Private Jets are extremely common these days. You can easily charter a private jet in the matter of a few clicks, and thousands of people own one too.
Yet, only a few years ago, private jet’s didn’t exist. In fact, commercial flight in itself did not exist. Many people contribute the rise of the private jet to the rise of commercial flight. This is due to the fact that people always wish to reach higher, and live the life of the rich and famous.
So let’s have a look at the history of private aviation, and a look into its future.
Though they were initially small in size (both engine and passenger), they have grown exponentially and you can even find Airbus A380s being used as a private jet!
The First Private Jet
1963
In 1963, Bill Lear created the first purpose-built private plane – the LearJet 23. This is what really ignited the market and of course gave way to LearJet too.
The Gulfstream Era
1966
In 1966 Gulfstream created the Gulfstream II. This was the first large-cabin private jet. This made it able to carry more passenger over longer distances
Embraer Joins the Race
1968
In 1968 Embraer joined the race with the Bandeirante Twin-Turboprop. It has since become one of the largest private aircraft manufacturers.
Boeing Joins the Race
1977
In 1977, Boeing also joined the private jet race by converting its successful 747 line. The 747-400 and 747-8 VIP series remain popular to this day.
EBAA Launched
1977
In 1977 the European Business Aviation Association launches to promote and co-ordinate the industry. It launched gatherings in 2001.
Le Bourget Airport
1980
Paris Le Bourget Aiport becomes dedicated to the private jets. It’s now the busiest private jet airport in the world.
The Birth of Business Jets
1990
In the 1990s private jets started to become business jets. These were for the high flying executives and board members so they could travel while on the go. Corporate air travel was never to be the same after this.
Fractional Jet Ownership
1990
Along with the rise of business jets, came the opportunity of fractional ownership in the 90s. It became easier to own and operate a private jet as if it was 100% your own. Along with the private jet charter also started to take off.
Flight of the Cessna Citation X
1993
In 1993, the Cessna Citation X takes to the skies to become the fastest private jet, traveling at a speed of Mach 0.935. It’s shortly followed by the XL in 1996, which is the most popular private jet in the world.
Falcon 7X
2005
In 2005 the Falcon 7X debuts as the first fly-by-wire business jet. This replaces all manual flight controls.
Gulfstream G650
2008
In 2008, the Gulfstream 650 is launched with a range of nearly 13,000km! This makes it the longest range private jet to this day. You can fly London to New York or pretty much anywhere around the world with a single tank.
HondaJet
2016
In 2016 Honda joined the private jet industry with the HondaJet. This targets the Very Light Jet (VLJ) market. Affordable private jet travel for a few passengers. The HondaJet model aircraft is also interesting in the fact that its two engines are mounted above the wing.
Beyond Earth
202X
Private space flight is in the near future. SpaceX recently launched the first space flight carrying private passengers. Private aviation is set to go beyond earth in the very near future.
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Conclusion
Private jets have a great and varied history, and their future is set to hold some very interesting things too. What would you like to see private jets do?