How much does it cost to fuel a private jet? On average, fueling a private jet can cost anywhere from $500 to over $10,000 depending on the aircraft type, fuel prices, and flight distance. Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses in private aviation.
This article explores how much it costs to fill a private jet with fuel, fuel burn rates per hour, and how jet size impacts total fueling costs.
Average Fuel Costs by Jet Category
Here’s how much it typically costs to fill up a private jet with fuel based on aircraft size:
- Very Light Jets (VLJs): $500 – $900 per hour | Full tank: $1,500 – $3,000
- Light Jets: $800 – $1,200 per hour | Full tank: $3,000 – $5,000
- Midsize Jets: $1,200 – $2,000 per hour | Full tank: $5,000 – $9,000
- Super Midsize Jets: $1,800 – $2,800 per hour | Full tank: $7,000 – $12,000
- Heavy Jets: $3,000 – $5,000 per hour | Full tank: $15,000 – $30,000
How much does it cost to fill a private jet with fuel? It varies greatly. For instance, a Gulfstream G550 might require over $25,000 to fuel up completely, while a Phenom 100 may only need $2,000 for a full tank.
Fuel Burn Rate: How Much Fuel Does a Private Jet Burn Per Hour?
Fuel burn depends on aircraft size and efficiency. Below are typical fuel burn rates:
- VLJ: 70 – 90 gallons/hour
- Light Jet: 120 – 160 gallons/hour
- Midsize Jet: 180 – 250 gallons/hour
- Heavy Jet: 300 – 500+ gallons/hour
Jet fuel prices (Jet-A) vary by region and market demand, averaging around $5 to $7 per gallon in the U.S. in 2025. That means:
- A light jet burning 140 gallons/hour at $6/gallon = $840/hour
- A heavy jet burning 400 gallons/hour at $6.50/gallon = $2,600/hour
How Much Does It Cost in Fuel to Fly a Private Jet?
To estimate total fuel cost for a trip, multiply hourly burn cost by total flight hours:
- Short Trip Example: New York to Boston (1 hour, light jet): ~$900
- Cross-Country Trip: LA to Miami (5 hours, midsize jet): ~$9,000
- International Flight: NY to London (7 hours, heavy jet): ~$20,000–$25,000
So, how much does fuel for a private jet cost per trip? It can range from under $1,000 to over $30,000 depending on flight distance and aircraft type.
Do All Private Jet Flights Include Fuel Costs?
Yes, when you charter a private jet, the fuel cost is typically included in the quoted hourly rate. However, in some cases, especially with longer trips or international flights, you may see a fuel surcharge or adjusted rate based on market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fuel up a private jet for one flight?
Short flights may cost $800 to $2,000 in fuel, while long international flights may cost $20,000 or more. The fuel cost depends on the jet type and distance flown.
How much does it cost to fill up a private jet with fuel?
Depending on the size, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000 to fully fuel a private jet.
How much does a private jet fuel cost per gallon?
Jet-A fuel averages between $5 and $7 per gallon, though prices vary globally and by airport.
Is jet fuel more expensive than car gasoline?
Yes. Jet-A fuel is specially refined for turbine engines and costs more per gallon than automotive gasoline due to its higher energy content and quality controls.
How much does it cost to fuel a private jet per hour?
Most light jets cost around $800–$1,200/hour in fuel. Larger jets can cost up to $5,000/hour or more.
Can fuel costs be reduced on private jet flights?
Yes, using fuel-efficient aircraft, optimizing flight routes, and leveraging bulk fuel agreements can help lower fuel expenses.
To explore cost-effective private jet options, visit PrivateJetTravel.com.
Conclusion
Fueling a private jet is a significant operational expense. Depending on the aircraft and distance, it may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Understanding fuel burn rates and per-hour costs can help travelers better estimate total expenses when flying privately.
If you’re comparing jet types or charter pricing, fuel cost is a crucial factor. For detailed estimates and planning tools, visit PrivateJetTravel.com.
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