Full comparison of private jet companies in 2026
Choosing a private jet company is not as straightforward as it might seem. The market comprises very different players — direct operators, brokers, fractional ownership programmes, prepaid flight cards — whose business models, fleets, and service levels vary considerably. A poor choice risks a gap between the promises made and the reality on board.
This guide reviews the main private jet companies and platforms available to travellers, their strengths, their positioning, and the objective criteria for making the right choice according to your profile.
Operator, broker, fractional: understanding the different models
Before comparing companies, it is essential to understand their actual role in the private jet value chain:
The direct operator
The operator owns or manages its own fleet of aircraft and employs its own crews. It holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and is directly responsible for flight safety. Advantages: total quality control, consistency of service, no intermediary. Examples: NetJets, VistaJet, Luxaviation, Global Jet.
The broker
The broker does not own any aircraft: it searches a network of partner operators for the aircraft best suited to your request, negotiates the terms, and coordinates the operation. Advantages: access to a wider fleet, flexibility, and sometimes better prices. Examples: Air Partner, LunaJets, AeroAffaires, PrivateFly/FXAIR.
Fractional ownership
You purchase a share of an aircraft (typically 1/16th to 1/2) and gain access to the operator’s entire fleet. High entry cost (€200,000 to €1M+), but guaranteed availability within a few hours and a preferential hourly rate. Global leader: NetJets. Second globally: Flexjet.
The prepaid flight card (Jet Card)
You purchase a block of flight hours at a guaranteed hourly rate. No long-term commitment, no aircraft management fees. Ideal for frequent flyers (25 to 100 hours per year) who want predictability without ownership. Offered by VistaJet, Wheels Up, NetJets, Air Partner, and others.
On-demand charter
The most flexible model: you charter an entire aircraft for a specific flight, with no commitment. This is the most widely used format for occasional travellers and companies with one-off requirements.
The major global companies
NetJets — The global number one
Founded in 1964, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett), NetJets is the world’s largest private jet company by every measure: over 800 aircraft in its fleet, a presence in more than 180 countries, and an uncontested leadership position for five consecutive years according to WINGX 2025 data. Its model is built around fractional ownership and subscriptions.
- Fleet: Citation series, Phenom 300, Latitude, Sovereign, Citation X, Global 6000, Gulfstream G600
- Strengths: guaranteed availability in 4–10 hours, Berkshire safety standard, consistency of service globally
- Weaknesses: high entry ticket, model primarily suited to high-volume users
- Positioning: fractional ownership and premium Jet Card
VistaJet — The global subscription model
Founded in 2004, VistaJet pioneered a unique model: no aircraft ownership for clients, but guaranteed access to a homogeneous fleet of over 360 Bombardier jets (Challenger and Global) via subscription programmes (Program) or on-demand booking. The promise: the same level of service on any flight, anywhere in the world.
- Fleet: 100% Bombardier — Challenger 300, 350, 650; Global 5500, 6500, 7500
- Strengths: absolute consistency of service worldwide, no surprise “substitute” aircraft, crew trained at the VistaJet academy
- Weaknesses: Bombardier aircraft only (no Gulfstream or Dassault), minimum annual subscription
- Positioning: high-volume global travellers, medium and long-haul
Flexjet — The NetJets challenger
The world’s second fractional ownership operator behind NetJets, Flexjet is distinguished by its Red Label crews — dedicated crew teams who fly the same aircraft and know their owners’ preferences. Its fleet includes Embraer, Gulfstream, and Bombardier aircraft. Very dominant in North America, Flexjet is expanding in the European market.
- Fleet: Phenom 300, Praetor 500/600, G450/G500, Challenger 300/350
- Strengths: dedicated crews, ultra-personalised service, modern fleet
- Positioning: premium fractional ownership, primarily US/Europe
Wheels Up — Democratised access
Wheels Up built its growth on a membership model more accessible than traditional players, with a standardised fleet of King Air 350i and Citation X aircraft. Listed on the NYSE (ticker: UP) since 2021, the company repositioned itself after financial difficulties to target frequent business travellers. Primarily North American presence.
