Private jet travel cheaper than business class on some routes as ticket prices fluctuate

Although, private jets are usually associated as non-economical, a closer examination reveals that economic factors and changing market dynamics have rendered private jet as a more affordable option, in some cases.

One prominent example is the route between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where private jet travel, in some cases, be deemed more cost-effective than traditional business class options.

However, the price is subject to various factors including number of passengers, aircraft type, and airline operators, among others.

Here is how you can secure private jet trips at more economical rates than business class:

Short-haul flights: Routes like Dubai to Saudi, for instance, make the cost of flying private at par with business class, especially in the case of groups. According to Icarus Jet, a one-way dropoff to Riyadh costs $14,000 for an aircraft seating eight people, bringing the cost per ticket to $1,750.

Business class tickets from Dubai for Saudi via Saudia will set you back $2,405 for a two-hour flight.

Empty leg flights: One key factor contributing to the cost-effectiveness of private jet travel on certain routes is the ability to charter empty leg flights. Empty legs occur when a private jet needs to return to its home base or relocate to another destination without passengers.

To avoid flying empty, operators often offer these legs at significantly reduced prices.

This presents an opportunity for savvy travellers to secure a private jet experience at a fraction of the usual cost, particularly on popular routes like Dubai to Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi owned, Royal Jet chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan operates several private jets in the region. The website offers an ‘empty legs‘ option, allowing travellers to view available flights, dates and capacity available to fly.

Rise in digital platforms: Travellers can now easily access real-time pricing information, compare quotes from multiple operators, and choose the most cost-effective option.

This transparency has driven increased competition among private jet operators, leading to lower prices and more attractive offers for consumers.

Flexibility of choice: The cost-effectiveness of private jet travel on select routes can be attributed to the ability to optimise aircraft capacity.

While commercial airlines operate with fixed seating configurations, private jets offer greater flexibility.

By selecting an appropriately sized private jet for the number of passengers, travellers can avoid paying for unused seats, making private jet travel a sensible economic choice for groups.

Perceived value vs. actual cost: When considering the total cost of business class tickets for multiple passengers, along with expenses such as ground transportation and airport lounges, the price difference between private jet charters and traditional air travel becomes more less differential.

Number of passengers: Passenger count significantly influences the cost-effectiveness of private versus business class travel. While private flying is often more economical for group travellers, solo flyers typically find better value in business class.

Yet, for small groups of two to three passengers, private jets can be competitive, especially on shorter routes where fuel expenses can be divided. As the group size expands to four or more passengers, private jets become progressively cost-effective, with the per-person cost decreasing.

Several additional factors contribute to the equation, including whether the private jet is privately owned or chartered, with chartering generally carrying a higher price tag. The overall cost is also influenced by airport fees, ground handling charges, fuel expenses, and various other variables.

Opting for private flying from the UAE may offer cost advantages over business class in specific scenarios, particularly for short-haul trips with multiple passengers. Nevertheless, for lengthy journeys or individual travellers, business class typically presents the more cost-effective solution.

When making the decision, passengers can consider factors such as destination, group size, preferred aircraft type, and budget to ensure they select the most suitable option for their travel preferences.

Private Jet companies operating in the Middle East

ExecuJet – Headquartered in Switzerland, ExecuJet is a global aviation company offering a range of services, including aircraft charter, management, sales, and maintenance. With a fleet exceeding 150 aircraft, ExecuJet operates an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) facility at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

This facility caters to VIP, diplomatic, and crisis flights, along with facilitating transfers between private aircraft and commercial airlines. Spanning over 7,000 square meters, the facility offers hangar space and ramp parking.

Royal Jet – Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Royal Jet is a charter operator specialising in luxury travel between the UAE and Europe. Under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, it operates from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The VIP lounge offers a curated experience with local artwork, historical artifacts, and regional products. The fleet consists of twelve Boeing Business Jets and three Bombardier Global 5000/6000 aircraft.

Vista Jet – A Swiss-based private aviation company boasts a global presence, with a fleet exceeding 70 aircraft ranging from ultra-long-range jets to super-mid-size and mid-size jets. Established in 2010, their Dubai office caters to the Middle East and Africa markets, providing various charter options such as one-way, round-trip, and empty leg flights.

Paramount Business Jets – Paramount Business Jets, headquartered in Dubai, offers private jet charter services. Their extensive fleet of over 50 aircraft includes various models such as the Hawker 800 XP and Learjet 60XR (midsize jets), the Challenger 604, Legacy 600, and Falcon 900 DX (large jets), the Global Express XRS (ultra-long-range jets), and the Embraer Lineage 1000 (VIP airliner).

There are several other jet operators in the region offering an extensive fleet for private travel including Pristine Jet, Prime Jet, Falcon Aviation, Nas Jet, Arab Wings and more.