Helicopter or Private Jet for Charter?
Key Takeaways
- A helicopter charter is ideal for short-distance travel to remote destinations or nearby cities with flexible landing benefits.
- A private jet charter is ideal for longer distances with greater speed, comfort, and in-flight facilities.
- When choosing between a private jet and a helicopter charter, you need to consider the total cost, destination, and passenger count.
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If you’re a frequent traveller, especially for business and leisure, you may have stumbled upon a common question: should I go for a private jet charter or a helicopter charter?
It can be a tough decision to choose between them because they’re both convenient, luxurious, and efficient travelling options. However, they also have unique advantages and features like speed and passenger capacity.
Most importantly, knowing the cost differences between the two can help you determine whether a helicopter or private jet charter would be feasible in a particular instance. We’ll discuss all of that in this article to help you improve your travelling experience.
What You Need to Know About a Helicopter Charter
A helicopter charter is the right option if you want to travel a short distance quickly or want to reach remote destinations more easily. It is also a suitable choice if you’re travelling within an urban area, in which case, there will be limited landing options.
Landing Flexibility
Helicopters can land on small pads and rooftops. In fact, many business and leisure travellers enjoy helicopter charters because they can land directly on private properties. Hence, greater landing flexibility.
They can land — and take off — easily compared to private jets. So, if you’re planning to visit a small or unconventional location, a helicopter is the right choice.
Quick and Efficient Short-Hauls
For short-haul travel, helicopters are an excellent choice. They’re ideal for shorter distances typically from 200 to 500 km. For instance, if you’re travelling between nearby cities or to a remote location where there’s no commercial airport, a helicopter charter will work.
It offers a time-efficient travel solution where you can bypass congested city traffic. Additionally, this also makes them suitable for business executives who need to travel within a single day to attend meetings or events, especially on private estates.
Flexible Scheduling
Another advantage of a helicopter charter is that it takes away the need for advanced scheduling. While you may have to schedule a few days earlier or so for leisure experiences, you can still book last-minute helicopter rides to hail across cities or within a city.
It gives you more control over your travel plans and reduces the waiting time compared to conventional travelling options. Even if you compare it with a private jet, you will realize that a helicopter charter is way easier to schedule as it doesn’t require as much prep.
Scenic Traveling Experience
One overlooked aspect of helicopter charters, especially for business travel, is the scenic and unique experience they offer. Since helicopters can hover, it gives you a panoramic view of different entities, like:
- Coastlines
- Mountains
- Landscapes
- Skyscrapers, and so on
While it may seem trivial when you have to travel on short notice, a relaxing and scenic view can take some stress off the mind. As a result, business executives can enjoy unique perspectives which can enhance the travelling experience.
What You Need to Know About a Private Jet Charter
A private jet charter is suitable for a longer distance and there are various benefits it brings along that complement that facility. For instance, private jets are faster with greater fuel capacity which means covering long distances isn’t a challenge. Moreover, they come with amenities like the internet, entertainment systems, and so on.
Long Distance Travel (Global Reach)
While a helicopter can travel short distances, a private jet can cover long distances. It can go anywhere from 2,000 to 11,000+ km. More importantly, private jets can cover such long distances without having to stop for refuelling.
That is what makes them ideal for international travel. In fact, lots of leisure and business travellers use private jets for cross-country journeys. Of course, the distance you can cover through a private jet character will depend on the type and size of the aircraft (the bigger it is, the farther you can go).
Greater Comfort and Privacy
Private jets are more suitable for a luxury travel experience, especially since they offer greater privacy and comfort with additional amenities. Most private jets have spacious seating with a dedicated crew to serve passengers.
Moreover, the spacious cabins of private jets make long-distance travelling more enjoyable with the chance to enjoy in-flight gourmet meals. In fact, many private jet charter companies offer onboard chefs. Plus, there are other facilities like:
- Entertainment systems
- Conference rooms
- Internet
- Bedroom suites
Efficient Airport Processes
What makes a private jet charter more convenient than commercial flying is the chance to enjoy a smoother and more flexible onboarding process. You don’t have to stand in long queues at the airport or go through extensive security checks.
Private jets coordinate with private terminals and fixed base operators (FBOs) at airports. As a result, the check-in and onboarding process is more streamlined. Many private jet charter companies offer expedited customs and immigration procedures.
Flexible itinerary
You can make changes to your itinerary with relative ease when you’ve chosen a private jet charter. This is because the customs and security checks take less time compared to commercial airlines. Plus, the boarding procedures are more streamlined which reduces the overall hassle.
You can extend or shorten your journey based on your travelling requirements when in a private jet. These aircraft can get clearance to land on a wider range of airports — sometimes, even in smaller regions from where you can travel to the final destination.
A Quick Comparative Analysis — Choosing the Right Option
The choice between a helicopter charter and a private jet charter is easier when you consider a few factors. These include:
Your Destination
Where are you planning to travel to? If it’s a nearby city or a remote location where standard airports aren’t available, you should choose a helicopter charter. But for longer distances, a private jet charter is the right option.
Level of Travelling Comfort
For instance, if you’re travelling for an immediate business event or an urgent meeting, a helicopter charter can get you to your destination quickly. In such cases, comfort isn’t a big deal. However, if you want a more relaxed and comfortable experience with spacious seating and amenities, you should consider a private jet charter.
Overall Convenience and Experience
A helicopter charter is much more accessible than a private charter. They can scale urban settings quickly with greater landing flexibility. On the other hand, private jets can get across continents but require longer runways and access to airports.
Cost Considerations
Perhaps, the most important consideration is the cost factor. Since helicopters usually have a limited range, they’re more affordable for short distances. Meanwhile, private jets have higher operating costs but offer great value for long-haul flights and extended journeys
If you still find it difficult to choose between a helicopter and a private jet charter, consider your travelling needs. If you know how frequently you travel and for how long, you can determine the best option for you.
Since helicopters are good for short trips, taking them for long journeys can be costly and inconvenient. On the other hand, if you want a luxurious travelling experience with extensive in-flight amenities, go for a private jet charter.
Discuss your travelling needs with aviation experts at NovaJet in Canada. Contact us and book a charter for your next trip with reliable professionals you can trust.
