Planning · 7 min read
Business Aviation 101: How Private Charter Works
Private charter works through three parties: the operator, which holds the Air Operator Certificate and flies the aircraft; the broker, which sources and contracts the right aircraft on your behalf; and you, the charterer. SkyBridge is a broker — every flight we arrange is operated by a fully-vetted AOC holder.
Updated 31/07/2026
Key Facts
- Operator
- Holds the AOC, employs the crew
- Broker
- Sources, vets and contracts the aircraft
- AOC
- Regulator-issued licence to fly commercially
- Typical booking window
- 7–14 days for best choice
Broker vs operator — why it matters
An operator can only sell you the aircraft it controls. A broker can search the whole market, which matters enormously when the right aircraft for your mission is not the one sitting in a single operator's hangar.
The trade-off is that a broker must be rigorous about who it places you with. That vetting — AOC validity, insurance limits, crew experience on type, safety audit status — is the core of the job, not an afterthought.
How a quote is built
- Define the mission: airports, dates, passengers, baggage.
- Filter aircraft by range with real payload, not brochure range.
- Check positioning: which suitable aircraft are already near you.
- Confirm slots, handling hours, curfews and parking.
- Price occupied time, positioning, airport costs, crew and catering.
- Contract with the operator; you receive the operator's name before you fly.
Safety oversight
Commercial charter is flown under the operator's AOC and the oversight of its national aviation authority. Aircraft, maintenance, crew training and duty limits are all regulated. Broker-side vetting sits on top of that, not instead of it.
Common misconceptions
- 'Empty legs are unsafe' — they are the same aircraft, crew and regulation.
- 'Private means no border control' — customs and immigration still apply.
- 'Brochure range is real range' — it assumes optimal payload and winds.
- 'Bigger is always better' — the correct aircraft is the one that fits the mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private jet broker and an operator?
An operator holds the Air Operator Certificate, owns or manages the aircraft and employs the crew. A broker searches the market, vets operators and contracts the right aircraft on the client's behalf. SkyBridge Jets is a broker, not an air carrier.
What is an AOC?
An Air Operator Certificate is the approval issued by a national aviation authority permitting a company to carry passengers or cargo commercially. Every flight SkyBridge arranges is operated under a valid AOC.
How far in advance should I book a private jet?
Seven to fourteen days gives the widest aircraft choice at sensible pricing. Short-notice flights are frequently possible, sometimes within hours, but the available aircraft is whatever is already in position.
Do private flights go through customs?
Yes. International private flights are subject to customs and immigration, handled at the private terminal, which is normally far faster than in a commercial terminal.