Private Jet Hire vs Turboprop Charter Flight
Some people are unsure about the difference between a jet and turboprop, so we have put together this guide to compare which is the most suitable option for your next air charter.
Turboprops have most of the attributes of a Jet but in some applications a turboprop is more fuel efficient and able to get into bush strips and Farm runways where a Jet can’t go.
Many clients who set out to hire a private jet will eventually end up booking a fast twin turboprop for their charter flight instead. Here’s why:
| Twin Turboprop | Twin Jet | |
| Safety | High reliability from Gas Turbine Engine | High reliability from Gas Turbine Engine |
| Price | A turboprop will usually be a lower price – propellers use less fuel for comparable thrust | A jet will usually more expensive – Jet engines burn a LOT of fuel to go high, where they can burn a bit less. |
| Speed | Our Cessna Conquest turboprop cruises at 295 knots (550km/h) between 24,000 and 35,000′. Over medium distances (Newcastle-Melbourne is 450nm) that’s 1:40 and 900lbs of Jet fuel. | Small jets like the Citation CJ2 cruise at 360 knots (660km/h) at 30,000 to 40,000′. Over the same distance the higher speed of the jet will save you TWELVE MINUTES and burn DOUBLE the jet fuel. |
| Comfort | Our Cessna Conquest has 7 plush reclining leather seats in a “Club” configuration, privacy screens, hot water, Cold drinks, and folding tables for your laptop or notebook. | Many small jets can only seat 4-6 passengers – and the interior in a Citation uses exactly the same components as our Conquest! |
| Versatility | The Cessna Conquest can operate happily from Major airports such as Mascot (Kingsford Smith) or from Farm strips with just 1000m of grass or dirt. | Jets generally require long runways over 1400m, at fully sealed airports. |
The Verdict
We believe for flights of up to 800nm (1500km) a turboprop is more ECONOMICAL and more EFFICIENT than a jet, making it the preferred choice for a private charter flight.
For longer flights the higher cost of the jet becomes more feasible due to more time spent at very high altitudes in cruise.
