Is Owning An Airplane A Wise Investment Or Just A Really Costly Toy?

Owning an airplane gives you unprecedented control and freedom over every aspect of your travel plans, but is owning an airplane worth the cost? If you are a business owner who regularly flies, owning a private jet eliminates all of the stress associated with commercial air travel (long check-in lines, limited travel routes and heavily congested airports). Additionally, you can determine when you fly, how quickly you reach your destination, and where to land; and you can often go places that have no commercial airplane service.


There are many extra expenses involved in owning an aircraft, not just the initial purchase price. The annual operating costs for an aircraft (which include maintenance, fuel, insurance, hangar rental costs, and crew salaries) can amount to thousands of dollars, which is why it's essential for prospective buyers to have a sound financial plan in place prior to making a decision. Many current owners of private jets rely on aircraft cost calculator tools to evaluate their total ownership and operating costs before making the purchase decision.


Ultimately, the real question isn't can I buy an aircraft? But do I have the financial resources available to support my ownership of an aircraft, and is this type of aircraft ownership going to benefit me financially? Used properly, aircraft ownership is an invaluable productivity tool. When misjudged, it could result in a significant financial burden on the owner.