Aircraft Rental Guide and Rental Process

Private Jet Charter Guide

Private jet chartering is an increasingly popular travel option for business, leisure, or special events. With private jet charter, you can create your own schedule, avoid airport queues, and travel in unparalleled comfort. For example, are you planning a quick flight from Istanbul to Bodrum to catch a business meeting? Or are you looking to reach the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia by private jet? This guide aims to simplify your private jet charter experience in Turkey by explaining the jet charter process step by step. We’ll cover every detail, from charter prices to choosing the right aircraft.

What is Private Jet Charter and Why Choose It?
Plane Charter: What Does It Mean?

What is private jet charter? Private jet charter refers to renting an entire aircraft for a specific purpose. This encompasses various types of charters, such as private jets, cargo planes, or helicopters. In Turkey, this service is particularly popular for short-haul travel to tourist destinations. Its main advantages are:

Flexibility: You can set your own flight times and routes.
Privacy: A flight experience just for you and your guests.
Time Savings: Avoid airport crowds and long check-in times.
Accessibility: Access to remote destinations that commercial airlines can’t reach.

If you’re a business person and need to attend meetings in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir on the same day, chartering a private jet can save you time.

When Should You Consider Chartering a Plane?

When is a charter necessary? Chartering a private jet is an ideal option for:

Business Travel: When you need to quickly reach multiple cities.
Family Vacations: For a special experience in luxurious holiday destinations.
Special Events: For weddings, engagements, or special celebrations.
Cargo Transportation: For quickly transporting urgent or valuable items.

While commercial flights are tied to fixed schedules and crowded airports, private jets offer a completely personalized experience. For example, flying to Bodrum by private jet for a wedding can create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Aircraft Types Available for Charter
Explore Your Options: Private Jets, Helicopters, and More

The aircraft types available for charter in Turkey cater to different needs:

Light Jets: 4-8 passenger capacity, ideal for short-haul trips (e.g., Istanbul-Ankara).
Midsize Jets: 8-10 passenger capacity, suitable for longer distances.
Heavy Jets: 10-18 passenger capacity, for long-haul international flights.
Helicopters: For short-haul flights or access to difficult terrain (e.g., landing in Cappadocia).
Cargo Aircraft: For transporting urgent cargo.

Each aircraft type serves a different purpose. Light jets are an economical option for short business trips, while heavy jets are suitable for long-haul luxury travel.

How to Choose the Right Aircraft

To choose the right aircraft, consider the following factors:

Number of Passengers: How many people will be traveling? For example, a light jet is sufficient for a family of four.
Distance: Is your flight short-haul (e.g., Istanbul-Bodrum) or international (e.g., Istanbul-New York)?
Budget: For more economical options, light jets or empty-leg flights may be preferred.
Special Needs: Do you require a luxury cabin, ample luggage space, or special catering?

If you are traveling from Ankara to Izmir with a crew of six for a business trip, a mid-size jet may be suitable.

The Aircraft Rental Process in Turkey
Step-by-Step Aircraft Rental Guide

The aircraft rental process in Turkey is quite simple and involves the following steps:

Contact Us: Click to contact us.
Specify Your Needs: Share your departure/destination points, number of passengers, dates, and special requests.
Get a Quote: The company will provide price quotes based on your aircraft type and route.
Make a Reservation: Confirm the quote and complete your reservation.
Day of Flight Logistics: Flight details, crew information, and airport procedures will be provided to you.

Popular destinations in Turkey include Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman. It is also possible to access regions inaccessible to commercial airlines, such as Cappadocia and the Black Sea.

Documents and Legal Requirements

Aircraft rental documents and legal requirements ensure safe and legal flights in Turkey. The rules set by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM) are as follows:

Aircraft Registration: The aircraft must be registered with the SHGM.
Ferry Flight Certificate: For aircraft brought from abroad, a ferry flight permit must be obtained before carrying passengers or cargo.
Required Documents: Ownership documents, insurance policy, flight manual, import documents, and aircraft conformity certificate.
International Flights: Overflight permits and landing permits are required for the countries to be flown through.

If you plan to fly from Istanbul to New York for an international flight, you must obtain airspace permits for the relevant countries. For more information, please visit the SHGM official website.

Aircraft Rental Costs and Influencing Factors
How Much Does Aircraft Rental Cost?

Aircraft rental prices vary depending on the aircraft type, flight duration, and additional services. Approximate price ranges in Turkey are as follows:

Factors affecting costs:

Aircraft Type: Light jets are more economical, heavy jets are more expensive.
Flight Duration and Distance: Longer distances increase costs.
Additional Services: Services such as private catering, VIP lounges, or ground transfers are subject to additional charges.
Taxes: 20% VAT applies to domestic flights and 10% VAT applies to air ambulance flights; international flights are VAT-exempt.

