The Real Life of Business Jets

Private jets aren’t just luxury transport for the super-rich. Here’s a more realistic picture of private aviation.

Picture in your mind the owner of a private jet. You’ll likely think of a billionaire CEO, perhaps one commuting to work from California to Washington. You might conjure the image of a pop singer on a record-shattering global tour. Or maybe you’ll envision the extravagant prince of a royal family.

In reality, these are just the outliers whose private jet travel routinely makes headlines. The rest of the private aviation industry is markedly different.

Global Air Charters happily caters to high-net-worth individuals who expect a luxurious travel experience. But these account for only a small percentage of our customers. The same is true for the private aviation industry at large.

Here is a more nuanced look at the daily operations of private jets. Contact our flight coordinators to learn how jet travel is within reach for those not in the top one percent.

Not all Private Jet Owners are Billionaires

Private jets are not just for Fortune 500 CEOs. In fact, only a tiny percentage of jets are owned by the country’s largest firms. Most business jets are owned by a diverse cross-section of organizations, including governments, universities, and small-to-medium-sized businesses.

These organizations might not even own the airframe outright. There are several different kinds of ownership arrangements, including fractional ownership, charter services, and jet card memberships. All of these options make private jets available to those who have means but are not among the ultra-wealthy.

Not all Business Travelers on Private Jets are CEOs

Most companies do not purchase a private jet as a status symbol. Jets are usually a far more practical purchase. For businesses, owning a private jet can be a strategic decision to facilitate quick decision-making and increase productivity.

Corporations often find that owning or leasing private jets to be financially beneficial. These are companies that routinely pay for dozens of mid-level managers to visit multiple locations nationwide. Putting them all on a chartered flight can be a cost-saving measure.

This is especially true for businesses that operate in areas that are far away from major airports. The majority of scheduled flights from large airlines go through only about 70 airports nationwide. Private jets, however, travel to around 5,000 smaller public-use facilities.
This specificity allows teams of mid-level managers to travel far more efficiently. It cuts out time wasted in security lines and ground transportation from major airports to a more remote location. It also avoids the unpredictability of commercial flights, as companies lose money when their managers run into delays and cancellations.

Not all Private Jet Flyers are Concerned with Luxury

Most commercial flyers tend to think of private jets as the epitome of luxury. While many jets, like our Gulfstream airframes, are tastefully appointed, most private jet customers are more concerned with efficiency rather than extravagance.

Our fleet is designed to be comfortable and functional, rather than ostentatious or festooned with gold-plated fixtures. Business travelers appreciate that our services save them time and reduce the stress of travel. Our flight crews work hard to anticipate their every need. They would rather private aviation make their job easier than their Instagram more flashy.

Private Jets Aren’t Just for Business Travel

People tend to think that private jets are used exclusively by celebrities and athletes. But charter flight operators will be quick to point out that their services are far more versatile.

Medical professionals are one lesser-known segment of private aviation customers. Chartering a jet for emergency medical needs, including direct travel for doctors, organs, and patients, can provide fast and efficient transport for life-saving interventions.

The Real Life of Business Jets

At Global Air Charters, our top priorities are the safety of our operations and the seamless travel experience of our customers. Contact our flight coordinators to learn more about how your business can benefit from our bespoke travel services.