Private charter hourly rates vary widely by aircraft category, from helicopters and turboprops through light, midsize, super-midsize, heavy and ultra-long-range jets to VIP airliners and group aircraft. As a rough starting point, helicopters can range from about $1,500 to $6,000+ per hour, turboprops from $1,800 to $3,000, and heavy and ultra-long-range jets from about $8,500 to $20,000+ per hour. VIP airliners and group aircraft are custom priced and can go considerably higher.
The hourly rate is usually the first thing everyone asks about. It’s also one of the easiest numbers to misunderstand until you know which aircraft actually fits the trip.
The right aircraft depends on the route, passengers, luggage, airport or landing location, runway, schedule, nonstop capability, comfort and what’s actually available.
A lower hourly rate doesn’t always mean a lower total trip cost. The option with the lower hourly rate may be slower, need a fuel stop, have less luggage space or simply cost more once the entire trip is priced.
Depending on aircraft positioning, availability, routing and the current market, the total trip price can sometimes be much better than the typical hourly rate for that category might suggest.
Helicopters: $1,500 to $6,000+/hr
Typically three to seven passengers on smaller helicopters, with larger twin-engine helicopters accommodating eight to fifteen or more depending on configuration.
Helicopters can be a very good option for short point-to-point flights, airport transfers, city-to-resort travel, events, island hops and trips where landing closer to the actual destination can save a lot of ground time.
Pricing depends heavily on the helicopter, route, landing location and permissions, weather, passenger and luggage weights, crew and repositioning. A smaller single-engine helicopter can price very differently from a larger twin-engine VIP helicopter.
Some helicopter quotes may be based on one pilot. If the quote is based on one pilot and adding a second pilot changes the cost, we’ll make that clear in the quote.
Turboprops: $1,800 to $3,000/hr
Typically four to eight passengers, depending on the aircraft.
Turboprops are often the most economical option, but price isn’t their only advantage. Many can use shorter runways and smaller airports that may not work for certain jets, getting passengers closer to where they actually need to be.
They’re generally a good option for shorter flights, smaller groups and trips where airport access matters more than jet speed.
Light Jets: $3,500 to $6,000/hr
Typically six to eight passengers, depending on the aircraft.
Light jets work well for many shorter regional trips where jet speed is helpful but a larger cabin isn’t necessary.
Passenger count, luggage, runway length, weather, range and nonstop capability still need to be checked before assuming a light jet is the best option.
Midsize Jets: $5,000 to $8,000/hr
Typically six to nine passengers.
Midsize jets provide more cabin space, luggage capacity and range than light jets and can be a good option when clients want more room without moving up to a super-midsize or heavy jet.
They’re commonly used for longer regional flights and business travel.
Super-Midsize Jets: $6,500 to $10,000/hr
Typically seven to ten passengers.
Super-midsize jets offer larger cabins, more luggage space and longer nonstop range. For many coast-to-coast trips, moving into this category can be the difference between flying nonstop and needing a fuel stop.
Heavy Jets: $8,500 to $15,000+/hr
Typically eight to sixteen passengers.
Heavy jets are used for larger groups, longer domestic flights, transcontinental travel and international trips where more cabin space, range, luggage capacity and onboard comfort matter.
The hourly rate is higher, but on the right trip a heavy jet provides range and space that a smaller aircraft simply can’t.
Ultra-Long-Range Jets: $12,000 to $20,000+/hr
Typically twelve to nineteen passengers, depending on the aircraft and configuration.
These aircraft are designed for long nonstop flights and international travel, with larger cabins, substantial range and more room for passengers and luggage.
On a long trip, the ability to fly nonstop can matter much more than the hourly rate alone.
VIP Airliners and Group Aircraft: Custom Pricing
Often sixteen to fifty-plus passengers, with larger group aircraft able to accommodate considerably more depending on configuration.
They’re used for corporate groups, sports teams, entertainment travel, large family trips and other group travel, as well as long international trips where a traditional private jet doesn’t provide enough seats or cabin space.
Pricing is highly aircraft- and trip-specific, often well above $12,000/hr and can go much higher depending on the aircraft, configuration, routing, positioning, crew requirements, airport handling, international permits, catering and trip complexity.
Why the Category Matters More Than the Number
Here’s what the rate table won’t tell you: two aircraft in the same category can still be very different airplanes.
Year of manufacture, most recent refurbishment, cabin layout, baggage space, Wi-Fi, lavatory setup, range and speed can all vary by individual aircraft. Operator terms can vary as well.
The category gives you a general starting point. The actual aircraft and the details of your trip are what matter.
Your ABOVE Aviation Specialist looks at the route, passengers, luggage, airports, schedule, availability and what’s important to you, then compares the options that actually make sense.
When available, we’ll provide actual aircraft photos, seating layout, Wi-Fi, year of manufacture and refurbishment information, and other aircraft details so you know what you’re comparing.
ABOVE quotes all turboprop and private jet flights with two pilots. Larger jets often include a cabin attendant as well.
Next Step
Hourly rates are a starting point. Send us the trip details and we’ll show you which aircraft categories make sense and the actual aircraft options available for your trip.