Large jets

How to Buy a Large Private Jet for Sale That Works for You

If you do decide to go ahead with purchasing a jet, you're going to want to make sure that you've got the right size aircraft for your purposes.

In this article, we will cover all the relevant information on buying a large private jet! We'll cover everything from what counts as a "large" jet to financing, insurance, and everything in-between so you know what you're actually getting into. Let's dive in!

What Qualifies as a Large Private Jet?

When it comes to private jets, size matters. But what exactly distinguishes a large private jet from a small or midsize model?

A large private jet, simply put, is an aircraft with a cabin 25 feet or longer in size. This includes heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 6000 and the Dassault Falcon 7X or 8X.

Large cabin jets usually accommodate 8-18 passengers with comfort along with a range of prototypes exceeding up to around 5,000 miles approximately

The larger cabin space of a heavy can provide features such as large lounge areas, private bedrooms and full-size galleys or lavs. The aircraft alone is also faster and can reach ranges that would require many refueling stops for a 4-engined counterpart.

Everything you want for luxury travel!

Take a large private jet for an example, this is the right choice if you are flying long haul with a group or want an interior highly tailored to your preferences.

However, you'll also require a lot of money - large jets go from $40 million to more than $70 million new.

What Size Jet Do You Really Need?

When shopping for a private jet, the temptation is to go as big as you can afford. You should ensure a large jet fits your planned use before falling in love with a G650.

You should choose based on standard payload, range needs, and amenities required. For example, if you mainly fly alone or with one or two passengers every now and then on shorter trips, a smaller jet may do just fine.

That said, here are some of the biggest factors to keep in mind when trying to decide on which private jet size is right for you:

• Amount of passengers - Are you going to regularly fly with many people or mostly solo? Bigger gatherings require larger jets.
• Range requirements - will you need transoceanic range or mostly domestic/regional hops? The international travel is aboard large jets.
• Usage - are you doing this for weekly trips or just for the occasional vacation? If you will not be using it much, go with the smaller jet.
• Customization - The interior of large jets has a lot more flexibility to them as they can, for example, feature private bedrooms.
• Cost of operation - The cost to operate a larger jet is more extensive.

Spend a moment to think out your flying needs. Everything you desire may come cheaper in the form of a medium sized jet or even a larger light jet with very few compromises.

How Much More Does a Large Jet Cost?

With bigger private jets, you also have a much higher price tag. Now, let's examine the differences regarding acquisition and operating cost.

Purchase price
Entry-level jets are around $40 million new; mid-sized models start about half that price. The ultimate price it pays comes down to factors such as cabin size, range, speed and brand.

Average prices for used large jets are in the $15-30 million range, a huge bargain compared to new. However, that's a lot more than larger used examples.

Operating costs
In addition to the purchase price, typical large jets will incur operating expenses of $4,000-$5,000 per flight hour. The cost of maintaining, fueling, staffing and parking adds up quick.

As a result of better fuel economy and lower ownership costs, light and midsize jets generally have hourly operating rates $1,500-3,000 less than larger jets.

Bottom line
Whereas a big cabin jet provides the ultimate in luxury and capability, there is a wide pricing gap to smaller models. Before you buy a big jet, know what it will cost you.

Examples of Common Large Private Jet classes

If you have determined a big jet aligns with your lifestyle needs, let's take a closer look at some of the more popular models available today.

Gulfstream G650/G650ER
Ultra-long-range private jet that is one of the most in-demand around the world. Signature features include:

• 7,500 nautical miles - range
• Roomy, upscale four-zone interior
• Mach 0.925 cruise speed
• Oval cabin ultra-quiet for 18-19 occupants
• Best-in-class pressurized cabin altitude
• Starts around $65 million

Nothing else travels the world and connects far-flung destinations nonstop in sublime luxury quite like the G650.

Bombardier Global 6000
Fast intercontinental and transcontinental jet. Notable attributes:

• 6,000 nautical miles range
• Almost 49 feet of cabin length
• Deluxe layout for 13 passengers
• Mach 0.87 high-speed cruise
• Exceeded even a 6,000-foot cabin altitude in flight
• Price new around $60 million

The spacious cabin and near supersonic pace of the Global 6000 makes global travel simply unbeatable.‍

Dassault Falcon 7X
A go-to among global elite European large cabin jets avionic, efficient with three engines. Key features:

• 5,950 nautical mile range
• Room for 8-12 passengers
• Unique curved fuselage affords extra room inside
• So far, over 500 jets that have been on delivery.
• A new $50 million price point

Blending European styling and quality with intercontinental range, the 7X deliver. An iconic large jet.

Financing Your Private Jet Purchase

The vast majority of jet purchasers do not pay in physical cash for a private jet outright. Financing is another form of ownership access. The most common ways to fund your private jet are:

• Bank loans - Banks will loan between 50-80% the purchase price with the jet itself serving as collateral. To qualify, you'll need stellar credit and finances.
• Owner financing - Financing programs through banks permit you to fly the plane right now together with a portion of rental payments applying towards the eventual sale. No large down payment needed.
• Fractional Shares - Buy a 1/4 or 1/2 share in a jet with an allotted number of flying hours per year. Greater flexibility than full ownership.
• Co-ownership - Join forces with one (and sometimes more) partners to split acquisition and operating costs by a significant margin.

Work with your unique situation and always involve your financial and legal advisors to get the best private jet finance terms.

What to Know When Purchasing a Large Jet

But it's not as simple as picking a model; buying a private jet is an extensive process. Some of the key steps you can expect are:

1. Work with a broker - Professional brokers have the contacts and resources they need to find you an aircraft suited to your needs (and budget)
2. Examine Maintenance Logs - Examining logs allows you to assess the condition of the jet as well as how it has been maintained before purchasing.
3. Pre-buy inspection - A thorough physical examination by licensed mechanics to look for any damage or faults. Essential due diligence.
4. So that exciting test flight the jet - Go for a spin with a proof flight in your child to see first-hand how the gas turns out and operates.
5. Choose your financing - Set terms for a purchase with an lender. This will take 30-60 days to do as well.
6. Transfer Registration - Process all necessary FAA forms and title transfers. Your broker can help with this.
7. Insurance - Get together with a aviation insurance specialist to get policy quotes ahead of the buy

The entire process typically takes about 90 days.

Hope this helps!