As a flight coordinator in the private jet charter industry, it is our responsibility to match our client with the aircraft that not only suits their needs, but is also capable of fulfilling the mission. Several factors must be considered when determining the aircraft for your private charter trip that will ensure your experience is second to none.

The first consideration in determining the appropriate private jet for your charter is the most basic. How many passengers will be aboard the aircraft? The answer to this question will determine, for the most part, the category of aircraft; whether it be a turbo-prop, light jet, midsize jet or heavy jet which should be used for the specific charter flight. For a private jet charter trip with 10 passengers or more, a large cabin aircraft is required. One who charters a private jet for 8 passengers or less will have more flexibility in deciding which private jet is used for their charter trip. A good private jet charter coordinator should be able to feel out the needs of their client; they will determine the main focus of their client. Is their focus on price or comfort?

Let’s evaluate a hypothetical situation; a private jet charter coordinator has just received a call from a potential customer who has little experience with private jet charters. For this charter trip, there are a total of 6 passengers, all of whom are adults. The routing is pretty typical; HOU-VNY round trip. If their main focus is price, a light jet is going to be the best option; it will get them to and from their destination in relative comfort at an economical price. Among light jets, price will vary and is dependent upon which light jet is chosen. For 6 passengers, a Learjet 35/31 will be a tighter fit than a Beech Jet 400. However, for this trip, the passengers’ main concern is comfort in flight and not price. This charter trip will be appropriate for a mid-size jet. Once again, the type of aircraft in the mid-size category will need to be considered. A Hawker 800XP will provide a little more room than a Learjet 60.