The Rise of Private Jet Travel
Private jet travel is experiencing a significant surge in popularity. In 2025, there were 3.9 million private jet flights — a 4% increase from the previous year, according to data from aviation intelligence firm WingX. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with flights increasing by more than 4% year-to-date.
The growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those worth over $30 million, continues to contribute to this rise. In 2024, this group spent nearly $30 billion on private jets and yachts, as reported by wealth intelligence firm Altrata. This surge highlights how the wealthiest individuals are generating and spending their money.
Expansion into New Financial Centers
Jet usage has seen a dramatic increase in new financial centers. Ian Moore, chief commercial officer at private aviation company VistaJet, noted in a statement: “We see global wealth becoming increasingly mobile, with clients living across multiple cities and continents.”
The number of private jet flights between Saudi cities Jeddah and Riyadh increased by 269% last year, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank’s annual wealth report that included data from private aviation company VistaJet. This travel between the Saudi capital and the port city reflects the country’s transformation into a global wealth capital.
Private jet travel has also seen a spike on already popular routes, such as the one between New York and Nantucket, as the megawealthy split time between multiple homes.
A New High Flyer
A new trend is emerging among private jet passengers who are opting to charter rather than own their own planes. The proliferation of fractional ownership and membership models — including NetJets, Flexjet, and VistaJet — makes private aviation more accessible. It also enhances privacy, which is a key advantage in the era of private-jet tracking.
“It’s not just for people who have made it, it’s for people who are making it,” Matteo Atti, CMO of VistaJet’s parent company, Vista Global, told Business.
The Cost of Private Jet Travel
While owning a private jet can cost millions annually — covering maintenance, crew, fuel, and other expenses — flying private through any means remains very expensive. Pricing varies widely depending on the plane’s size and the destination and timing of the flight. For example, Flexjet’s rates start at $6,500 per hour. On the Gulfstream G700, Flexjet’s most elite model, the price triples.
If you’re spending five or six figures on a flight, you often receive more than just a simple journey from point A to point B. The perks associated with flying private have become increasingly extravagant. These include facials on board, catering from Nobu, and specialty menus for pets lucky enough to accompany the trip.
The Glamour of Private Jets
Business has flown on private jets, spoken with executives at private aviation companies, and analyzed the private jets landing at events favored by billionaires, from the Masters tournament to the Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference.
Read on for everything to know about flying private, from a look inside the most exclusive jets to an inside explanation of what people get wrong about the glamour of it all.
