Should You Buy a Private Jet: When Renting Stops Being Profitable

Renting or Owning?

It's a question that sooner or later anyone who frequently flies private jets faces. Renting seems like the logical solution: minimum commitment, maximum flexibility. But as the frequency of flights increases, a point is reached where renting becomes less cost-effective.

In this article, we cover:

1. When buying becomes a sensible alternative to renting.
2. What constitutes the cost of ownership.
3. And we’ll use an example to show under what circumstances ownership starts to win out.

Renting: Freedom Without the Hassle?

Renting is a good fit if you:

•  Fly occasionally (under 100 hours per year).
•  Use different aircraft depending on the routes.
•  Don't want to deal with aircraft and crew management.

But renting also has its downsides:

•  High demand = higher rates during peak season.
•  Dependence on aircraft and operator availability.
•  No opportunity for personalization or control.

And most importantly—with frequent flights, you simply overpay without gaining an asset or stability in return.

When Does Ownership Start to Be Profitable?

Switching to ownership makes sense if you:

•  Spend 150–200 hours or more in the air each year.
•  Fly regular routes (business, family, hobbies).
•  Value 24/7 availability and personalized service.
•  Are willing to delegate aircraft management to an operator or a family office.

Ownership gives you:

•  A permanent crew.
•  A predictable schedule.
•  A comfortable, familiar cabin.
•  The ability to optimize taxes and expenses.

What Does Ownership Cost?

The main cost categories:

•  Aircraft purchase or lease.
•  Maintenance and storage.
•  Insurance.
•  Crew salaries and training.
•  Empty leg flights (if based away from your departure point).
•  Depreciation.

Here's what annual expenses could look like with 250 flight hours, in the Super Midsize business jet class (e.g., Challenger 350).

The difference: -$175,000/year in favor of ownership. Plus, you retain an asset, and you control the schedule and level of service.

What to Choose?

If your flights remain under 100-150 hours per year, renting remains the most convenient and flexible solution.

If you are approaching 200+ hours, buying may become more rational and profitable.

Ownership is not just about numbers. It's about the freedom to plan, personalization and comfort on every flight.