With the onset of summer, many UAE residents are exploring travel options, including the choice between First Class flights and private jet charters. Pricing for private jets varies based on factors such as aircraft size, distance, and travel dates.
During summer, demand for private jet charters often surges by up to 40% as families and individuals seek cooler destinations. According to industry insiders, post-pandemic health and safety concerns have also boosted interest in private jets for groups of four to eight people. These charters can be competitively priced against First Class tickets for long-haul flights.
Paul James, director of sales and aircraft management at DC Aviation Al-Futtaim VIP Terminal, observed a “significant uptick in demand during the summer” for European destinations. “We see a 30-40% increase in demand for private charter jets during the summer season,” James said, noting peak demand right before the summer holidays.
Adam Neave, head of charter at Gama Aviation, mentioned that demand peaks during the summer getaway and return periods. “Geopolitical factors impact charter demand, making no two years alike,” Neave said. He added that events like the Germany Euros and Paris Olympics also drive charter enquiries.
Private jet charters offer time efficiency, avoiding long security lines and layovers, and allow direct flights to smaller airports near final destinations. Neave pointed out that private jet pricing is comparable to First Class when accessing remote locations or maintaining strict schedules. “There are premiums for exclusive use of an aircraft and traveling on your own schedule,” he noted.
Paul James highlighted the pandemic’s role in increasing group charters. “Sharing the cost among 4-8 people can make private jets surprisingly competitive,” he said. For long-distance trips, dividing the charter cost can make it comparable or cheaper than First Class tickets.
Traveling by private jet is approximately ten times costlier than First Class. A commercial flight from Dubai to London or Paris costs between Dh18,400 and Dh36,800, while a private jet charter ranges from Dh184,000 to Dh312,500. However, First Class prices can rise significantly during peak times or late bookings. For instance, next week’s First Class fare from Dubai to Paris was as high as Dh44,000.
Popular summer destinations include London, Paris, Nice, Cannes, Geneva, Zurich, Munich, and island paradises like the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Adam Neave noted increased demand for Germany and Paris due to major sporting events. Greece and Italy, along with the Mediterranean, remain high-demand areas, with the South of France being particularly popular among clients.