XO (formerly JetSmarter) — The tech platform
XO — part of the Vista group — offers a digital platform for booking private flights on demand, sharing existing flights (shared flights), or purchasing individual seats on recurring routes. More accessible than traditional operators, XO targets occasional users and tech-savvy travellers.
The leading French and European companies
AeroAffaires — The French brokerage leader
Founded in Paris, AeroAffaires is one of the main French private jet charter platforms. Its broker model gives access to a fleet of over 10,000 aircraft worldwide. Strong presence in France, Switzerland, and Belgium, with advisers available 24/7. AeroAffaires is particularly noted for its expertise on complex flights (groups, cargo, medical missions).
- Strengths: French-speaking team, expertise in complex flights, global network, 24/7
- Positioning: premium broker, SMEs, large corporations, discerning private clients
PrivateFly / FXAIR — The digital innovator turned European
PrivateFly/FXAIR, a pioneer in online private jet bookings since 2008, was acquired by Air Charter Service and subsequently merged under the FXAIR Europe brand. Its digital platform provides near-instant quotes and transparency on aircraft (real photos of each available jet). Strong UK/Europe presence, service available in French.
- Strengths: aircraft photo transparency, smooth digital interface, broad European network
- Positioning: tech broker, modern travellers, Europe
LunaJets — The Geneva brokerage specialist
Based in Geneva, LunaJets is a reference in the Franco-Swiss private jet market. Its real-time price estimation platform and multilingual team make it a valued partner for private and corporate clients. LunaJets stands out for its pricing transparency and specialisation in intra-European routes.
- Strengths: online price estimate, Franco-Swiss team, strong Geneva/Paris presence
- Positioning: transparent broker, Franco-Swiss private and corporate clientele
Avico — The full-service French operator
Avico is a long-established player in French private and business aviation, offering private jet charter, airliner chartering, and ACMI services. Its generalist positioning and technical expertise cover corporate travel as well as group flights. 24/7 service, based in France.
- Strengths: comprehensive offering (private jet, airliner, group), technical expertise, French service
- Positioning: generalist operator/broker, France
Air Partner — The institutional British broker
Founded in 1961, Air Partner is one of the oldest and largest aviation brokerage firms in the world (listed on the London Stock Exchange until 2022). Its divisions cover private jet, group flights, government flights, and freight. Strong international presence, French-language service available.
- Strengths: institutional solidity, expertise in government and large-group flights, global reach
- Positioning: institutional broker, corporate, governmental
Global Jet — The Monaco-based leader
Founded over 25 years ago and based in Monaco, Global Jet is a business aviation company that positions itself as a “global leader”. Its model combines direct operations and brokerage, with a strong presence in European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets. Recognised for its ultra-personalised services and HNWI client network.
Jet-Miles — The French specialist
Jet-Miles is a French private jet charter platform with an online price calculator. Its focus on pricing transparency and simplicity of booking makes it an accessible option for first-time private jet travellers.
The 10 largest global operators in 2026
| Rank | Company | Model | Fleet (approx.) | Primary strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NetJets | Fractional + charter | 800+ | #1 global, availability, Berkshire |
| 2 | Flexjet | Fractional | 300+ | Dedicated crews, premium service |
| 3 | flyExclusive | Charter + Jet Card | 200+ | Rapid growth, US mid-market |
| 4 | Wheels Up | Membership + charter | 150+ | Accessibility, digital platform |
| 5 | VistaJet | Program + charter | 360+ | 100% Bombardier, uniform global service |
| 6 | XO / Vista | On-demand + shared | ~2,000 partners | Tech-first, shared flights |
| 7 | Air Partner | Institutional brokerage | Global network | Government, large groups |
| 8 | Jet Aviation | Management + charter | Global network | FBO, MRO, aircraft management |
| 9 | AeroAffaires | Brokerage | 10,000 partners | French leader, 24/7, complex flights |
| 10 | LunaJets | Brokerage | European network | Price transparency, Franco-Swiss |
5 criteria for choosing the right company
1. Safety and certifications
This is the non-negotiable criterion. Independent third-party certifications are the industry’s reference standards:
- ARGUS (Gold, Platinum): charter operator audit, based on safety track record
- Wyvern Wingman: industry-recognised safety standard
- IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations): safety management certification
- EBAA Platinum: European Business Aviation Association certification
Always ask for the certification level of the operator performing your flight — not just the broker taking your booking.
