How Rich Do You Have To Be To Own A Private Jet?

News18

17-07-2025

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Owning a private jet is far more than a one-off purchase; it entails a continuous, multi-million-dollar financial undertaking. Beyond the initial cost, owners must also consider ongoing maintenance, fuel, crew salaries, airport fees, and insurance. If you've ever contemplated this high-end lifestyle and questioned its practicality, here's a detailed breakdown of the true costs and income required to sustain private jet ownership.
Are you wondering how much it cost to purchase a private jet? Prices vary greatly depending on the jet's size, range, model, year, and features. Light jets, which typically carry four to seven passengers, cost between $3 million and $9 million. Popular models include the Cessna Citation CJ3 and the Embraer Phenom 300. Midsize jets, which accommodate eight to twelve passengers, are priced from $9 million to $20 million, with models such as the Embraer Praetor 600 and Bombardier Challenger 350 being common choices.
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Larger and long-range jets, capable of seating twelve to nineteen passengers, range from $25 million to $75 million. Examples include the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, and Dassault Falcon 8X. At the top end of the market, ultra-luxury VIP jets, often converted from commercial aircraft like Boeing or Airbus, can exceed $100 million.
Maintenance expenses: This is where the true cost of ownership begins to emerge. Light jets typically incur annual maintenance costs of between $500,000 and $1 million. For midsize jets, the yearly maintenance ranges from $1 million to $2 million. Large jets demand even higher upkeep, with costs reaching between $2 million and $5 million per year.
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Operating costs: Fuel prices generally range from $4 to $7 per gallon. Beyond that, owners must account for hangar storage, landing and airport fees, crew wages, insurance premiums, technical upgrades, and licensing. For example, operating a Gulfstream G650 can cost roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour. From a business aviation standpoint, flying more than 300 to 400 hours a year may justify outright ownership. Otherwise, chartering or fractional ownership tends to be more cost-effective.
Required income and net worth: To realistically afford a private jet, one's financial status must align with the size of the aircraft. For a light jet, a net worth of at least $25 million and an annual income exceeding $5 million are advisable. Midsize jets require a net worth over $50 million and income above $10 million per year. To operate a large, long-range jet comfortably, you'll likely need a net worth of more than $100 million and annual earnings of $20 million or more.