Owning a private jet is a symbol of freedom and flexibility. But it’s also a substantial financial commitment. Between hangar fees, maintenance, crew salaries, and insurance, costs can climb quickly – even when the aircraft isn’t flying.
The good news? Your jet doesn’t have to sit idle. With the right aircraft management strategy, you can turn your private jet into a revenue-generating asset.
Here’s how it works – and what you need to know.
What Is Charter-Capable Aircraft Management?
When you partner with a full-service aircraft management company, they don’t just maintain and operate your aircraft – they can also place it on their commercial charter certificate.
This means that when you’re not using your jet, the management firm can legally offer it to third-party clients for charter flights. These companies handle all aspects of charter compliance, from maintenance standards and insurance to operations manuals and certified crew.
In Canada and other jurisdictions, this requires adherence to commercial aviation regulations, which is why working with a certified operator is essential.
The Business Case for Chartering
Even if you fly frequently, there are likely dozens – or even hundreds – of hours each year when your aircraft is grounded. During that downtime, your aircraft still incurs costs: storage, inspections, crew readiness, and depreciation.
By making your aircraft available for charter, you can offset those fixed costs. Charter clients pay hourly rates that can range from CAD $4,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the aircraft type and route. After deducting the operating costs and management fees, a portion of that revenue goes back to you.
This can substantially reduce your net ownership costs over the course of a year – especially if your aircraft is a model in high demand.
How It Works Day-to-Day
The process is streamlined when your aircraft is managed by a professional company. Here’s what happens:
- When you don’t need the jet, the company markets it to vetted charter clients.
- You always have priority. If you want to fly, your needs take precedence.
- The management team handles everything – from crew scheduling and client communication to refueling, catering, and post-flight maintenance checks.
You get the benefits of chartering without any of the headaches.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- You generate passive income to help cover operating costs.
- Increased flight hours may qualify for certain tax deductions.
- The jet stays active and well-maintained under a professional team’s oversight.
Considerations:
- More flying hours mean more wear, and accelerated maintenance cycles.
- Your aircraft might not always be available on short notice if it’s booked.
- You need a management partner with charter expertise, not just operational knowledge.
Chartering is not for every owner – but for many, the trade-offs are worth the financial return.
What Makes an Aircraft Charter-Friendly?
Not every jet has equal earning potential. Factors that boost market appeal include:
- Popular models such as the Bombardier Challenger 300, Citation XLS, or Gulfstream G200.
- Modern interiors, updated avionics, and Wi-Fi.
- Excellent maintenance records and newer airframes.
A management company can advise you on upgrades, positioning, and marketing to ensure your aircraft is charter-ready and competitive.
