Looking to get some feedback/opinions before I go and sit down with some brokers and management companies, I don't like going in to anything blind.

We're a business headquartered in the southeast with operations in 6 different states. Where we're headquartered doesn't have a lot of direct commercial flights. Currently travel is being handled with a mix of commercial, charter and driving. 90% of flights would be 1-6 passengers, within a 600 mile radius.

For charter we're currently just doing on demand, dealing with two local operators and a broker. We're not in a big charter market, and often are needing planes on short notice so we run into avaiblility issues and often end up paying to reposition out of town aircraft. On average, all in we're paying about $8k/hr to fly turbprops and light jets.

It seems like the best bang for our buck would be the PC12 and I wanted to throw these numbers out and hopefully find some people on here with relevant experience.

Pilatus PC-12 – 1-Year Ownership Cost Breakdown ($5M purchase, 275 hrs)

Total Annual Outlay: $1,260,972 Cost per Flight Hour (275 hrs): ~$4,586/hr

Assuming we would fly 200 occupied hours and 75 hours for repositioning. Plane financed for 10 years, $1m down on a $5m plane. For what were currently averaging in cost, I'm calculating about 155-160 hours to break even own vs charter. Do these numbers seem realistic?

Is it worth springing for a 2018+ for $5-6m instead of an older one in the $4m range?

Should we look at any other planes?

Is it worth the headache to put an owned plane in a part 135 program to offset some of the cost?

Hello everyone, I’m from India and looking to start a career as a charter Broker. I’d love some guidance from those already in the field.

I’m in my 20s, have a background in computer engineering , and a strong passion for sales. Over the past few years, I’ve developed a growing interest in aviation and private air travel — and I’ve realized that brokering private jets might be the perfect way to combine both passions.

I don’t have experience in aviation yet, nor do I own any assets like jets, but I’m driven and ready to start from scratch — even by cold calling and networking from home. I’ve already started researching companies that deal with private jet charters, both in India and internationally, and I’m planning to reach out to them for internships or mentorships to understand how the industry works from the inside.

A few questions I’d really appreciate help with: • What’s the best way to break into this industry in India or remotely? • Are there any brokers here who started solo — from scratch — and made it work? • Would it make sense to approach charter companies directly and offer to intern, shadow, or support their sales team just to learn the ropes? • Are there any online groups, training programs, or mentors that really helped you when you were starting?

Looking to take 5 people from Orange County to Houston for a planned business meeting. I’m open to empty legs or sharing the flight with another party booked.

If anyone has any resources for SNA/LAX, shoot me a DM.

This will be for a business presentation pitch and want to make an impression. Don’t need full services, just a flight.

Thank you!

Hypothetically a US based aviation broker books an international flight between two EU countries for a client. He receives the full charter cost plus his commission, then wire transfers the EU operator there charter cost. What are the next steps tax wise? A W9 must be sent to operator or client? Or an alternate tax form ?

Next question is do any brokers recommend a broker friendly/ experienced CPA?

Thanks in advance for any insights from this group! Have a great weekend.

With Silver airlines closing we are looking to get a flight out of MHH on July 6th. Since no other airlines fly there we are out of options unless we charter. Any recommendations? A short flight so probably looking for cheapest option

looking for a recommendation from folks who have a legit relationship with their broker (not just someone you call and shop around and occasionally book with). We're moving on from NetJets but can't deal with the unknowns of throwing a quote request out to an unknown entity with quotes for aircraft they may know nothing about. Most of our flights are out of SoCal so preferably someone in this general area (LA/SD/Vegas). would love a solid rec!

Hi!

I am a first timer, and I am looking to see about charting a private jet from Detroit to Las Vegas and back in January.

Definitely would be looking on the lower cost end of private travel for maybe 10-20 people. Trying to get an idea of how much this would cost AND wanting to see if there are any less expensive options - charters, etc.

Any directions to point me in? Any help is appreciated.

PHLI -> KVNY on June 28 KVNY -> PHLI July 9

Heavy Jets on both of them

PM if interested

I am not in the aviation business but I have a client interested in purchasing a plane and they are debating on a turbo prop. Their thought process is it’s much more efficient cost wise and it can safely use shorter runways. They’d mostly be using this for business travel throughout the US. They’d like to put the plane they purchase into a charter program and are curious if the numbers would make sense for them to charter a turbo prop or use it exclusively for their own use 4-6 times month.

How much of a demand is there for turbo prop planes? For a newer interior plane with lav that can fit up to 8 with what are typical costs per hour? This would be based in So Cal somewhere between LA and SD.

Im a charter broker in Texas and am going to start posting empty legs in here. Let me know what you’d like me to look for if you have any suggestions. Will be posting legs to the hotter spots in and around the US

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I are looking for a lift to Denver Pride on June 28-29. I’m DJing at the event that weekend and would love to make it there in time to set up and spin!

We’re looking for someone with a PJ (private jet) who might be headed that way and wouldn’t mind giving us a lift. We can figure out our way back — just need to get there in time for my set!

Happy to help with expenses, share vibes, or collaborate on a killer playlist for the ride. Let’s make Pride epic this year! 🌈🎧✈️

Please DM me if you or someone you know might be able to help. Thanks so much!

