For years, the typical private jet owner is difficult to describe as there is no one particular profile that fits EVERY private jet owners. Private jet ownership is a luxury, and as such, it is typically reserved for high-net-worth individuals, successful business executives, and celebrities. They are usually busy professionals who value their time and are looking for a more convenient and comfortable way to travel than commercial airlines can offer.

The COVID pandemic lock down of commercial aircraft travel triggered a private aviation boom. Per FAA information, we know that the number of US-based private jet flights reached a record high in 2022.   However, flying private isn't for the mere millionaires among us. The least expensive private jets sell for about $3MM. Maintenance, fuel, and labor costs very easily come to over $1MM a year. In 2022 alone, the industry saw about 3,000 private jet transactions, which amounted to $34.1B. So who are these mysterious owners who fly in private luxury? According to The Institute for Policy Studies research center private jet owners represent only .0008% of the population of the world. The research center’s report describes the typical private jet owner as "overwhelmingly male," from North America, and 50+ years old. The source of their wealth is typically from careers in real estate, banking, and finance, the report said, although the industry has experienced a more recent wave of younger, first-time buyers in recent years. 

In addition to owning an aircraft outright, wealthy travelers can fly private through fractional jet ownership, membership programs, and on-demand chartering.  Full private jet owners have a median net worth of $190 million while fractional jet owners have a median net worth of $140 million.  Private jet owners may own a single aircraft or a fleet of jets, depending on their needs and the size of their business. Some owners may use their private jets for personal travel, while others may use them for business travel, transporting clients or employees.

Overall, private jet owners tend to be successful, influential, and financially secure individuals who value convenience, comfort, and privacy in their travel.