How Safe are Private Jets?

Private Jet travel has become more popular and affordable over the past years, and we often get asked “Are private planes really safe?”. This question deserves attention, and for us at Cielo Aviation, safety is not just a box to tick – it is our very first priority!

In this article, we are going to explore the regulatory frameworks that governs the private air charter industry in Italy, Europe and the USA, shedding light on the key guidelines that set the industry’s safety, security, and compliance measures.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or never flew in a private plane before, understanding the safety regulations of private aviation can set your mind at ease and might even change how you see flying altogether.

Understanding Private Jet Safety Regulations

Aircraft Certification
Private air charter operators must ensure that their aircraft meet specific safety standards and undergo regular maintenance and inspections to remain airworthy.
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In Italy, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) is the primary regulatory body overseeing the private air charter industry. These regulations encompass aircraft maintenance requirements, crew training standards, and operational protocols, ensuring that air charters adhere to the highest safety standards. Security measures include airport security protocols, comprehensive passenger screening processes, and robust data protection standards.
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For charter flights in the United States, compliance with Part 135 regulations is key. This certification, issued by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) ensures that  aircraft, crew, and operator adhere to specific safety and operational standards. Always ensure your operator can confirm that they hold a valid Part 135 certificate.
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In Europe, private aviation adheres to the regulations set forth by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Similar to Part 135 in the United States, EASA certification ensures that operators comply with rigorous safety and operational requirements.
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Pilot Certification
Pilot qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe charter operations. Regulations in Italy, Europe and USA, require pilots to hold the appropriate licenses, ratings, and experience levels. Ongoing training and recurrent testing are also mandatory to maintain proficiency throughout their careers.

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Private Aviation Safety Statistics

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the total number of general aviation accidents has dropped by up to a quarter since 2002. This is partly due to increased safety measures and technological advancements that help reduce crashes due to human error. When looking at the number of private planes in operation, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) counts that there are approximately 22,000 active private aviation jets worldwide, primarily concentrated in North America (71%) and Europe (13%). 
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When measuring safety, aviation accidents are typically measured by the number of accidents per 100,000 flight hours to give a number proportional to the number of aircraft operating and time in the air. The most recent data available shows that the chances of being involved in a fatal private aviation crash remain pretty low. In 2020, there were a total of 1,085 general aviation accidents. These accidents occurred over 19,454,467 flight hours. The resulting rate of accidents is 1.049 per 100,000 flight hours. 205 out of these 1,085 general aviation accidents were fatal, translating to around 0.198 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours. 
Source: https://simpleflying.com/private-jet-crashes-per-year-2023/
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Looking at the more recent 2022 Airline Safety Performance Report by IATA we note a further drop in airline accidents and we can clearly say that flying is much safer than traveling by car, bus or train. In their last global aviation report, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) pointed out, “Accidents are rare in aviation. There were five fatal accidents among 32.2 million flights in 2022. That tells us that flying is among the safest activities in which a person can engage.” 

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What you should consider when Chartering a Private Jet with a Broker

Chartering a private plane through a trustworthy broker is a common and safe practice. Brokers like Cielo Aviation work with a network of fully licensed operators, ensuring that every flight adheres to the highest safety and regulatory standards. However, there are so-called "grey charter flights" that present a huge challenge to the safety system.
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Grey charter flights are unlicensed charter operations that, while often offering lower prices, operate outside any legal framework. These flights lack an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Without an AOC, operators cannot legally provide commercial flights, and their adherence to safety standards becomes questionable. 
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Since these grey charter operations are not subjected to the same rigorous technical, legal, maintenance, and operational standards as licensed operators, they pose a considerable safety risk to passengers. Cielo Aviation ensures safety and legality by working exclusively with licenced operators adhering to the highest safety standards.
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Chartering an aircraft requires extensive knowledge to locate the most suitable, legal and cost-effective solution. If you are unsure about a certain charter broker you can trust the The Air Charter Association’s (ACA) accredited members. For over 70 years The ACA has been actively educating both public and governments about the risks of illegal charters and introduced the “Fly Legal Day” on January 21st in memory of Premiership footballer Emiliano Sala who lost his live on a illegal charter flight when the aircraft crashed into the English Channel in 2019.

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Get in touch

At Cielo Aviation, we ensure that you reach your destinations in the fastest, safest and most comfortable way. We offer competitive pricing and partner exclusively with accredited and reliable Private Jet & Helicopter Charter operators.
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Contact us on +39 02 87 157 524, by e-mail at charter@cielo-aviation.com or simply use our online booking form, we will get back to you as soon as possible: