Light Jet
- 5–7 passengers
- 1,500–2,000 nm
- 420–450 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $3,200 / hour
USD · indicative
Private Aviation
Private Jet Travel, Clearly Explained
Explore charter options, aircraft, routes, airports, private terminals, costs and planning resources for private aviation.
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Start with one part of the journey. Viatar will help you connect the rest.
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Independent
Editorial research produced separately from commercial partners.
Transparent Pricing
Indicative ranges with the assumptions shown, never fake quotes.
Selected Providers
Introductions only to operators that meet published standards.
Human Support
Advisors available at any stage of planning.
How Private Aviation Works
Understanding Private Charter, From First Enquiry to Departure
Private aviation removes the queues, layovers and fixed schedules of commercial travel by giving you access to an aircraft on your own timeline. But it also introduces decisions that most travelers rarely make: which aircraft category fits the mission, which airport is genuinely closest, and how a private terminal changes the arrival experience.
Viatar organizes these decisions into clear, independent guides so you can compare options before requesting a quote from a vetted operator.
Charter pricing is never fixed the way an airline fare is. It depends on aircraft availability, routing, positioning costs and season, which is why every figure on Viatar is presented as an estimate rather than a guaranteed price.
Explore by Need
Ways to Start Planning a Private Flight
Whether you fly once a year or every month, Viatar has a starting point suited to your needs.
Aircraft
Featured Aircraft Categories
Six broad categories cover almost every charter mission, from short regional hops to intercontinental travel.
Midsize Jet
- 7–8 passengers
- 2,000–3,000 nm
- 440–470 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $4,800 / hour
USD · indicative
Super-Midsize Jet
- 8–10 passengers
- 3,000–3,600 nm
- 460–490 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $6,400 / hour
USD · indicative
Heavy Jet
- 10–16 passengers
- 4,000–5,000 nm
- 480–510 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $8,900 / hour
USD · indicative
Ultra-Long-Range Jet
- 12–19 passengers
- 6,000–7,500 nm
- 490–520 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $13,500 / hour
USD · indicative
Turboprop Jet
- 6–9 passengers
- 1,000–1,500 nm
- 270–320 kts
Operated by ARGUS Gold-rated charter partner
Estimated from
From $2,400 / hour
USD · indicative
Plan With Confidence
Everything You Need Before You Charter
Nine essential resources for understanding private aviation end to end.
Featured Aviation Destinations
Where Private Aviation Meets the Destination
Some cities are built around private aviation. These are the ones worth understanding first.
Popular Routes
In-Demand Private Jet Routes
Typical distances, flight times and estimated price ranges for frequently chartered city pairs.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Typical Aircraft | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 1,090 nm | 2h 45m | Midsize to super-midsize | $16,000 – $34,000 |
| London → Nice | 560 nm | 1h 55m | Light to midsize | £11,000 – £26,000 |
| Miami → St. Barts | 1,180 nm | 3h 05m | Midsize plus turboprop leg | $22,000 – $48,000 |
| Dubai → Maldives | 1,590 nm | 3h 40m | Super-midsize to heavy | $34,000 – $72,000 |
| Geneva → Ibiza | 560 nm | 1h 50m | Light to midsize | €10,500 – €24,000 |
| Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas | 820 nm | 2h 20m | Light to midsize | $14,000 – $30,000 |
Viatar Intelligence
Related Research and Guides
Practical, regularly reviewed guides written to help you make decisions before you book.
Cost Guide · Private Jets
Private Jet Charter Costs Explained
How charter pricing is built, what the hourly rate does and does not include, and realistic ranges by aircraft category.
11 min read · Updated March 2026
Guide · Private Jets
Private Jet Terminals and FBOs
What an FBO actually does, how arrival timing works and how to choose between terminals at the same airport.
9 min read · Updated February 2026
Comparison · Private Jets
Choosing the Right Private Aircraft
Range, cabin height, baggage and airport suitability matter more than category names. Here is how to decide.
12 min read · Updated March 2026
Methodology and disclosure
Figures are indicative ranges compiled from aggregated operator rate cards, published fee schedules and market research. They are not quotations. Viatar may receive a fee when a planning request results in a booking with an independent provider; this never influences editorial recommendations.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost depends on aircraft category, distance and positioning. As a rough guide, light jets start from an estimated $3,000–4,500 per flight hour, while heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft can exceed $10,000–15,000 per hour. These are indicative ranges, not guaranteed quotes.
On-demand charter books a specific aircraft for a single trip, with pricing quoted per flight. A jet card is a prepaid block of flight hours with guaranteed availability at a fixed hourly rate, better suited to frequent flyers.
Popular routes and peak seasons (holidays, major events) can fill up one to three weeks ahead. Off-peak, on-demand charter can sometimes be arranged with 24–48 hours' notice, subject to aircraft availability.
Most operators allow pets in the cabin without a crate, subject to the specific aircraft and destination country's import rules. This should be confirmed with the operator during booking.
An empty leg is a one-way repositioning flight an aircraft must make to return to base or reach its next charter. These can be offered at reduced rates but come with fixed dates and limited flexibility.
Typically 15–30 minutes before departure, compared with the hours required for commercial travel, since private terminals handle security and customs directly at the aircraft.
Personalized Planning
Your Journey Does Not Need a Template
Tell us where you want to go, who you are traveling with and what would make the experience exceptional. Viatar can help organize the journey around your priorities — from flights and transfers to villas, yachts and experiences.
Viatar provides travel information, introductions and planning support. Availability and services are confirmed through the relevant travel provider.