A light jet flight between Istanbul and Bodrum starts at approximately €7,500.

Tips for Saving Money on Aircraft Rentals

You can use the following strategies to rent a cheap plane:

Early Booking: Prices are generally lower with early booking.
Empty Leg Flights: Flights where the aircraft is positioned empty are more economical.
Shared Charter: Renting as a group can reduce costs.

Virajett’s extensive empty leg flight network offers more affordable options.

Popular Private Jet Charter Routes in Turkey
Popular Private Jet Charter Routes

The most popular private jet charter routes in Turkey are:

Istanbul – Antalya: Frequently preferred for business and leisure travel.
Istanbul – Bodrum: Popular for luxury holiday destinations.
Ankara – Izmir: Ideal for business travel.
Dalaman – Cappadocia: Preferred for its unique landscapes.

These routes are in high demand for both business and leisure travel.

Advantages of Chartering to Remote Destinations in Türkiye

Chartering a plane to remote destinations provides access to areas inaccessible to commercial airlines:

Black Sea Region: You can easily land at smaller airports.
Cappadocia: Ideal for balloon tours or special events.
Eastern Anatolia: Helicopter access to challenging terrain.

Traveling to Cappadocia by private jet can make your balloon tour experience even more special.

How to Choose a Reliable Aircraft Charter Company?
What to Look for in a Charter Provider?

When choosing a reliable aircraft charter company, consider the following criteria:

Safety Records: They must be licensed by the SHGM (General Directorate of Civil Aviation).
Customer Reviews: Read the experiences of previous customers.
Fleet Quality: Ensure that the aircraft receives regular maintenance.
Crew Experience: Certified and experienced pilots are preferred.

Virajet offers regular maintenance and a certified crew.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Questions before chartering a plane may include:

What is the crew’s experience and certifications?
What is the insurance coverage?
What are the cancellation policies?
Are additional services (catering, ground transfers) available?

These questions ensure a transparent service.

While the aircraft charter process offers many advantages, especially for those looking to charter private jets and other aircraft in Turkey, it is possible to encounter some challenges and obstacles. These challenges can arise from operational, legal, and logistical perspectives. Here are the most common challenges encountered during the aircraft charter process:

1. Complications in Permit and Documentation Processes

Aircraft charter in Turkey doesn’t end with simply selecting an aircraft and receiving a price quote. The charter company must complete numerous official procedures, including landing permits, airport PPR (Prior Permission Required), slot permits, and airspace clearances for the countries to be flown through. Delays or omissions in obtaining these permits can lead to flight cancellation or delay. The complexity of these processes is particularly high for international flights, and the risk of problems increases when working with inexperienced companies.

2. Technical and Operational Problems

The technical maintenance and operational status of aircraft are critical factors in the aircraft charter process. Beyond scheduled maintenance, technical malfunctions detected before a flight can lead to flight cancellation or delay. Furthermore, unexpected technical problems can occur during the flight. Such situations disrupt passengers’ plans and result in additional costs.

3. Weather-Related Delays

Adverse weather conditions are another common challenge during the aircraft rental process. Weather conditions such as dense fog, storms, and snowfall can cause flights to be delayed or canceled. These situations are crucial for flight safety and are difficult to predict due to the fluctuations in weather conditions. Therefore, flexible planning and monitoring weather forecasts are crucial.

4. Flight Delays and Delays

Delays can occur during the aircraft rental process, especially at busy airports or on popular routes. These delays can be caused by operational issues at the airport, runway capacity, insufficient parking, or airline personnel delays. Furthermore, waiting for passengers arriving from connecting flights can also cause a delay in departure times. Such delays complicate passenger planning and negatively impact travel comfort.

5. Service Quality and Communication Issues

Communication between the aircraft rental company and the customer is critical to the smooth running of the process. A company’s ability to instantly resolve problems and provide accurate and timely information to customers are crucial components of the process. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and customer dissatisfaction. Lack of clarity regarding contract terms, cancellation policies, and additional services, in particular, can create difficulties during the rental process.

6. Cost and Pricing Complexity

Aircraft rental prices consist of the sum of fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs include maintenance, depreciation, and personnel expenses, while variable costs include items such as fuel, airport fees, catering, and transit permits. This complex pricing structure can make it difficult to accurately predict rental costs. Furthermore, some companies impose hidden fees or create ambiguity in contract terms, which can be frustrating for customers.