Private Aviation FAQ

Private aviation gives you access to an entire aircraft for your exclusive use, flying on your schedule rather than a commercial airline's timetable. Through VIPMAKKI, you can charter a private jet for a single trip, purchase a jet card for prepaid hours, or explore fractional ownership for frequent flyers. Private jets operate from dedicated terminals called FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), allowing you to arrive minutes before departure and bypass crowded commercial airports entirely. Whether for business or leisure, private aviation offers unmatched privacy, flexibility, and time savings.

On-Demand Charter: Book a single flight as needed. Pay per trip with no long-term commitment. Ideal for occasional flyers or those wanting maximum flexibility. Pricing varies by aircraft type, route, and demand.

Jet Card: Pre-purchase a block of flight hours (typically 25, 50, or 100 hours). Offers guaranteed availability and fixed hourly rates. Best for those flying 25+ hours per year who want predictable pricing without ownership responsibility.

Fractional Ownership: Purchase a share of a specific aircraft. You own equity in the asset and pay monthly management fees. Suited for those flying 50-400+ hours annually who want the benefits of ownership without full responsibility. VIPMAKKI can connect you with leading fractional providers.

Private jet charter costs vary significantly based on aircraft size, route distance, and demand. As a general guide: light jets (4-6 passengers) start from approximately £2,000–£4,000 per flight hour; midsize jets (6-8 passengers) from £3,500–£6,000; super-midsize jets (8-10 passengers) from £5,000–£9,000; and heavy jets (10-16 passengers) from £7,000–£15,000+ per hour. Empty leg flights — where a jet is returning empty to base — can offer savings of up to 75%. VIPMAKKI provides transparent pricing and can source competitive quotes across our global operator network.

VIPMAKKI has access to the full spectrum of private aircraft: Very Light Jets like the Citation Mustang and Phenom 100 for short hops; Light Jets including the Citation CJ3 and Phenom 300 for regional trips; Midsize Jets such as the Hawker 900XP and Learjet 60 for transcontinental range; Super-Midsize Jets including the Challenger 350 and Gulfstream G280; Heavy Jets like the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, and Dassault Falcon 8X for ultra-long-range international flights; and VIP Airliners — converted Boeing Business Jets and Airbus ACJs for large groups and heads of state. We also arrange helicopter transfers for short-distance connections.

Capacity ranges from 4 passengers in very light jets to 19+ in ultra-long-range heavy jets and VIP airliners. Light jets typically seat 4-7, midsize jets 7-9, super-midsize 8-12, and heavy jets 10-19. For larger groups, VIP-configured airliners can accommodate 30-50+ passengers with bespoke cabin layouts. When you enquire with VIPMAKKI, tell us your party size and we'll match you with the right aircraft.

Private jet cabins are designed for comfort and productivity. Expect plush leather seating configured as club chairs or divans — not rows of airline seats. Cabins feature full galleys for gourmet catering (we can arrange Michelin-starred in-flight dining), high-speed Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and often a private lavatory or full bathroom. On larger jets, you'll find separate living, dining, and sleeping areas with lie-flat beds and stand-up showers. Pets are welcome in the cabin, and you set the atmosphere — music, lighting, temperature — exactly as you prefer.

Private jets can be booked with as little as 4-6 hours' notice, though we recommend 24-48 hours for the best aircraft availability and pricing. During peak periods — major holidays, major sporting events, and fashion weeks — booking 1-2 weeks in advance secures the best options. Jet card holders can often confirm flights with as little as 24 hours' notice under their guaranteed availability terms. VIPMAKKI's concierge team specialises in last-minute arrangements and has sourced aircraft on under 2 hours' notice for urgent departures.

Absolutely. One of the greatest advantages of private aviation is that pets travel in the cabin with you — never in cargo. There are no weight or breed restrictions. Simply inform us at the time of booking so we can prepare the cabin accordingly (e.g., protective seat covers, pet-friendly catering). For international flights, we'll advise on the destination country's pet import requirements and can help coordinate veterinary certificates and documentation.

Private aviation maintains exceptionally high safety standards. VIPMAKKI only works with operators who hold internationally recognised safety certifications including ARGUS Platinum, IS-BAO Stage 3, and WYVERN Wingman ratings. All aircraft are maintained to manufacturer specifications and undergo regular inspections. Pilots are fully type-rated with thousands of flight hours and recurrent simulator training. We can provide full safety documentation and operator credentials upon request. The private aviation industry is regulated by the same civil aviation authorities (FAA, EASA, CAA) that oversee commercial aviation.

For domestic flights, a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driving licence or passport is required. For international flights, all passengers need valid passports and any necessary visas for the destination country. The operator will verify documentation before departure. Unlike commercial flying, there is no need to arrive hours early or queue for security screening — most FBOs require only that you arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Empty leg flights occur when a private jet needs to reposition — either to pick up its next charter client or return to its home base — and would otherwise fly empty. These one-way flights can be booked at discounts of up to 75% off standard charter rates. VIPMAKKI maintains a constantly updated empty leg database and can alert you when suitable routes become available. Empty legs are ideal for flexible travellers who can adapt to the pre-determined departure time and routing. Contact our team to register for empty leg alerts on your most-travelled routes.

