Once reserved for the rich and famous, private jets are now the vehicle of choice for savvy travelers looking for a stress-free and convenient way to fly.
The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally altered how people view public spaces, including commercial airports and airlines.
It was a time for the private aviation industry to boom – and it did just that, with more people opting for a private charter to avoid crowded airports, to bypass long security lines and avoid delays and cancellations.
It’s a trend that has well continued into 2025.
Paul O’Brien, who is the founder of Avmin, a high-profile Brisbane-based air charter company, was putting on about 30 or 40 flights per week in 2019, just before the pandemic.
In 2022, he was running around 80 charter flights per week and today across 30 to 40 flight sectors, he said it remains steady at around the same figure.
“That’s with all different charter providers across Australia from smaller Mustang jets with four to six seats which are popular for business travellers between trunk routes like Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane – to Phenom 100 to 300 range which carries four to eight people,” he explained.
Mr O’Brien said despite commercial options returning to pre-pandemic levels, private jet users have remained strong.
“I don’t envisage a down turn anytime soon by private jet users as they’ve experienced everything there is with the convenience and luxury of a private jet,” he told news.com.au.
Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics’ Domestic Aviation Activity January 2023 report found private jet travel in Australia had increased by 28 percent since 2020.
In April 2024, The Australian reported charter flights carried more passengers than the now embattled airline Rex, flying 13 per cent of all domestic air travellers around Australia, up from 8.6 per cent pre-Covid.
Mr O’Brien said more Aussies opt for the private way of travel mainly because of convenience and the benefits of luxury.
“They want to avoid airports and travel at a time that suits them. There’s also the luxury of departure and arrival times and cost-savings benefits when you’re travelling with a group of people.
“To fly on an eight-seat jet from Sydney to Melbourne is about $2000 return per person. If we look at Qantas fares tomorrow at 6am on business class, it’s about $1300 each way- so $2600 return.”
FalconAir, a leader in bespoke private aviation, has also seen a rise in popularity and similar to Avmin, particularly among golfing groups and birthday parties.
“The golfers really enjoy being flown directly to the more exclusive and remote golf courses in Australia and New Zealand, which normally take multiple airline trips and/ or lengthy road journeys to reach,” FalconAir chief executive Laura Younes told news.com.au.
“The birthday groups have been taking advantage of the large single cabin of our Dassault Falcon jet, which has an exceptional open plan that suits groups of 10 or more, allowing a lively, well catered experience for those on board.
“The birthday groups most often travel interstate to the main cities for a fun weekend away.”
Ms Younes said when it comes to prices, especially once all the available seats are filled, “a private jet competes very well with the premium offerings from the airlines, especially if the trip is planned at the last minute”.
“Once you take the direct flights into account, without the need for lengthy waits for connecting flights, or even long road trips once landed, the private jet makes sense a lot of sense financially for many travellers,” she said.
“For example, the Cirrus Jet with four adults and two kids on board from Sydney to Melbourne (day trip) is $6,700 USD. This compares with a business class QF ticket for the same trip at $1,500 – $1,750 per person.
“Our company recently looked after a group who were on board for three days while travelling to remote parts of Australia. The itinerary available from the airlines would have taken the group seven days, and the time and money saved made the choice of flying with us a simple one.”
The price is also dependent on the type of aircraft, passenger count, distance and seasonal demand.
In Australia, entry-level charters begin at approximately $1200 per hour, escalating to $12,000 per hour for premium long-haul routes, according to Air Charter Advisors.
“Small jets now compete with legacy propeller aircraft in price, but with the benefits of jet speed and jet comfort,” Ms Younes explained.
She said apart from flexibility and convenience, another driving factor in private jet popularity is the increase in the types of jet aircraft available.
“There are also new ways to gain access to charter jets, through methods such as fractional ownership, memberships, subscriptions and empty legs. All these changes make it far easier and much more affordable to get a seat on a private jet.”
“Empty legs” is when a private charter drops off a guest, it still has to return the plane and crew to home base – and that flight is typically empty. To offset the cost, aviation companies offer this leg to passengers at a discount.
Last year, FlyJets chief executive Jessica Fisher told Business Insider that people can fly private for cheaper by booking empty legs, a practice that’s more cost-effective for customers yet allows operators to generate more revenue.
Ms Younes said the process of booking a charter was simple, starting with the client sharing their itinerary, specific needs and timing.
“(We) then check aircraft availability and sends a quote to the client, and last minute details are sorted out. Once a contract is signed, the trip is confirmed and FalconAir begins making the necessary arrangements with airports, air traffic control, caters, refuellers and all the other stake holders,” she said.
Then on the day, the client shows up shortly before the planned departure, boards the jet with the aircraft making its way moments later.
“On board, the client will enjoy a fine dining experience with the premium catering and drinks on offer, and our highly experienced flight attendants are always on hand to see to all of the clients needs,” Ms Younes explained.
“At the destination, the client is able to deplane the moment the engines are shut down, and many step straight into a waiting car and are well beyond the airport only minutes after landing.”
With around 317 private aircraft in operation nationwide, Australia’s private aviation sector is undoubtedly growing and by the looks of it, it’s not just among CEOs and celebrities, but also small business owners, entrepreneurs, and groups looking for convenience privacy, and a luxury experience without significantly breaking the bank.
