- 23 Dec 2019
- David Wyndham
- Aircraft Ownership
What Does it Cost to Operate a Large Cabin Jet?
Can you afford to own and operate a Large Cabin business jet? What are some of the aircraft that define the category, some of the common characteristics and typical costs associated with them? David Wyndham explores...
Back to Articles
David Wyndham
David Wyndham has extensive expertise in aircraft sales and acquisitions, asset management, cost and...
What does it cost to own and operate a business aircraft? Working through the different categories, David Wyndham outlines some of the common characteristics of each, and considers the scale of the associated costs…
Any answer to questions asking what it costs to operate an aircraft must always start with, “it depends”. The following article discusses some of the dependent variables.
For the purpose of our discussion, Conklin & de Decker defines Large Cabin Jets as those that typically seat 10+ passengers, have a flat cabin floor, include a galley for preparing a hot meal, and a lavatory. Cabin height should allow for most people to stand up without much of a stoop (i.e., approximately 70 inches). And range should allow for at least 3,000nm non-stop.
Aircraft typical of this category are the Gulfstream GIV and G450 series; the Dassault Falcon 900 series; the Bombardier Challenger 600 (through 650) series; and Embraer’s new Praetor 600.
How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Large Cabin Jet?
Acquisition costs for new models in the Large Cabin Jet category run between $32m to $45m. Pre-owned prices vary as many of these models will have been in production for many years. However, a typical 20- year-old Large Cabin Jet can be purchased for between $4m and $6m.
Keep in mind that placing a pre-owned aircraft into service will probably require additional funds, and a buyer may elect to spend a further $1m to $2m on upgrades, paint and interior refurbishment.
Major maintenance checks may be due soon and must be budgeted for at the time of purchase. If the engines are close to overhaul and are not enrolled on a guaranteed hourly maintenance plan, then buyers should budget another $1m+ per engine for the overhaul. It’s essential that the pre-owned Large Cabin Jet buyer plans on these major expenses.
What’s the Operating Cost of a Large Cabin Jet?
Operating costs depends on the size and age of the aircraft. Below are some illustrative averages for a Large Cabin Jet, taken from the Conklin & de Decker Report. These have been rounded-off:
- Average variable cost per hour: $4,000
- Fuel*: $2,000
- Maintenance: $1,200
- Parts, Labor, Major Maintenance Reserves
- Engine Reserves: $800
(* Fuel cost depend on fuel price (per gallon) and fuel burn.)
What are the Data Costs of a Large Cabin Jet?
Another variable cost to budget for is Wi-Fi or airborne internet. The ultimate costs will vary, based on the type of connection, speed and amount of data used, and where you fly. If flying in the US, you could use an air-to-ground (ATG) system connected to cellular towers.
Large Cabin Jets are typically used to fly globally, however, and if flying over water or in remote regions, maintaining internet connectivity will require a satellite-based system.
There are different installation and rate plan options designed to fit the needs of both the passengers and pilots. New installations for a satellite system can run anywhere from $650k to $800k.
Monthly rates based on data used and download speeds can start at $25,000 per month. An approximate data estimate is $2,000 to download a movie in HD or $4,000 to stream a live sporting event.
What are the Fixed Costs of Large Cabin Jet Ownership?
Fixed costs of Large Cabin jet ownership typically run between $1m and $1.2m per year and include the following:
- Salaries
- Training
- Hangar
- Insurance
- Refurbishment
Here’s how the costs for these elements looks:
1) Salaries: The pay for two pilots ranges from $170,000 to $200,000 per pilot, depending on job duties and level of experience. Depending on your operating location and travel schedule, it may be wise to employ an aircraft maintenance engineer/technician on a salary of $80,000+ per year.
And if the schedule is complex, involving frequent changes and multiple individuals who can authorize use of the aircraft, a flight scheduler is recommended as well as an administrative person. Their salaries can be in the region of $60,000 per year.
2) Training: Pilots need training at least annually and that can cost between $75,000 to $80,000 for two crew members.
3) Hangar: For hangar rental, plan on an annual fee between $50,000 and $60,000 for a typical metropolitan area. Premium locations, like New York City, Hong Kong and Geneva, will be significantly higher.
4) Insurance: This can range between $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the aircraft value and liability limits. If the aircraft spends a lot of time outside of developed countries, those costs may increase substantially.
5) Refurbishment: Paint and interior should also be considered. A new interior and paint job may last from seven to nine years with excellent care. Depending on the level of completion, materials and extra features, you should budget approximately $1.2m to $2m for this work.
Additional costs that can be incurred include acquiring aircraft technical publications for the flight crew and additional maintenance, office and travel expenses.
What’s the Overall Cost of Owning a Large Cabin Jet?
In summary, it’s reasonable to plan an operating budget of approximately $2.8m per year for 400 annual hours operations in a Large Cabin business jet, excluding the costs of capital, taxes and depreciation.
Next time, we’ll consider the question of what it costs to operate a Medium Jet. Stay tuned…
More information from www.conklindd.com
- Read What Does it Cost to Operate an Ultra-Long-Range Jet?
- Read What Does it Cost to Operate a Medium Jet?
- Read What Does it Cost to Operate a Light Jet?
- Find Jets for Sale
Read More About: Operating Costs
Related Articles
- 08 Nov 2019
- David Wyndham
- Operating Costs - BizAv
- 19 Aug 2019
- David Wyndham
- Aircraft Ownership
David Wyndham
David Wyndham has extensive expertise in aircraft sales and acquisitions, asset management, cost and budget analysis and finance fundamentals. With several decades supporting aircraft owners and operators in making fully-informed decisions about their aircraft needs, his expertise spans from the flight department to the executive boardroom.
David is the founder of David Wyndham + Associates, and previously he was a Co-owner and President of Conklin & de Decker where he consulted with large corporations, individuals, and government agencies on their aircraft needs.
