Private Jet Lease Consulting
Our team of experienced professionals specializes in providing high net worth individuals, family offices and corporations with expert insight and guidance at every stage of the private jet leasing process.
What is a Private Jet Lease?
Private jet leasing enables you to enjoy all of the travel benefits of private jet ownership without the significant capital investment of aircraft ownership. Whether you travel for personal or professional reasons, a private jet lease gives you the flexibility to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, all according your own schedule.
By leasing a private jet, you can:
-
Enjoy significant capital savings over aircraft ownership
-
Deflect concerns of residual value
-
Book flights according to your schedule
-
Select your own flight crew
-
Travel in total comfort and privacy
-
Avoid the hassle of waiting in long airport security lines
-
Arrive closer to your destination
-
Invite additional people without incurring additional costs
-
Choose from a wide variety of aircraft types
How Do I Know If a Private Jet Lease is Right for Me?
Anyone considering a private jet lease should answer a few questions in order to make an informed decision:
-
How many hours per year do I fly?
-
How frequently do my travel needs change?
-
Would a private jet enable me to access airports close to my desired destinations?
-
How long are my trips, on average?
-
Would leasing offer potential tax benefits?
-
How many people do I typically travel with?
-
What is my budget?
Dry Leasing vs. Wet Leasing
A dry lease refers to a private jet leasing arrangement in which the aircraft owner provides the aircraft without pilots or cabin crew. The lessee pays the owner a fixed hourly rate, directly purchases the fuel for the trip and directly contracts and pays the flight crew. A wet lease refers to the opposite — that is, a private jet leasing arrangement in which the aircraft owner or operator provides the aircraft and at least one crew member, as well as funding fuel, maintenance and insurance.
Another key difference between dry and wet leases is who has operational control. In a dry lease situation, the lessee has total operational control over their flights. Since the aircraft owner or operator supplies the crew, fuel, maintenance and insurance for a wet lease, they also retain operational control.
Dry leases are best suited for longer-term private jet leases, while a wet lease typically lasts for a shorter period of time to meet certain defined travel requirements. Our team of experts can help you identify which type of private jet lease best meets your needs.
Commonly Used Aircraft
Private jet lease clients have their pick of a wide variety of aircraft types, from turbo-props to light jets to heavy jets. Whatever your travel requirements, Essex Aviation can help you determine which private aviation option is right for you.
Private Jet Lease Costs
When it comes to private jet monthly lessee costs, the general rule of thumb is between 0.75% to 1% of the total cost of the plane per month, plus operating costs (as shown in the table below). This formula applies to both preowned aircraft and new. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that there are any number of variables to consider, including the aircraft type, distance traveled and so on, that would affect the monthly payment amount.
Breaking Down Private Jet Operating Costs by Model
Light Jet
| Manufacturer | Model | Category | Seats | Range | Cost per Hour | Purchase Price (New) |
| Embraer | Phenom 100 | Light | Up to 5 passengers | 915 nm | $1,523 | $2.5M |
| Cessna | Citation M2 | Light | Up to 6 passengers | 694 nm | $1,502 | $5M |
| Embraer | Phenom 300 | Light | Up to 7 passengers | 1,811 nm | $1,978 | $8M |
| Cessna | Citation CJ4 | Light | Up to 7 passengers | 1,667 nm | $1,952 | $9.6M |
Midsize
| Manufacturer | Model | Category | Seats | Range | Cost per Hour | Purchase Price (New) |
| Embraer | Praetor 500 | Midsize | Up to 9 passengers | 3,340 nm | $3,403 | $17M |
| Cessna | Citation Latitude | Midsize | Up to 9 passengers | 2,455 nm | $3,206 | $17.3M |
| Bombardier | Challenger 350 | Midsize | Up to 8 passengers | 3,277 nm | $3,800 | $27M |
Long Range
| Manufacturer | Model | Category | Seats | Range | Cost per Hour | Purchase Price (New) |
| Embraer | Praetor 600 | Long Range | Up to 12 passengers | 4,018 nm | $3,248 | $21M |
| Gulfstream | G280 | Long Range | Up to 8 passengers | 3,420 nm | $3,838 | $24.5M |
| Dassault | Falcon 2000LXS | Long Range | Up to 10 passengers | 3,803 nm | $3,732 | $35.1M |
| Dassault | Falcon 7X | Long Range | Up to 12 passengers | 5,466 nm | $4,891 | $53.8M |
Ultra-Long Range
| Manufacturer | Model | Category | Seats | Range | Cost per Hour | Purchase Price (New) |
| Bombardier | Global 6500 | Ultra-Long Range | Up to 16 passengers | 6,600 nm | $3,339 | $56M |
| Dassault | Falcon 8X | Ultra-Long Range | Up to 12 passengers | 6,290 nm | $4,811 | $59.3M |
| Bombardier | Global 7500 | Ultra-Long Range | Up to 19 passengers | 7,700 nm | $3,523 | $72M |
| Gulfstream | G650ER | Ultra-Long Range | Up to 18 passengers | 6,520 nm | $5,591 | $72.5M |
The Path to Private Jet Leasing
We’re experienced not only at helping our clients consider proposed private jet lease arrangements and aircraft options, but also the lease terms that best meet their specific needs, all while walking them through the entire private jet leasing process. Our attention to detail, extensive knowledge of the private aviation industry and vast network of connections make us the ideal choice for any interested client.
