Private Jet Safety: A Look at the Safest Private Planes

In a world where we’re more connected than ever before, it’s easy to think that there might be an abundance of airplane incidents with recent crashes making headlines all over the world. However, the chances of an aircraft crashing to earth are very slim. In fact, recent studies have proven that you’re more likely to experience an accident in a car than an aircraft.

Let’s take a look at the safest private planes and everything you need to know about private jet safety.

Are private jets safe?

Yes! Due to high safety standards and routine maintenance, private aircraft are among the safest in the skies, especially if you book a charter through a reputable provider.

What’s the safest private jet?

This question may pop up from time to time, and our answer is always the same: All of them. Every private plane you book with Stratos has passed through some of the most rigorous safety standards in the industry to ensure passenger and crew safety.

There’s a common misconception floating around that smaller private jets aren’t as safe as commercial airliners. That’s false, and nothing could be further from the truth. Private jets are heavily regulated, as are their operators.

Do private jets have more turbulence?

This depends on the aircraft size. The smaller the plane, the more turbulence you may experience. Whether you’re flying on a turboprop aircraft with a commercial airline or as a private charter, the turbulence is the same.

What to Look for When Searching for the Safest Private Plane

It’s incredibly important to work with reputable brokers that only hire private jet operators that meet, if not exceed, traditional safety standards. Before you book, ask the provider if they:

• Are an ARGUS Certified Broker
• Belong to the Air Charter Safety Foundation
• WYVERN approved
• Implement and adhere to their own in-house due-diligence programs
• Work with carriers that are free from FAA enforcement actions
• Provide flights crewed by two pilots
• A high-level of insurance policy

It is perfectly acceptable to ask about these requirements before booking a charter. Whichever broker you work with should respect your right to make an informed buying decision and address your concerns with transparency and honesty.

Are private jets safer than commercial aircraft?

As we mentioned above, there’s a popular misconception around that commercial aircraft are safer than private jets. It can be argued that private aircraft are actually safer than their larger counterparts, simply due to the safety standards they must pass through before being hired by passengers. However, both methods of traveling are safe.

If we look at ICAO Accident Statistics, we can see that the accident rate has dramatically decreased in the last few years.

If we look at this graph created using the data from ICAO, we can see that in 2021 only .57 accidents occurred per one million departures. In 2008, there were roughly 5 accidents for every million departures.

So do private jets crash more than commercial jets?

If we drill down a little further, we see that in 2018 there were 27 accidents in the US for commercial travelers. That same year, we see that there were only 14 among private jet travelers. This doesn’t mean, however, that private jets are safer. Because there are more commercial flights departing, it’s expected that they would see more accidents.

Overall, however, it’s safe to say that traveling by air is extremely safe.

If you’d like to know the private jet safety record for any aircraft you charter, be sure to ask your private flight advisors. They would be more than happy to share those details with you.

Of all the private jets available for charter, which is the safest small private jet?

Though all jets are safe, there are a few that stand above the others. One popular option is the Pilatus PC-12. This aircraft has been in service for more than 7 million flight hours and is a proven leader in the private aviation industry.

This single-engine aircraft is typically configured to accommodate up to eight passengers, cruises at speeds of 312 miles per hour, and hits an astounding range of 1,732 nautical miles. And for its size, the interior is equally impressive.

And what about the safest business jet?

In 2021, the Challenger 350 was recognized as one of the best jets available for charter in the super mid-size category after a survey was conducted by Business Jet Traveler.

The 350 is extremely popular among business professionals with its impressive amenities, like:

• High-definition cabin management system
• Satellite phones
• Wi-Fi internet access
• Fully berthable seats
• Options conference room set-up

In that same survey, the Gulfstream G650 emerged as the most popular heavy jet category.

The G650 has always been popular charter option among those traveling for business-related reasons. The aircraft’s impressive range of 7,000 nautical miles may be one of the major reasons, but it may also be due to the aircraft’s:

• Low-pressurized cabin
• Four distinct living spaces
• Full-sized kitchen and bar
• Fully enclosed aft lavatory
• In-flight entertainment system
• Data ports
• Ka-band High-speed Wi-Fi

And for those looking for the safest private jet that delivers exceptional comfort, just slightly smaller, Embraer’s Phenom 100 took the title for the light jet category. A popular option, the Phenom 100 boasts:

• Enclosed rear lavatory
• 110-volt power outlets
• An impressive 1,178 nautical miles
• A cruising speed of 466 miles per hour
• Seating for up to seven, but comfortably seats four

 

So what is the safest private jet?

There is no one model that’s more safe than others. As long as you charter a private jet that’s been provided by a reputable source, you’ll be in good hands.

Health and Safety in the COVID Era

In recent years, the pandemic has brought me safety concerns to the forefront of private aviation. Biosecurity is nearly as important as safety accreditation and mechanical soundness, and this is one area where private jets outshine commercial aircraft.

When you fly commercially, you’re traveling in the same aircraft as hundreds of other passengers. Even with a superior air filtration system, this largely increases the risk of virus and airborne illness exposure. When you fly commercially, you must also make your way through a crowded airport where you’re met with plenty of other travelers and airport personnel. Flying privately allows you to keep to your interactions with other passengers to a minimum.

When you book a private jet charter, you’ll likely depart from a fixed-base operator at smaller, regional airports. This significantly reduces the number of travelers you’ll encounter, and the duration at which you’ll be indoors.

For a look at all the reasons why private jet travel is ideal in so many ways, our recent blog article shares nine benefits to be aware of: https://www.stratosjets.com/blog/9-big-benefits-of-private-plane-hire/

 

If you’re ready to soar higher with a private jet provider that prioritizes charter safety and customer service excellence, reach out. We’d love to help you book your next charter so you can experience a superior, more enjoyable way to travel. Request a free quote today!