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Private Jet Fuel Costs

Private Jet Fuel
Costs: What to Expect

Fuel is typically the single largest variable operating cost for a private jet, ranging from 30-60% of total hourly operating cost depending on aircraft type.

Efficiency Metrics

Fuel Burn by Aircraft Category

aircraft category

typical fuel burn

(GPH)

estimated hourly fuel costs at current prices

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Light jet

120–200 GPH
$840–$1,400/hr
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midsize jet

180–300 GPH
$1,260–$2,100/hr
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super midsize jet

250–400 GPH
$1,750–$2,800/hr
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heavy jet

350–500+ GPH
$2,450–$3,500+/hr
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ultra long range jet

450–600+ GPH
$3,150–$4,200+/hr

*Based on an illustrative Jet-A price of $7.00 per gallon. Actual fuel prices vary by airport, location, fuel provider, and volume purchased.

route example

Private Jet Fuel Cost

route

(City Pairs)

distance

(NM)

estimated flight time

avg. fuel burn

(GPH)

Estimated fuel cost

(@$7.00/ GAL)

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new york (ketb) to miami (kmia)

Route-specific
Varies by aircraft
Varies
Aircraft-dependent
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los angeles (klax) to new york (kteb)

Route-specific
Varies by aircraft
Varies
Aircraft-dependent
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new york (kteb) to london (eggw)

Route-specific
Varies by aircraft
Varies
Aircraft-dependent
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miami (kmia) to london (eggw)

Route-specific
Varies by aircraft
Varies
Aircraft-dependent

*Flight time, fuel burn, and cost should ideally be calculated using a selected aircraft model rather than one generic value.

Expenditure

Factors Affecting Fuel Cost

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Aircraft Type & Engine Efficiency

Fuel consumption varies significantly between aircraft categories and individual models. Larger aircraft generally require more fuel, while newer engine technology and aerodynamic improvements can improve efficiency and reduce fuel burn per flight hour.
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Route & Altitude

Fuel consumption changes throughout a flight. Distance, routing, cruise altitude, air traffic restrictions, and required climb and descent profiles can all influence the total amount of fuel used on a mission.
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Payload & Weather

Passenger numbers, baggage, and cargo affect aircraft weight and fuel requirements. Weather conditions, including headwinds, temperature, and routing around adverse weather, can also increase flight time and fuel consumption.
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FBO Fuel Pricing Variation

Jet-A prices can vary significantly between airports and fuel providers. Location, local demand, contract pricing, volume discounts, and fuel programs can all affect the price paid for the same quantity of fuel.

tips

Fuel Management

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Use Fuel Programs & Discounts

Fuel programs and negotiated pricing arrangements can help reduce the cost of Jet-A purchases. Owners and operators should evaluate available programs based on their typical airports, annual fuel volume, and operating patterns.
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Compare FBO Fuel Prices

Fuel pricing can differ substantially between FBOs at the same airport and between nearby airports. Comparing available options before a trip can help identify more competitive pricing and avoid unnecessary fuel costs.
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Consider Tankering on Long Trips

When operationally appropriate, carrying additional fuel from a lower-cost location may reduce the need to purchase fuel at a more expensive destination. Tankering should always be evaluated against the additional weight and fuel required to carry that extra fuel.

Outlays

Related Costs

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Crew Costs

Crew expenses are a major part of the total cost of aircraft ownership. Salaries, benefits, training, travel, and crew requirements vary based on the aircraft type and how the aircraft is operated.
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Maintenance Costs

Maintenance expenses include scheduled inspections, unscheduled repairs, engine reserves, component programs, and other requirements needed to keep an aircraft airworthy and operational.
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Calculate Your Total Ownership Costs

Get a personalised estimate based on the aircraft you fly, your missions and current market data.

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