NetJets vs On-Demand Charter: A Real Cost Breakdown

NetJets is the gold standard of fractional ownership. But for most private flyers, the numbers tell a different story. Here is the real cost breakdown over 5 years for a typical light jet user flying 50 hours per year.

The NetJets Model

NetJets fractional ownership requires three layers of cost:

• Initial share purchase: $215K–$850K+ for a 1/16th share (50 hours/year)
• Monthly management fees: $12K–$28K/month, regardless of usage
• Occupied hourly rate: ~$8,500/hour for light jets

Over 5 years, a 1/16th light jet share costs approximately $1.2M–$2.1M total. At exit, your share is worth 30–50% less than what you paid due to depreciation.

The PJ1 Model

Private JetOne on-demand charter has one layer of cost:

• Hourly rate: $3,500–$5,500/hour for light jets (market rate)

Over 5 years, 50 hours/year at market rates costs approximately $400K–$500K total. No upfront cost. No monthly fees. No depreciation. No exit penalty.

5-Year Cost Comparison

Cost Component	NetJets (1/16 Light)	PJ1 On-Demand
Upfront purchase	$500K–$850K	$0
Monthly fees (5 yrs)	$720K–$1.68M	$0
Flight hours (250 hrs)	$1.25M–$1.5M	$875K–$1.375M
Depreciation loss	$150K–$425K	$0
Total 5-year cost	$2.5M–$2.9M	$875K–$1.375M
Savings with PJ1	—	$1.6M–$1.5M

When NetJets Makes Sense

If you fly 100+ hours per year on consistent domestic routes, and you value the psychological comfort of owning a share of an aircraft, NetJets is genuinely the best option. The guaranteed availability and dedicated owner services are real advantages.

When PJ1 Makes Sense

For everyone else — which is the vast majority of private flyers — on-demand charter is the smarter choice. You get the same aircraft, the same service, and the same destinations at a fraction of the cost with zero commitment.