served by the carrier, you'll spend even more unproductive time in an intermediate airport terminal waiting to board your connecting flight.
When you have a private jet, you dictate your schedule. Check-in and security at the private terminal takes just over 10 minutes, after which you can board your plane and fly direct to the destination of your choice.
A private jet can even make multiple stops in the same day (depending on the length of each leg), allowing for multiple site visits or meetings at several different destinations—a feat that would take airlines the better part of a week to achieve.
Speaking of destinations, did you know that there are almost ten times more private airports available to private jets than to scheduled airlines?
This means you have a better chance of getting closer to your final destination, reducing the likelihood of you needing a long drive from the airport, and allowing you to spend more time with clients or sightseeing.
Time saved is also productive time on board a private jet. Trading the crowded, noisy environment of an airline cabin for quiet, the controlled environment of a business jet allows passengers to focus on preparing for the meeting they're traveling to, strategizing, and answering calls and emails in the office.
This is largely due to the high-performance in-flight communication equipment that is commonly found on private jets these days, some of which give aircraft cabins the same efficiency as an office.
If productivity is an important factor in why you are considering purchasing a private jet, pay special attention to how the cabin is equipped to facilitate your needs. And of course, comfort is the main value of a productive flight.
Many planes come equipped with in-flight entertainment, and you can control the lighting and temperature in your cabin.
On larger aircraft, you can even recline your seats completely to create sleeping berths if needed, all of which ensures that you arrive at your destination fully prepared, rested and ready to succeed.
Ultimately, the larger the cabin of the aircraft you buy, the more opportunities there are for the perfect balance of in-flight work, rest and play. However, the industry is producing increasingly clever solutions for smaller cabins and airframes, many of which are available as retrofits on used aircraft.
Popular wisdom holds that the only people who need privacy are celebrities, VIPs, or aspiring Mile High Club members. The reality is that everyone feels more comfortable in familiar surroundings.
In the privacy of a private jet, you control who you fly with, meaning sensitive business matters can be discussed en route with those you know and trust. But beyond the question of "who" is traveling, there is the added benefit of "what" is being carried, too.
From pets and branded merchandise to personal items that are best left out of the hands of security guards and baggage handlers, private aviation gives you the opportunity to keep your travel companions and luggage personal and private.
When flying a private jet, you also have control over your aircraft's maintenance standards and the training of your pilots. From a safety standpoint, this can be a comfort to many aircraft owners, especially when the aircraft is used to transport key company executives and staff.
So every decision you make about your aircraft becomes an investment in the safety of your travel.
Depending on your intended use, typical travel requirements, and personal or professional circumstances, various benefits associated with private jet ownership will rank higher than others, and this may impact the specific models you should buy.
Once you have compiled a list of the benefits that are important to you, discuss them with an experienced, reliable air broker and, together, let the search begin.