Personal jets cost about $5.5 million to $80 million new, depending on the size of the aircraft. A very light jet starts in the mid single-digit millions, a light or super midsize jet runs about $10 million to $28 million, and an ultra-long-range jet lists for about $75 million to $80 million. This guide is part of the private jet costs series, and it compares those prices with what the same flying costs through charter.
How Much Does a New Personal Jet Cost by Size?
A new personal jet costs more as cabin size and range increase. Published list price estimates for 2025 and 2026 fall into 4 clear tiers:
- Very light jets, like the HondaJet Elite II, cost about $5.5 million to $7 million.
- Light jets, like the Embraer Phenom 300E, cost about $10 million to $11 million.
- Super midsize jets, like the Bombardier Challenger 3500, cost about $26 million to $28 million.
- Ultra-long-range jets, like the Gulfstream G700, cost about $75 million to $80 million.
Do Pre-Owned Personal Jets Cost Less?
Pre-owned personal jets cost less than new ones, and price falls with age and airframe hours. Older long-range models such as the Gulfstream G-IV sell for a small fraction of a new G700, but they carry higher maintenance costs as they age.
Which Jet Size Fits Your Most Common Trip?
The right jet size matches your most common trip, not your longest one. A very light jet covers short regional hops for 4 passengers, and a light jet charter handles most trips of up to 3 hours. A super midsize jet flies coast to coast nonstop, and a heavy jet charter crosses the Atlantic. Booking each size through on-demand charter shows which one you use before you buy.
What Does Owning a Personal Jet Cost After Purchase?
Owning a personal jet adds yearly costs on top of the purchase price. Owners pay for 6 categories every year:
- Flight crew salaries, training, and benefits
- Hangar rent at the home airport
- Hull and liability insurance
- Scheduled maintenance and inspections
- Fuel, landing fees, and handling fees
- Navigation subscriptions and software
How Does 100 Hours of Charter Compare With Buying?
100 hours of charter costs about $300,000 to $1.6 million, based on OneAir Jet’s estimated hourly rates. That is a fraction of the purchase price:
| Jet size | Hourly charter rate | 100 hours of charter | New purchase price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very light jet | $3,000 to $4,500 | $300,000 to $450,000 | $5.5 million to $7 million |
| Light jet | $4,500 to $6,500 | $450,000 to $650,000 | $10 million to $11 million |
| Super midsize jet | $8,000 to $11,000 | $800,000 to $1.1 million | $26 million to $28 million |
| Heavy jet | $10,000 to $16,000 | $1 million to $1.6 million | $75 million to $80 million (ultra-long-range) |
What Does the Comparison Leave Out?
Charter rates already include the aircraft, crew, insurance, and maintenance. Ownership adds those costs on top of the purchase, but the owner also keeps an asset that can be sold later.
When Does Buying a Personal Jet Make Sense?
Buying a personal jet makes sense for travelers who meet 4 conditions:
- Fly enough hours each year to keep a full-time crew busy
- Need the same aircraft on short notice every week
- Plan to keep the jet for 5 or more years
- Want a custom cabin layout
Which Aircraft Guides Help You Compare Long-Range Jets?
Gulfstream G-V
The G-V flies about 6,500 nautical miles nonstop and seats up to 16 passengers. The Gulfstream G-V charter guide covers its cabin, range, and hourly cost.
Bombardier Global 7500
The Global 7500 flies about 7,700 nautical miles with 4 cabin zones. The Global 7500 charter guide explains its typical routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the cheapest personal jet cost?
The least expensive new personal jets are very light jets, which cost about $5.5 million to $7 million. Pre-owned very light jets cost less.
How much does it cost to own a personal jet each year?
Yearly ownership costs include crew, hangar, insurance, maintenance, and fuel, even when the jet sits idle.
Is chartering cheaper than buying a personal jet?
Chartering costs less for most travelers. 100 hours of light jet charter costs about $450,000 to $650,000, compared with $10 million or more to buy a new light jet.