Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The trend seen in 2013 of more larger aircraft being sold appears to be continuing. Led by both a slowly growing global economy, as well as an increase in billionaires worldwide, the average asking prices for heavy jets have steadily increased since 2012, reaching a $15.4 million peak in April (according to AMSTAT).

There are several providers of fractional light jet programs and between them these providers offer a variety of aircraft. Here's an overview and comparison of some of the key aspects of the programs.

If you are looking to assess the various private jet options, SherpaReport's fully updated "Guide to Private Aviation" is now available. The updates include the latest trends, prices, and products offered in private aviation. Now in its fourth year, the "Guide to Private Aviation" is a free downloadable guide that provides valuable information for anyone considering and assessing fractional ownership, jet cards or aircraft charter.

Introduced in 2006 as an upgrade to the Challenger 604, the Bombardier Challenger 605 business jet is produced by Bombardier Aerospace. The 605 offers several upgrades to the 604, including upgraded instrumentation to the Collins Proline 21 Avionics, a rounder tailcone, and larger cabin windows. This article walks through the various costs of ownership for the 605.

Avinode, a company that provides charter quotes on more than 3,000 aircraft in their marketplace, has recently released data showing that charter jet rates are continuing to rise in the US and Canada.

SherpaReport has just released a brand-new searchable and browsable directory of all the US airports. The online directory includes commercial airports, private airports, and helipads, and is sorted by state. You can use it to find the nearest airport to you or your destination. It is especially useful if you're flying privately and can access the thousands of airports that commercial flights do not serve.

Flying internationally always requires more planning than domestic travel, even when flying on private aircraft. Before leaving, be sure to know what all of the specific rules are. Your aircraft operator or broker will help, but here are some general guidelines for flying internationally on private aircraft. 

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has recently released their 2013 General Aviation Statistical Databook & 2014 Industry Outlook. The report included data on sales of new business jets in 2013, which showed a small 0.9% increase in the number of planes sold, from 672 in 2012 to 678 in 2013.

JETNET, a provider of corporate aviation data and information, recently released 2013 year-end results for the pre-owned business jet, business turboprop, helicopter and commercial airliner markets. The data continues to show a buyer's market, but with a continued drop in for-sale inventories across all pre-owned market sectors with the exception of turbine helicopters.

Use the tool below to find information about over 250 business aircraft, including jets, turboprops and pistons. This free tool, powered by AircraftBudgetAnalyzer, provides operating costs and specifications for the aircraft you’re interested in. The free interactive executive summary lets you change:

  • Flight Hours
  • Fuel Costs
  • Home Base Airport

 

You can see the effect on annual operating expenses when you make flight hour and fuel cost changes. You can also see historical summaries including associated general characteristics.

The editable Range Map graphically represents the actual distance you can fly from your preferred departure point, or any of the over 8,000 airports around the world. To access your free PlaneFastFacts© Executive summary, please register below and submit your request. You will receive an email immediately, with a link for the aircraft you’re interested in.

The full set of results is available for purchase for just $89 for seven days of access, and lets you do side-by-side cost comparisons on up to 3 aircraft. It also includes detailed specifications and typical floor plans.

Finding the right aircraft for your mission has never been easier.

By using this tool you are agreeing with the SherpaReport Terms & Conditions

The results were powered by Aircraft Cost Calculator.

Whether it's the customer service, privacy, time-saving, flexibility, public image, or the convenience of private aviation, those who choose to charter a private plane need to consider some factors before booking. Here are the steps to follow if you are considering chartering a private aircraft.

If you charter private aircraft, you may have come across reference to FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) Part 135. Here's a quick overview to give you some background.

In the cost of operating private aircraft, jet fuel is usually the largest variable factor. For instance, as we noted in our analysis of the operating costs of the Embraer 300, fuel is the largest variable cost - $1,292 per hour. The pricing per gallon of Jet A fuel can vary significantly, as can the typical burn rate. This article delves into the variances and burn rates.

If you own a fractional aircraft or are looking into fractional ownership, you'll probably come across references to FAR 91 Subpart K. These are the federal regulations that cover fractions. Here's an overview of the regulations to bring you up to speed with the most important aspects for fractional aircraft owners.

Many pet lovers choose to travel with their pets, and private aircraft, for a variety of reasons, are a better option for safe and comfortable pet travel. On a private jet, all pets, not just those small enough to fit under the seat, can travel in the main cabin, and they may also be able walk around unrestrained when the plane is at a comfortable cruising altitude.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer introduced the Phenom 300 in 2009, and launched the enhanced Phenom 300E in 2017. Overall the aircraft has built a reputation for excellent performance and low operational costs, making it a consistent best sellerin the light jet category. This article looks through the various costs of ownership.

The independent ARGUS rating system looks at an aircraft operators actual safety history, and produces a grade for that operator. If you're a potential customer of a jet charter company or fractional operator it's well worth asking about their ARGUS rating.

Whether you fly for business or leisure purposes, you can choose either private jets or commercial airlines to get from point A to point B. With many smart executives looking at private jet charters as the most comfortable and reliable form of transportation, here is a look at the pros and cons of commercial flights vs. chartering a private jet.

Supplemental Lift provides aircraft owners access to substitute aircraft when their own aircraft is not available. It can fill the gap if an aircraft is undergoing maintenance, or when a need arises for a simultaneous trip, or for flights that may originate or terminate outside a normal range or operating area.

One of the common questions when it comes to air travel is, "How much can I bring?" Whether traveling on a commercial airline or via private jet, there is always a limit to the amount of space and the weight. With many people wanting to bring some of their toys along with them, such as golf clubs or skis, space can be a big concern.

This is a question that we hear quite a bit, as we talk to people who are looking at private jets and other private aircraft. So this article walks you through the different factors and provides some pricing indications. At the bottom of the page is a pricing tool to give you a quote on a custom flight.

So, you've met with the salesperson, been dazzled by the fancy brochures and decided that you're in—you're going to buy a fractional jet share. What's next?