What does it cost to charter a private jet in the UAE?

After experiencing remarkable growth of over 25 per cent in 2022 within the regional private aviation sector, the Middle East's private jet rental market is set to continue its rapid expansion.

As more first-time private jet charterers enter the market, the first question is often: “How much does private jet hire cost?” If you’re one of those people, join us as we take a look at everything you need to know, including whether you are better off buying or hiring luxury private jets. 

What does it cost to buy a private jet?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or hire a private plane. Regardless of whether you purchase a used or new private jet, the upfront and ongoing costs are significant. 

For instance, a used Embraer Phenom 100 entry-level light jet typically costs around USD 2.9 million (AED 10.65 million). The newer Phenom 100EV, on the other hand, costs approximately USD 4.5 million (AED 16.5 million). 

A mid-sized jet such as the Cessna Citation Latitude costs between USD $17.50 million (AED 64.28 million) and USD $19.50 million (AED 71.62 million) depending on the year of production. For an elevated level of luxury, the Gulfstream G650 heavy jet comes with a starting price of around USD $36 million (AED 132.23 million) for a 2013 model, whereas a new G650ER can cost upwards of $75 million (AED 275.47 million). 

In addition to the upfront private plane costs, there are also operational costs, which can range from thousands to millions of AED every year. These ongoing costs include:

• Hanger and storage fees: To ensure your aircraft has the longest lifespan possible, it needs to be protected from the elements and stored in a hanger.
• Fuel: Fuel costs can vary dramatically depending on the distance you fly, as well as the base costs of jet fuel.
• Crew salaries: As an aircraft owner, you’ll need to pay the cost of your flight crew to ensure they are available whenever you need to fly.
• Maintenance: When you own an aircraft, all the maintenance costs will fall on your shoulders. And due to how important it is that your aircraft be in optimal condition for any flight, there’s no getting around these costs.
• Insurance: Owning a private jet is expensive, but owning a private jet without insurance is even more costly. To ensure you’re not caught off-guard by any unexpected costs, you can get aircraft insurance to cover costs associated with liability, in-flight damage, ground damage, and other risks.

Why charter a private jet?

While purchasing a private jet may be tempting, it may not be the most cost-effective option and it’s important to consider the many advantages of chartering an aircraft instead. 

Some of the major benefits that chartering a private jet offers over buying an aircraft are:

• No high upfront cost to purchase an aircraft
• No ongoing costs such as the licensing, maintenance, and operational costs
• Choose from a wide range of aircraft to suit your flight requirements, such as the distance you need to fly or the number of people traveling with you
• Pay only for the costs associated with the flight you take
• No need to manage the aircraft or hire an aircraft management company on your behalf
• No need to worry about the depreciating value of a private jet
• No concerns about the declining value of the jet

Let’s take a closer look at the costs of chartering different classes of private jets in the UAE.

What does it cost to hire a light jet in the UAE?

When you charter an aircraft for a short flight, the most financially economical option is typically a light jet. However, there is limited availability of this class of jet in the Middle East, which can impact the charter price. Popular choices in this class include the Cessna Citation CJ2 and the super light Embraer Phenom 300. 

A two-and-a-half-hour flight from Dubai to Jeddah in the award-winning Phenom 300 will likely be similarly priced to a short one-hour flight from Abu Dhabi to Bharain onboard a CJ2+ due to a variety of factors, including aircraft scarcity. 

Sometimes, a charter on a larger jet can prove more financially economical for relatively short flights in the region. For example, a 50-minute flight from Dubai to Doha can cost less on a Gulfstream G450 heavy jet than a Phenom 300. Contact your local charter expert for a definitive quote. 

What does it cost to hire a mid-size jet in the UAE?

Mid-size jets are ideal if you require more passenger and luggage space. These aircraft typically accommodate up to eight people and offer a unique combination of speed, comfort, low operating costs and four to five hours of flying time. 

A flight from Dubai to Jeddah in a Hawker 850XP is one of the most cost-effective options in this class. This aircraft accommodates up to eight passengers and can complete the journey in two-and-a-half hours. If you’re looking to extend your journey, a trip from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul in a speedy Bombardier Learjet 60XR will usually cost slightly less than the same flight on board a modern super mid-size Bombardier Challenger 350. 

What does it cost to hire a heavy jet in the UAE?

If you’re traveling with an even bigger group of passengers, a heavy jet is often the most viable option. For example, popular private jets like the Dassault Falcon 900EX and Bombardier Global 5000 both typically accommodate 13 passengers and feature luxurious interiors, ensuring your party arrives at its destination in style.

You will also likely need to opt for a heavy jet if you want to travel long distances without making a fuel stop. A non-stop flight from Dubai to London will require a private jet like the Embraer Legacy 650, whereas a flight from Dubai to Singapore will need a jet like the Bombardier Challenger 850. 

If you desire more space or need to fly a longer distance, an ultra-long-range heavy jet provides the most viable option. A Gulfstream G650ER is capable of flying non-stop for 13 hours from Dubai to Sydney, but this will cost more than any other flight option mentioned so far.

What is an empty-leg charter?

An empty-leg charter is the most cost-effective way to fly privately. This refers to instances when a private jet is booked for a one-way trip and is scheduled to return home or travel to another destination with no passengers. In these cases, the empty seats are offered at a reduced rate – sometimes up to 75% off the standard private jet cost. 

Contact Air Charter Service to arrange your next private jet charter

Please contact us for a personalized quote and we’ll help you arrange your private jet charter from start to finish. With more than 30 years of experience in the private charter industry as well as a network of offices all over the globe, we’ll help you source the perfect aircraft for your travel requirements.

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