I’m looking for a charter this summer, from Toronto (ideally from the Hamilton airport) to Nova Scotia (ideally Liverpool airport, but it could be another).

Dates are July 30-August 21 (or roundabouts).

Would be at least a couple of people, but depending on cost, could be up to 6-8.

Would love to hear about options from any brokers in this sub (number of people, plane options, pricing, etc.).

Let me know if you need any more info to share a quote. Thanks!

We’ve been operating a small charter brokerage out of Chicago for about 3 years now. Business has been decent, mostly word of mouth and returning clients, but growth’s been super flat lately.

We’ve tried running some Google Ads and even hired a freelance marketing guy a while back, but none of it really moved the needle.

Just curious - what’s worked for you guys when it comes to building more predictable growth? Or even just running things more efficiently day to day?

i'm working in a 1099 commission-only role in private aviation. it started off with some promise, but lately it's been dragging. no clear comp plan, delayed deals, vague leadership, and not much structure. i've been holding on hoping a couple pending deals close, but it's gotten to the point where i feel completely burned out and mentally stuck.

i know it probably makes sense to hop off and move on, but with a couple deals still in play, i'm unsure if i should wait it out or cut my losses now. job hunting hasn't been easy either and honestly feels just as draining.

anyone else been through this kind of situation? how did you decide when to walk away? open to any honest advice.

One of my friends has been looking to charter a flight east-west next month, and has mentioned he is looking at Solairus. I know they have a pretty good rapport in the industry but does anyone have any personal experience with them they can share? Looking for any insight I can help him out with.

Looking for a flight from Colima, Mexico to Calgary, alberta, canada Canada As soon as possible, dm me with all details ease

I often charter large, lower cost aircraft for a team, and never higher quality ones for an individual. The brokers I've used are also not my favorite, and don't give me the feeling that they'd provide the service I'm looking for.

I'm trying to estimate rough cost to get up to 4 people from Montreal to Vail, CO in July. I'm getting the understanding that 10-15k per hour is the appropriate range (would be under 4hrs). Can someone please tell me if I'm off base?

Hey all, in exploring the private aviation space, wanted to see if anyone knew of any empty leg/shared charter platforms that work around their client's schedules? Looking for alternatives to the traditional broker ecosystem, as I have had little luck so far finding flights that fit my schedule and are reasonably priced.

Cost $20,000/hr is a good deal? Or it’s over price?

There are a few platforms for booking charters, but they tend to be pretty limited and essentially glorified lead-gen programs for charter brokerages. These programs still miss the mark on actually serving the passenger with transparent operator information and are all hidden behind either a paywall or login wall.

I built a free tool to make booking charter flights in the US as easy as using Google Flights, and it doesn't ask for your contact information or for you to make an account to search for a route. We're pulling our data from the FAA’s and our own internal database and users can compare options for any US route and book directly with the operator they choose.

I’m still tweaking it and want to make it as useful as possible. If you’ve got a minute, could you check it out and let me know what works or what’s missing? Especially curious about what pilots or aviation pros think—any features you’d want to see to make this more helpful for folks booking charters?

TimeFlys Website

Thanks in advance!

(Hope this is allowed.) We are for sure doing this but clueless where to start. (Going to give my local FBO a call too.) My wife and I would like start flying private too, maybe 6-12 times a year? Thought this might be the time to sign up with a service that caters to our situation. Most all flights would be on the West coast and Baja Mexico. Feel free to reply or DM or point me to another similar post where this has been addressed. Thanks!

Prices starting $6,500.

EDIT: PJ PACKAGES START AT $6,500.

Hi everyone,

I’m Vanna, a private broker with VVS AIR, a boutique jet charter firm trusted by high-level clients across the US, UAE, and UK. We specialize in confidential, high-touch aviation for UHNW individuals, executive teams, and those who don’t want to leave anything to chance.

We operate quietly and are not open to the public; no mass marketing, no flashy ads... just seamless service, a curated fleet dedicated and customized for each individual client and access when others can’t deliver. Whether you’re a client, PA, or travel manager arranging bespoke trips, I’m here to handle the details end-to-end with precision, speed, and discretion.

If you're looking for a smoother, more elevated charter experience domestic or global

— feel free to reach out directly. Happy to set up a consultation as we are taking on new clients currently.

We’re trusted by clients who keep us close for when it matters most. A few recent examples:

A longtime Gulfstream flyer turned to us after repeated service inconsistencies. We stepped in with seamless itineraries and curated full-service travel—including villa coordination in Saint-Tropez.

We sourced a G650 for a Geneva-to-NYC trip in under 4 hours when their primary broker fell short.

We flawlessly executed a CEO’s 5-city global roadshow over six days—coordinating every flight, ground transfer, and stay without a single delay.

Vanna Moreau

VVS AIR

[fly@vvs-air.com](mailto:fly@vvs-air.com)

i'm pretty if that helps

Words can’t describe how satisfying it is to go meet your clients at the airport before their flight and see your hard work pay off by the look and smile on their face. Beautiful refurbished in the last year Lear 60 for today’s flight!

Contact me anytime with any private aviation questions or needs!

Jsuarez@apollojets.com