Your charter quote typically includes the aircraft, crew, fuel, and standard insurance. Additional costs may include: landing and handling fees, de-icing (winter months), international overflight permits, catering, ground transportation, crew overnight expenses if applicable, and Federal Excise Tax (FET) in the US or VAT in Europe. VIPMAKKI provides fully transparent, all-inclusive quotes so you know the total cost before you commit. There are no hidden fees — we break down every line item so you understand exactly what you're paying for.

A jet card is a prepaid programme that gives you access to a fleet of private aircraft at fixed hourly rates with guaranteed availability, typically requiring 24-48 hours' notice. Jet cards are sold in 25, 50, or 100-hour increments and are ideal for those who fly regularly but don't want the capital commitment of fractional ownership. VIPMAKKI has relationships with all leading jet card providers including NetJets, Sentient Jet, Wheels Up, Flexjet, Air Partner, VistaJet, and Jettly. We can help you compare programmes, pricing, aircraft types, service areas, and peak-day policies to find the best fit for your travel patterns.

Absolutely. VIPMAKKI arranges helicopter transfers and charters globally — from airport-to-hotel transfers and city-to-city hops to yacht-to-shore connections, ski resort access, and scenic tours. Our network includes single-engine and twin-engine helicopters from leading manufacturers including Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky. Helicopter charter is particularly popular for events like the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Coachella, and for accessing remote luxury resorts. Typical helicopter charter rates range from £1,500 to £5,000+ per flight hour depending on aircraft type and region.

Yes — private aviation offers seamless international travel. Midsize and larger jets are capable of transatlantic and intercontinental flights. For example, a Gulfstream G650 can fly non-stop from London to Los Angeles or New York to Dubai. On international flights, you still clear customs and immigration, but through private FBO facilities which are significantly faster and more discreet than commercial terminals. Typically, a customs officer comes to the aircraft or you're processed in a private lounge. VIPMAKKI handles all overflight permits, landing slots, and customs pre-clearance arrangements.

Private jets can access over 5,000 airports in the US alone (compared to ~500 served by commercial airlines) and thousands more globally. This includes major international hubs as well as smaller regional airports much closer to your final destination. In London, for example, you could use London City, Luton, Farnborough, Biggin Hill, or RAF Northolt instead of Heathrow. In New York, Teterboro (TEB) and Westchester County (HPN) are popular alternatives to JFK. This flexibility often means you land minutes from your meeting, home, or hotel rather than hours away.

FBO stands for Fixed-Base Operator — a private terminal dedicated to general and business aviation, separate from commercial airline terminals. Premium FBOs offer luxury lounges, complimentary refreshments, conference rooms, Wi-Fi, flight planning services, concierge assistance, crew rest areas, and often showers. Many feature on-site customs and immigration clearance, direct ramp access so you can drive right up to the aircraft, and valet parking. Leading FBO networks like Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation, and ExecuJet operate hundreds of locations globally. VIPMAKKI can arrange premium FBO access and additional ground services at any airport worldwide.

Yes — this is one of the greatest productivity advantages of private aviation. You can visit multiple cities in a single day and be home for dinner, something impossible with commercial airlines. A typical business itinerary might be London-Paris-Geneva-London in one day, with the aircraft waiting for you at each stop. VIPMAKKI specialises in complex multi-leg itineraries and can optimise routing, ground transportation at each stop, and crew duty limits. Just tell us where you need to be and when — we'll build the flight schedule around your day.

Private jet catering is entirely bespoke. From light refreshments and breakfast pastries to multi-course gourmet meals prepared by top-tier inflight caterers, the choice is yours. VIPMAKKI can arrange Michelin-starred chef-prepared meals, specific dietary requirements (kosher, halal, vegan, gluten-free), vintage Champagne and fine wines, and even catering from specific restaurants at your departure point. We just need your preferences 24 hours in advance. For larger jets with full galleys, a flight attendant can plate and serve each course. For light jets, catering is typically presented as beautifully arranged platters.

Most modern private jets are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi via satellite (Ka-band or Ku-band), allowing you to work, video conference, stream content, and stay connected throughout your flight. Some older aircraft may only offer air-to-ground connectivity over land, so if inflight Wi-Fi is critical, let us know and we'll ensure your selected aircraft is equipped accordingly. Many jets also feature power outlets (110V and USB), large HD monitors, and AirPrint-compatible printers. The cabin becomes your private office in the sky.

Smoking policies vary by operator and jurisdiction. While some operators permit smoking on board, many do not to preserve the aircraft interior and comply with insurance requirements. If smoking is important to you, inform VIPMAKKI at the time of enquiry and we can identify operators who allow it. Please note that smoking is prohibited on flights within or departing from many countries under national aviation regulations, regardless of operator policy. Vaping and e-cigarettes are typically treated the same as traditional smoking.

VIPMAKKI provides seamless door-to-door service. We can arrange chauffeured luxury vehicles — Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Maybach, or Range Rover — to meet you directly on the tarmac at both departure and arrival airports. For helicopter transfers between the airport and your final destination, we coordinate the timing so your helicopter is ready when you land. We also arrange security details, motorcycle outriders, and police escorts where available. Every aspect of your ground transportation is synchronised with your flight schedule for a frictionless experience.