-
Perform Initial Evaluation
Each client is unique and their private aviation expectations and needs vary accordingly. For those new to private aviation, Essex Aviation is an invaluable resource during the initial evaluation of private aircraft programs. Our team leverages industry experience, expertise and connections to help clients compare options based on their current and future needs to ensure that they’re matched with the right aircraft and aviation utilization model.
-
Oversee the Proposal
Once the client has chosen an aircraft type, Essex Aviation will help them sort through various proposals from identified private jet leasing companies and evaluate which option will most closely meet the requirements of their unique situation.
-
Oversee Negotiations and Contracting
Once a provider has been selected, Essex will represent the client through the review and will negotiate the terms, final contract and closing on the private jet lease.
-
Ongoing Financial Monitoring
Although the billing process for lease providers is straightforward, our team will continue to provide routine statement monitoring and review on an as-requested basis to ensure that the client’s finances are in order.
Alternatives to Private Jet Leasing
If your private aviation needs change, or should you decide that a private jet lease is no longer for you, Essex Aviation is here to help you identify a more suitable private aviation option, such as:
-
New Aircraft Acquisition
Learn More -
Pre-Owned Aircraft Acquisition
Learn More -
Aircraft Refurbishment
Learn More -
Aircraft Completion Management
Learn More -
Private Jet Charter
Learn More -
Private Jet Lease
Learn More -
Fractional Aircraft Ownership
Learn More -
Membership & Card Programs
Learn More -
Business and Corporate Aviation Consulting
Learn More -
Aircraft Financing & Consulting
Learn More
Why Essex Aviation?
Unbiased
Essex Aviation is not a brokerage firm and does not list aircraft for sale. We made this choice in order to avoid any conflicts of interest by representing both a buyer and seller. We accept no commissions, referral fees or any other forms of compensation from any third parties. At Essex, we work solely for our clients, offering unbiased and uncompromised advice.
Unparalleled Expertise
Lee Rohde and Tom Mitchell have been working in the aviation business for a combined 70+ years. Passionate about aviation since they were in their teens, Lee and Tom provide a unique combination of experience and a wealth of unparalleled knowledge while advocating for their clients’ interests.
Confidential
We are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. Every agreement we enter into includes privacy and confidentiality clauses, which are strictly adhered to by every member of Essex Aviation.
Honest and Fair
Essex is a well-respected consumer advocate within the aviation industry, known for our character and honesty. It is our desire to form and maintain long-term relationships with our clients and remain accountable for the analysis and support of past and ongoing decisions.
Our Testimonials
Our Clients Say It Best
“Essex Aviation’s guidance and data analysis was crucial to our successful first CJ3 lease and later our CJ4 purchase. The expertise of Essex allowed us to understand more fully our flight metrics, history, costs and how to match our future aviation needs with available options in a way that would not have been possible on our own.”
Alexandra Glazier, President and CEO
New England Donor Services
“Lee and Tom are the dynamic duo you've been looking for. Their collective skills provide exacting coverage on every detail needed when considering an airplane purchase or refurbishment. I worked with them on a lengthy process, from identification of plane, purchase, full refurbishment, staff assignments thru delivery. I was never once disappointed. Perfect personalities for even the pickiest of clients!”
Heidi M.
“Essex Aviation facilitated an end-of-lease process for a large aircraft and assisted us with structuring a subsequent lease extension. The transactions had several challenging issues that required expert counseling and negotiation. The Essex team is friendly, prompt, easy to work with, and most importantly, simply the best at what they do. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Joe Stone, CFO
Sartini Enterprises, Inc.
“Lee, Tom and the team at Essex have worked with us over the years on a variety of fixed wing, rotor and other special projects, performing to superior standards throughout. We initially went through an industry downselect to compete them against their peers and they surfaced as the best fit for us. We continue to be very happy with the relationship.”
Mike D.
Northeast Based Family Office
“Knowledgeable. Informed. Competent. Thorough. Practical. Candid. Professional. Responsive. Efficient.”
Tony R., CFO
Northeast Based Family Office
“We had a very positive experience with Essex. We found them to be competent, professional and objective. They dedicated a significant amount of time to providing an extremely insightful evaluation of our aircraft division. The report detailed strengths and weaknesses in our operation, together with constructive recommendations . They interacted very well with the staff and were able to elicit accurate and honest information.”
Michael M.
Northeast based Family Office
“Throughout my career as a family office executive, Essex Aviation has been my go to aviation expert. Lee and Tom have guided me through the most complex aircraft acquisition while being able to meet difficult client deadlines. The Essex team has provided key analysis ranging from the mundane, such as the interpretation of the placement of a placard on an aircraft to negotiations relating to an engine care program. Lee and Tom are key partners in all aspects of family office aviation matters.”
John Castrucci, Family Office Executive & Founder
Global Family Office Advisors
“I engaged Essex Aviation to prepare an analysis of large cabin aircraft that best met my needs. Their process was comprehensive and thorough. After an exhaustive search of available aircraft, they represented me on the acquisition, negotiation and importation of a long range aircraft and then oversaw a comprehensive customization of the entire plane. Throughout the process, Essex was a knowledgeable, trustworthy and detail oriented partner.”
Daniel R.
Ask These Questions Before Making Your Next Aviation Decision
Private aviation offers numerous benefits, but each service option comes with its pros and cons. Find out whether a membership/card program, charter, fractional or dedicated aircraft model is right for you — and how a private aviation consultant can help you make an informed decision — in this free eBook.