The Broker's Black Book: How We Choose Our Charter Private Jets
Every broker has access to the same aircraft. What separates us is the little black book of operators we trust... and the longer list of those we don't.
Private jet brokerages advertise 7,000 available aircraft. Technically true, practically misleading. The difference between an exceptional broker and a bedroom operator isn't access to inventory, it's knowing which operators to avoid and which aircraft actually work for specific routes and clients.
After years of arranging flights across Europe and beyond, we've built what amounts to our little black book. Not all operators are good. The value we bring isn't the catalogue but the curation that comes from experience.
Our private jet charter teams are based in London and Zurich and have a solid understanding of the global market. Routes that look simple on paper become complicated by runway restrictions, weather patterns, airport politics. Understanding what plane is right for the client, not always the biggest, but the most practical for their family or business trip, is what makes for the best broker.
Here's what we've learnt works.
When Smaller Works Better
The Pilatus PC-12 is a deceptive workhorse. Single turboprop, modest cabin, speeds that barely compete with commercial aviation, yet often becomes the only aircraft that makes sense for certain routes.
La Môle–Saint-Tropez Airport's 1,200-metre runway eliminates most private jets. The PC-12 needs only 650-760 metres, making it one of the few options for direct access to the Riviera without the drive from Nice. Same logic applies to Saint-Barths, where Gustaf III's famously short 650-metre runway restricts arrivals to turboprops whilst the Globals and Gulfstreams divert to Princess Juliana.
That dramatic approach over the mountain into Saint-Barths and wheels down into the bay of St Jean, only happens in a PC-12 or similar turboprop. For clients heading to their luxury villa rental, it's often the difference between arriving at their destination and arriving somewhere else entirely.
The European Workhorses
The Cessna Citation CJ2+ is a light jet that handles the bulk of European business travel with ease. Whilst it might feel like your entry-level private jet, it handles three-hour sectors with reliability that comes from its simplicity. With a range of 2,778–2,989 km and seating for six to seven passengers, routes like London to Zurich, from €10,000–14,000, are for those whose time is their priority and who want to skip the drawbacks of commercial aviation.
The light jet's better-looking older brother, Super Light Jets, are the upgraded class with more passenger seating, greater ranges and faster speeds (800 km/h). The Embraer Phenom 300 has enhanced cabin comforts and often flies with two pilots. Due to the vastly improved speed performance, this jet type is ideal for London to Nice private jet flights, or Paris to Ibiza private jet flights. Starting around €3,600 per hour, it bridges the gap between functional and comfortable.
Most European private aviation happens in sectors of three hours or less. The aircraft that serve this market best prioritise performance over impressive specifications.
Where Cabin Space Matters
The Citation XLS+ introduces stand-up cabins and the space that longer flights demand. The midsize jet combines light-jet operating economics with a comfortable, spacious cabin. Geneva to Mykonos at €24,000–32,000 makes sense when you're carrying eight passengers and need the luggage capacity to match. With a range of 4,537 km and speeds of 800 km/h, a full refreshment centre and enclosed lavatory, this jet exceeds practical necessities with some luxury touches.
Luxury Takes Flight
The Bombardier Challenger 350 is where private jets become serious about luxury. One of our favourite jets to charter, it's renowned for its wide cabins, 6.2 feet of cabin height and 5,926km range, the ideal choice for seven to eight hour flights, allowing for routes like London to Dubai. The Challenger 350 often includes a flight attendant as standard and a fully equipped galley for premium in-flight service. This type of jet allows clients to stop thinking about logistics and consider the enjoyment of their time in the sky.
Intercontinental Capability
The Gulfstream G450 is a premium heavy jet designed for intercontinental travel with ranges of 8,047–9,260 km. This premium heavy jet has a three-zone cabin setup which includes work, dining and resting areas for 12 to 16 passengers. The ideal choice for getting from Dubai to New York in under 15 hours, at €180,000, the division of space justifies the investment as your journey becomes manageable rather than endurable.
When it comes to top-of-the-line private aircraft, few come close to the Bombardier Global 7500 (aside from their newly released 8000). With a range of 14,250 km, it can easily cover New York to Hong Kong's private jet route in seventeen hours whilst guests enjoy four distinct living spaces, full-sized kitchen and comfortable seating for 12–16. Once you've experienced this level of private aviation, alternatives start to feel restrictive.
The Outliers
Executive airliners, like the Boeing Business Jets and their equivalents, serve a different function entirely. The choice of sports teams, touring artists, royal families, these ultra-large cabin airliners can accommodate between 16–48 passengers, but the real draw is the ability to move entire operations, not just individuals. With 10–12 hour flight times, these aircraft work when the logistics extend beyond simple transport.
What We Know
The aircraft that photograph best rarely perform best for specific client needs. Runway restrictions, weather patterns, crew availability and operator reliability matter more than specifications.
The 7,000 aircraft count becomes irrelevant when you narrow down to operators worth using, aircraft suitable for your route and availability that aligns with actual travel dates. What remains is a much smaller selection, and knowing which one to choose comes from having an operator who has arranged these flights before.
– OB
