History of the Private Jet

History of the Private Jet

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.

Learjet 23

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

Gulfstream II

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.

Embraer Bandeirante

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.

Boeing 747 BBJ

EBAA Launched

1977

In 1977 the European Business Aviation Association launches to promote and co-ordinate the industry. It launched gatherings in 2001.

EBAA

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.

Le Bourget

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.

Birth of Business Jet

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.

Fractional Jet Ownership

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.

Cessna Citation X

Falcon 7X

2005

In 2005 the Falcon 7X debuts as the first fly-by-wire business jet. This replaces all manual flight controls.

Dassault Falcon 7X

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.

Gulfstream G650

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.

HondaJet

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.

SpaceX Private Space Flight

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FAQs

What was the first private jet?

The first official private jet was the Lockheed Jetstar. However, the market really took off with the 1963 Learjet. The LearJet 23 was a small affair offering flight for four to six people. There are still some LearJet 23s offering flights to this day!

How many private jets are in the world?

There are currently around 15,000+ private jets in the world. This number is set to double or triple in the next decade. It is safe to say that the private jet market is a billion-dollar market.

What type of private jets are there?

The private jet market is extremely wide. It ranges from short-range affordable aircraft VLJs to long-range mega aircraft that allows celebrities and their friends and families to fly around the globe in total luxury. Their prices range from a $1-2 million all the way up to $500 million.

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?

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