When you charter an aircraft, it is technically owned by someone else. Approval from the owner is required before your booking can be confirmed; otherwise, you may need to explore other options.
Under Part 135 regulations, most aircraft are individually owned by a single owner, who typically uses their aircraft for about 480 hours per year on average. However, some owners only fly their aircraft for around 200 hours per year, so they may engage a plane management company or operator to charter it out. The owner retains the right to approve each trip and may decline a charter flight if they intend to use the aircraft themselves, necessitating approval for every booking made by the operator.
Brokers usually request clients to choose one or two preferred aircraft options. They then check availability with the owners. Operators often have schedules in advance, which allows them to estimate availability, but final approval from the owner is still required.
Owners may decline flights for reasons other than availability. For instance, owners of large jets may reject flights shorter than three hours due to engine wear and fuel consumption concerns.
Sometimes, the operator owns the aircraft outright, eliminating the need for separate owner approval. The flight can be booked once the broker completes the flight booking documents with the operator.
How frequently is owner approval necessary for private jet charter?
Owner approval is required for nearly 20% of charter-available aircraft. Typically, approval is granted, although owners may opt to charter a different plane so their own remains available.
Operators present serious offers to owners, often requiring initial signatures. They confirm schedules and provide quotes pending owner approval. Once clients select an aircraft, operators seek owner consent.
Why might a private jet owner decline a charter request for their aircraft?
- They require the aircraft for personal use.
- They prefer not to use the aircraft for short flights.
- They avoid high-risk environments or countries.
- They set minimum payment requirements for trips.
Operators may negotiate lower prices with owners, especially when there are empty leg opportunities to their current location.
All trips must meet the owner’s pricing expectations. Regular flights adhere to specific hourly rates, necessitating negotiation between the operator and broker and final approval from the owner.
Owners may impose restrictions on aircraft use, such as prohibiting pets or limiting passenger numbers. They may also restrict certain foods and beverages, like chocolate and wine, to preserve interior fabrics. Additionally, owners may request passenger names to ensure the aircraft is treated respectfully.