Chapter 01
Understanding Aircraft Categories
— Light Jets — EUR 5,250 and up
Light jets (Cessna Citation CJ3+, Embraer Phenom 300E) accommodate 4–6 passengers and cover European routes of up to 4 hours non-stop. They use smaller airports that larger aircraft cannot access — including Courchevel Altiport (altitude 2,008m), Biarritz and Deauville. Ideal for intra-European business travel and weekend escapes.
— Midsize Jets — EUR 9,800 and up
Midsize jets (Hawker 900XP, Citation XLS+) carry 6–8 passengers over 6 hours. They bridge intra-European and early transatlantic routes, offering a stand-up cabin on most models. Well suited for London–Riyadh, Paris–Moscow or Geneva–Marrakech.
— Super Midsize Jets — EUR 14,500 and up
Super midsize aircraft (Gulfstream G280, Challenger 350) seat 8–10 passengers and extend to 8+ hour ranges. The cabin width and baggage capacity make them preferred for family groups and transatlantic hops with a single stop.
— Heavy Jets — EUR 28,000 and up
Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550, Falcon 7X, Falcon 900LX) are full stand-up cabin aircraft with true intercontinental range. Seats 10–14 passengers. Capable of Paris–New York non-stop in tailwind conditions. Preferred by delegations and corporate boards.
— Ultra-Long-Range Jets — EUR 56,400 and up
The Gulfstream G650/G700 and Bombardier Global 7500 are the pinnacle of business aviation. 16+ hours of range, seats 12–16, with full sleeping quarters, a dedicated galley and satellite connectivity. London to Singapore non-stop. The aircraft of choice for royal families, heads of state and ultra-long-range corporate travel.
— VIP Airliners — EUR 95,000 and up
The Airbus ACJ319 and Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) are converted narrowbody airliners offering up to 50 VIP seats, private bedrooms, conference rooms and dining areas. Reserved for large delegations, high-volume family travel and sovereign missions.
Chapter 02
What Determines Charter Pricing
— Aircraft Type
The primary cost driver. A light jet costs approximately one-fifth of an ultra-long-range jet for the same route. Matching aircraft to route is the most important cost-efficiency decision.
— Route Distance and Positioning
If the aircraft needs to reposition empty from its base to your departure airport, that repositioning leg is included in the charter price. FFGR Jets optimises sourcing to minimise positioning distance.
— Landing and Handling Fees
Airport landing fees, navigation charges, FBO handling and fuel surcharges vary by airport. Le Bourget handling fees are higher than Toussus-le-Noble; Nice has seasonal surcharges during peak summer.
— Crew Costs
Crew accommodation, per diem and overnight allowances are factored into longer itineraries. Multi-day charters with layovers include crew hotel costs.
— Season and Demand
Peak periods command premium rates: Cannes (May), Monaco GP (May), St Tropez (July–August), Courchevel (February), New Year and Christmas. Empty legs during these periods offer significant savings — see our /empty-legs page.
Chapter 03
The Booking Process
— Step 1: Submit Your Request
Provide your departure airport, destination, travel date, number of passengers and any specific requirements (on-board catering, ground transfer, security). FFGR Jets accepts requests via the /devis form, WhatsApp (+33 7 43 46 14 91) or email.
— Step 2: Quote Within 2 Hours
FFGR Jets confirms aircraft availability, sources the best-positioned operator meeting our EASA/ARGUS/IS-BAO safety criteria, and delivers a detailed quote — aircraft type, price, flight time, FBO details — within 2 hours, 24/7.
— Step 3: Confirmation and Contract
A formal charter agreement is issued covering cancellation terms, pricing breakdown, and operational details. A deposit (typically 25–50%) confirms the booking; the balance is due 48 hours before departure.
— Step 4: Pre-Flight Coordination
FFGR's concierge team coordinates ground transfers, catering orders, customs and immigration briefings (for international routes), and any special arrangements (Bark Air pet protocols, medical equipment, diplomatic clearances).
— Step 5: Departure Day
Arrive at the FBO lounge 15 minutes before departure. No security queues, no public terminals. Your aircraft is waiting at the apron. Ground crew handles luggage directly to the hold.
Chapter 04
The FBO Experience
— What is an FBO?
A Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) is a dedicated private terminal facility. Unlike public airports, FBOs offer direct car-to-aircraft access, private lounges with catering and Wi-Fi, dedicated customs and immigration processing, and complete discretion for high-profile passengers.
— Premier FBOs in the FFGR Network
Le Bourget (Signature Flight Support, Universal Aviation) — Paris. Signature Farnborough — London. TAG Geneva and Jet Aviation Basel — Switzerland. ExecuJet Zurich — Zurich. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim — Dubai. Jetex — multiple Gulf hubs.
— Customs and Immigration
On international routes, FBOs coordinate on-site customs and immigration clearance where applicable. At Le Bourget, non-Schengen arrivals are cleared on the apron — no public immigration hall. In Dubai, private arrivals through DC Aviation at DWC have dedicated protocol lanes.
Chapter 05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
Private jet charter costs range from EUR 5,250 for a light jet on a short European route to EUR 95,000+ for a VIP airliner. Typical routes: Paris–Nice from EUR 5,250 (light jet), London–Dubai from EUR 28,000 (heavy jet), New York–Paris from EUR 56,400 (ultra-long-range). Prices depend on aircraft category, route distance, positioning, landing fees and crew costs.
How far in advance should I book a private jet?
Most charter bookings are confirmed 24–72 hours before departure. For peak periods (Monaco GP, Cannes Film Festival, Courchevel ski season, Fashion Weeks), 2–4 weeks advance booking is advisable. Empty leg flights can sometimes be booked same-day. FFGR Jets responds to quote requests within 2 hours, 24/7.
What is an empty leg flight?
An empty leg (also called a repositioning flight or deadhead flight) occurs when a private jet must fly without passengers to its next departure point. These flights are offered at 30–70% below the standard charter rate. They are fixed in routing and timing, making them ideal for flexible travellers.
What is an FBO in private aviation?
An FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) is a private terminal facility at an airport that provides services to general and business aviation. FBOs offer private lounges, expedited security, customs and immigration processing, catering coordination, and ground transfer arrangements. At Le Bourget, the FBO experience means arriving by car directly to the aircraft — no queues, no public terminals.
How many passengers can fly on a private jet?
Passenger capacity depends on aircraft category: light jets accommodate 4–6 passengers, midsize jets 6–8, super midsize jets 8–10, heavy jets 10–14, and VIP airliners up to 50+. FFGR Jets helps match aircraft to passenger count and route requirements at the quoting stage.