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Jet Leasing


Jet leasing has a number of options to consider. The first question to answer is how long does one plan to lease? Just like a car rental- is this in lieu of ownership (long-term lease) or for a singular, momentary trip (like an airport rental)? The follow-up question is how many people will be traveling? Obviously, the more people traveling, the larger a plane is needed. A less obvious question is the distance needing to be traveled? Not all planes are created equal. A practical question will be if most (if not all) travel will be regional or will be nationwide (even international). This is not asking if there will be an occasional longer trip, but as a bulk average, will coast-to-coast capable aircraft be needed. Once those questions are answered, a more reasoned examination of options available can be had.

Short-term, limited people, regional
Under these circumstances I can only imagine two reasons that actual ownership would be needed- 1). most frequently traveled routes via commercial aircraft involves a time-consuming layover (no direct flights ), 2). locations of either origin or destinations are not served by commercial aircraft.

Jet leasing is available for this need, but one may want to consider private plane charter (prop plane). The benefits to airplanes versus jets is that airplanes can take-off and land in much smaller airfields, meaning more options to land a plane. Also, planes are cheaper to own, fly, maintenance, service, and therefore are less expensive to lease.

Short-term, limited people, national (international)
On-demand charter is the option for this scenario. This option may even make sense over commercial first-class if everyone was to fly first-class. Also, one may want to make sure amenities like a restroom are available as the flights will be long. On-demand chartering is very easy and typical, with no surprises. The rate quoted will be your rate as the charter company knows you are an infrequent customer and may not be around for additional "fees".

Short-term, large group, regional
Large group is a relative term, are we talking a department head get away of fifteen or a mass family reunion of two-hundred? Allow me to define large group as more than eighteen people. That is average max load that most private jet plane companies will maintain. Because of that, one will have to look beyond average jet leasing companies for a suitable aircraft. Essentially, a converted retired commercial aircraft will most likely be what is offered. The upside is that a per person rate can be quite low comparable to commercial flights.

Short-term, large group, national (international)
Due to the duration of a coast to coast flight, the best option here is chartering a flight from the airlines. Most major airlines will have an air charter department, and all major airlines will have a smaller subsidiary company that services it smaller routes. This is to say that if your group is more than eighty persons then the major aircraft will be used. Less than eighty, you may be redirected to the smaller services.

Long-term, limited people, regional
As suggested with short-term charter, consider a propeller airplane instead of jet leasing. Because of the lower costs involved with an airplane, ownership may be a cost effective option. Many of the considerations like purchasing, housing (hangar), fees, and maintenance can be answered with a bit of research. The biggest question is the pilot(s), who will pilot the plane? It may be possible in urban areas to contract the job. As flight requirements are less with propeller aircraft than with jets, there may be plenty of pilots with lots of flight time who would be willing to fly on a contract basis. Some may do it more for the opportunity to get behind the controls, than for the money. Also, looking in house to see who is available to fly is an option.

Long-term, limited people, national (international)
This where the more standard forms of private jet rental programs are derived. Fractional jet ownership is a possibility. That is buying a set number of hours from a company that can be used for aircraft in their fleet. Also, leasing a singular jet and staff from a company letting them secure pilot, maintenance, and replacement craft if needed.

Finally, there is the option of purchasing a jet aircraft. This will leave pilot, maintenance staff, and hangar issues in the purchaser's hands. Though the initial investment will be high, it could be cost effective over time as the resale value of a well maintained jet can be high. Probably will not appreciate in value but will not quickly decline in value either. Also, one has the option to customize the cabin as one sees fit.

Long-term, large group, regional
Smaller commercial passenger jets can be had from brokers, but the maintenance requirements can be cost prohibitive. Staffing planes with pilots, possibly on-board attendants, are also a cost concern. Then hangar cost will not be small, possibly requiring unique or creative solution, unless building a new hangar is not an issue.

A better solution could be contracting with smaller regional airlines that already contract with the major airlines. This would be a definite option if the routes traveled could be scheduled regularly.

Long-term, large group, national (international)
The only option here are to bite the bullet and buy and staff a large commercial airliner. The benefit is to customize the cabin as desired. Or contract with a major airline for regular service. Obviously, the downside to contracting is the fleet craft will be designed with a standard commercial cabin- small coach seating and no place for working in the air (other than in the seat).