2. Pricing transparency
A serious quote details every item: flight hours, ferry flight, landing fees, handling, catering, passenger taxes. Be wary of quotes that are suspiciously low and conceal undisclosed additional charges. Request an all-inclusive price and compare on the same basis.
3. Fleet and aircraft age
The average age of the fleet matters. An aircraft over 15 years old often offers less comfort, limited connectivity, and less predictable maintenance. Ask for the year of manufacture and the date of the last interior refurbishment. The best platforms (notably PrivateFly/FXAIR) display recent photos of the interior of each available aircraft.
4. Availability and responsiveness
For a flight within 24 hours, a broker with a broad operator network will have more options than an operator limited to its own fleet. Test responsiveness: a serious operator responds to a quote request in under an hour.
5. Customer service and support
Who manages your flight from end to end? Do you have a single point of contact? What happens if the aircraft breaks down at the last moment? To understand the full flow of a private jet flight, read our practical guide to how a private jet flight works. The best operators contractually guarantee a replacement aircraft and a dedicated contact accessible 24/7 throughout the trip.
Operator or broker: which to choose?
| Criterion | Direct operator | Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Available fleet | Limited to the operator’s aircraft | Access to thousands of aircraft |
| Service consistency | High (same team, same standards) | Variable depending on the selected operator |
| Price | Often more predictable | May find better terms depending on availability |
| Safety responsibility | Direct (AOC) | Shared with the underlying operator |
| Personalisation | More thorough (knows its aircraft) | Depends on the relationship with the operator |
| Ideal for | Frequent users, fractional ownership | One-off flights, varied destinations, flexibility |
New models reshaping the sector
Co-flying and shared flights
Platforms such as XO, Jettly, or Victor allow you to share a private flight with unrelated passengers travelling on the same route. Savings: 40 to 70% off the cost of a full charter. Constraint: you do not choose your fellow passengers, and schedules can be less flexible.
Empty legs
When an operator needs to reposition an aircraft, it offers this ferry flight at a reduced rate (30 to 60% off). These last-minute offers are available on specialist platforms or directly from operators. See our guide on private jet charter prices for a full breakdown of the pricing structure. Constraint: route and schedule are fixed.
Monthly subscription
Wijet (France) popularised the monthly subscription model: a fixed price per flight hour, regardless of the route, with a standardised aircraft type. This model reduces the complexity of quoting and makes budgets predictable for large corporate users.
FAQ — The most frequently asked questions about private jet companies
Which is the best private jet company in France?
There is no single answer: the “best” company depends on your usage profile. For French companies booking one-off flights, AeroAffaires and LunaJets are recognised brokerage references. For frequent flyers wanting a consistent global service level, VistaJet or NetJets are the natural choice. For those on controlled budgets flying regular routes, Jet Cards or co-flying via platforms such as XO are worth considering.
How do you check the reliability of a private jet company?
Ask for third-party safety certifications (ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO), the company’s track record, client references, and the identity of the actual operator (not just the broker). Verify that the operator holds a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in its country of registration.
Is a broker less reliable than an operator?
No. The best brokers (Air Partner, LunaJets, AeroAffaires) have operated for decades and have developed rigorous vetting processes for their partner operators. The key is to choose a broker who clearly communicates the identity of the underlying operator and that operator’s certifications.
Do private jet companies work with private individuals?
Yes, all on-demand charter companies work with private individuals as well as corporations. There is no minimum number of flights or status requirement. A first flight can be booked without any subscription or prior commitment.
What is the minimum budget to book with a major company?
For on-demand charter, there is no minimum budget: a Paris–Nice flight can start from €3,500 with a reputable operator or broker. Prepaid Jet Cards typically require an initial investment of €25,000 to €100,000. Fractional ownership (NetJets, Flexjet) starts at €200,000 and above.
How are private jet pilots recruited?
Private jet pilots must hold an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with a type rating on the relevant aircraft. Major operators (NetJets, VistaJet) have their own training centres and impose minimum flight hours well above regulatory requirements. A Wyvern or ARGUS certification for an operator includes an audit of crew qualifications.