How to Charter a Private Jet? Useful Tips when Hiring a Private Plane for the First Time

You have avoided commercial flights for a reason. There are several private jet operators in Europe and dozens of private aircraft types to choose from, and that is why private aviation brokers like us are here for: to find the aircraft that best suits your travel needs. While booking your jet, keep the following points in mind:




Number of passengers: this actually defines the type of private jet you are going to charter. On average, 4 to 18 people can be accommodated in planes ranging from turboprops to heavy jets. Other aspects include the layout of the jet cabin and the space requirement.




Flight distance: having an idea of the flight distance is necessary for the selection of the appropriate aircraft. When flying long distances, if you do not want to take a break for refuelling, then you might have to book a larger private jet with more fuel autonomy.

Another advantage is that large and long-range jets are equipped with convertible sofa beds as you may want to take a nap when flying long distances.




Airport restrictions: travelling to remote areas usually comes with some restrictions. A disadvantage is that small airports usually have shorter runways that only specific private jets, such as the Pilatus PC-24, can approach. Consequently, the choice of your private plane type may also vary depending upon your final destination.




Amount of luggage: The more luggage you have, the larger the aircraft needs to be to carry them. There are certain jets that do not accommodate more than the 1 or 2 pieces of carry-on luggage. So please make a note of the number and size of the pieces of luggage you are going bring along with other items such as golf clubs and sports equipment. Read more:

Generally speaking, Prices start from € 4.500/ flight hour up to € 10.000/ flight hour, depending on your aircraft size. We at Cielo Aviation offer an all-inclusive formula based on the following elements:



• Hourly rate depending on the type of aircraft that best suits your needs;
• Costs for aircraft positioning at the point of departure;
• Crew costs (pilots and flight attendants);
• Costs of fuel and aircraft maintenance;
• Airport taxes and landing fees.



For instance, for a one-hour flight from Rome to Olbia prices start from approximately Euro 4.500 one-way in a Very Light Jet (this includes the airplane returning to its base). A round trip can be more convenient if the return flight is no later than 24/48h after the outbound flight (in that case, the round-trip will be just slightly more expensive than the one-way flight). If several days lie between the return flight, the flights will be priced as two one-ways.

You can book a private jet in two ways: One way is to charter a flight through operators. Operators are the ones who themselves physically manage a fleet of aircraft. The other way is through a broker like us, Cielo Aviation. Brokers are the middlemen between operators and clients. There are a number of reasons in favour of hiring a private jet broker instead of an operator, and we explain why:



Booking via Private Jet Brokers: Brokers have developed a trustful long-term relationship with operators. As a result, they get discounts. Individuals usually book a private jet once in a while, while brokers make volume purchases, which enables them to negotiate rates.



Aircraft Security and back-up choice: In case of any technical or mechanical failure, brokers usually have a Plan B. While an operator is stuck with his grounded fleet, brokers’ ability to source a suitable private jet on the market for you can be helpful when it comes to finding a backup-plan. We know you cannot afford to run late for your appointment and we are experienced with unforeseen inconveniences.



Ensuring Safety: Every charter operator ensures safety standards are being met. However, if you have chartered a jet via a broker, they will ensure that the aircraft and the crew are properly investigated. Brokers like us have an accurate evaluation report of pilot experience, cabin crew behaviour and third-party auditing that can be matched with your needs. Moreover, we at Cielo Aviation charter private jets only with certified operators as safety has always been our top priority.



The Contract and Payment: You will have to duly give the required information so that the private jet broker can draft the contract. The signing of the contract is done through any e-signing application. As far as payment is concerned it is made via wire transfer or credit or debit cards, also cryptocurrency payments are possible. You will be required to make advance payment and additional charges like catering or car transfers are calculated in the final bill.

Your private jet broker will keep track of the details of your trip ahead of your flight. First of all, let us know about your catering preferences. Give prior notice if you are allergic to any kind of food, and let us know about any special request in advance. Be it your favourite street-food, birthday cake requests or chocolates and flowers - we like nothing better than ensuring your flight experience is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.



Even if you are flying private, you still need to carry all the necessary travel documents with you. Check that your passport and National Identity card are still valid. Similarly, if a VISA is required, you will have to apply prior to booking your private jet. The advantage is that your broker can help you with the visa process and you will be treated on a priority basis with chartered flights in terms of boarding procedures and boarder-control.



A private jet broker usually offers ground transportation services as well. On request, a private chauffeur can pick you up along with your luggage and drive you to the airport. In some cases, you can even get tarmac access to the runway and will be dropped at the stairs of your private jet.

Unlike with commercial airlines, private jet charter flights do not require you to arrive at the airport several hours before take-off. We ask you to arrive only 20 minutes prior to departure time in order to avoid any hassle and to ensure take-off on time. At the airport, you will go through what is called a Fixed Base Operator (FBO). They are essentially VIP or Private Jet Terminals for private aviation customers, where you will board or disembark from your aircraft.



Once inside the private jet terminal, a representative will wait for you and inform your private jet crew and pilot of your arrival. Your luggage will be carried by the handling agent directly to the plane. After going through an identification check and rapid pre-flight brief, you are ready to fly.



Should you book a private jet for your client or someone else, on the day of departure, we supervise the positioning of the plane and assure the smooth transit of the passengers at the airport. We will update you with your client’s journey.

Upon arrival, an agent will be waiting near the door-steps of your plane to transport you and your luggage to the private jet terminal. Usually, your private jet broker has arranged a private chauffeur service to your final destination for your convenience. This is another major advantage of hiring a private broker - they make all the necessary arrangements for you and offer post-flight services as well.

We understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly, and this is why we offer 24/7 support to assist you with sudden inquiries or last-minute changes. We provide you with real-time updates and monitor the entire flight progress, reassuring you with peace of mind.

Cielo Aviation helps you to smoothly navigate you through different Time Zones and countries with personal and always available services.



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: