Charter aircraft group prices: 2026 rate guide
Organizing air transport for a group can quickly become complex when the schedules of regular flights do not meet your needs or the destination is poorly served. In these situations, chartering a commercial airliner becomes the preferred solution for businesses, sports clubs, event agencies, or tour operators.
The group aircraft charter market has grown significantly in recent years. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), demand for charters for events, seminars, or special operations has increased by more than 20 percent since the post pandemic recovery.
But one question always comes up among decision makers: what is the price of a group charter flight?
The cost depends on many factors, including distance, aircraft type, number of passengers, and seasonality. In this guide, you will find a 2026 indicative rate chart, sample prices by route, and the factors that truly influence the budget for a group charter flight.
How much does a group charter flight cost?
The price of a group aircraft charter represents the total cost of renting an aircraft with crew for a specific journey. Unlike individual tickets, you rent the entire aircraft, giving you full control over flight schedules and program.
Factors determining charter pricing
Several variables directly impact the charter rate:
- Flight distance
Longer routes cost more due to fuel consumption, aircraft usage time, and navigation fees.
- Aircraft type
A 70 seat turboprop is naturally less expensive than a large 300 passenger aircraft.
- Number of passengers
Although the cost depends on the aircraft and not the exact passenger count, the price per person decreases when the aircraft is full.
- Seasonality
High demand periods such as summer, school holidays, or major events can affect pricing.
- Airports used
Some international hubs have higher airport taxes, impacting the final price.
For a detailed explanation of how to charter a commercial airliner, see our guide on chartering a commercial aircraft.
Charter versus regular group flights: economic comparison
Charter is not always the cheapest solution, but it can become highly competitive for larger groups.
| Criteria | Regular group flights | Charter aircraft |
| Schedule | fixed | flexible |
| Airports | existing network | wider choice |
| Price per person | variable | stable depending on occupancy |
| Flexibility | low | total |
In practice:
- Less than 20 passengers → regular flights often cheaper
- 30 to 80 passengers → charter becomes attractive
- Over 100 passengers → charter can be very competitive
For more information, see our guide on how to organize group air travel.
Indicative rate chart by route type
Here are realistic estimates for group charter flight prices in 2026, based on the most commonly used aircraft in Europe. Prices reflect the full aircraft rental.
Short haul Europe (1 to 3 hours)
Sample routes:
- Paris to Barcelona
- Paris to Rome
- Paris to Prague
- Paris to Geneva
Common aircraft:
- ATR 72
- Dash 8
- Airbus A319 / A320
- Boeing 737
|
Aircraft type |
Capacity | Indicative price |
| Turboprop | 30 to 70 pax | €12 000 to €28 000 |
| Airbus A319 / A320 | 120 to 180 pax | €25 000 to €55 000 |
| Boeing 737 | 150 to 189 pax | €30 000 to €60 000 |
These flights represent the majority of European event and incentive charters.
Medium haul (3 to 6 hours)
Sample routes:
- Paris to Istanbul
- Paris to Marrakech
- Paris to Dubai short segment
- Paris to Reykjavik
Common aircraft:
- Airbus A320
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A321
| Aircraft type | Capacity | Estimated price |
| Airbus A320 | 150 to 180 pax | €55 000 to €95 000 |
| Airbus A321 | 180 to 220 pax | €70 000 to €120 000 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 160 to 189 pax | €60 000 to €100 000 |
For aircraft specifications, see the Airbus A320 technical sheet.
Long haul (6 hours or more)
Sample routes:
- Paris to New York
- Paris to Dubai
- Paris to Bangkok
- Paris to Montreal
These routes require large aircraft.
| Aircraft type | Capacity | Indicative price |
| Boeing 767 | 200 to 250 pax | €250 000 to €400 000 |
| Airbus A330 | 250 to 300 pax | €300 000 to €500 000 |
| Boeing 777 | 300 to 350 pax | €400 000 to €700 000 |
These operations typically involve:
- major international events
- sports team travel
- charter tourism operations
Average price per passenger by group size
| Group size | Europe short haul | Medium haul | Long haul |
| 30 passengers | €400 to €900 | €900 to €1 600 | €3 000 to €5 000 |
| 80 passengers | €250 to €600 | €700 to €1 200 | €2 000 to €4 000 |
| 150 passengers | €180 to €450 | €500 to €900 | €1 800 to €3 200 |
The fuller the aircraft, the lower the price per passenger.
Prices by type of charter aircraft
Turboprop (ATR 72, Dash 8)
Capacity: 30 to 78 passengers
Advantages:
- Lower operating costs
- Access to smaller airports
- Ideal for short flights
Indicative hourly rate: €3 000 to €6 000 per flight hour
Medium haul (Boeing 737, Airbus A320)
Capacity: 150 to 189 passengers
Most common aircraft for European charters.
Average hourly rate: €8 000 to €14 000 per flight hour
Large aircraft (Airbus A330, Boeing 767)
Capacity: 200 to 350 passengers
Used for:
- Long haul
- Major events
- Transport of large delegations
Indicative hourly rate: €20 000 to €35 000 per flight hour
Comparative aircraft table
| Aircraft type | Capacity | Range | Hourly rate |
| ATR 72 | 70 pax | 1 500 km | €3 000 to €5 000 |
| Dash 8 | 50 pax | 2 000 km | €3 500 to €6 000 |
| Airbus A320 | 150 to 180 pax | 6 000 km | €8 000 to €13 000 |
| Boeing 737 | 160 to 189 pax | 5 500 km | €9 000 to €14 000 |
| Airbus A330 | 250 to 300 pax | 12 000 km | €20 000 to €30 000 |
How to reduce the cost of your group charter
Book in advance
As with commercial aviation, prices rise when availability decreases. Booking months ahead allows you to:
- Access more aircraft
- Negotiate better rates
- Avoid seasonal surcharges
Optimize aircraft occupancy
A half empty aircraft is charged the same as a full one. To reduce the price per passenger:
- Combine several groups
- Choose the right aircraft size
- Optimize cabin layout
Take advantage of repositioning flights (empty legs)
Some aircraft perform flights without passengers to reposition. These flights can sometimes be offered at reduced prices, saving 30 to 50 percent of the initial cost.
Negotiate flight series
Tour operators or large companies can secure better rates by booking:
- Multiple rotations
- Seasonal programs
- Series of charter flights
What is included and not included in the charter price
Services included
The listed charter price usually includes:
- Aircraft and crew
- Fuel
- Navigation fees
- Airport taxes
- Insurance
- Standard operations
Possible additional costs
Some services may incur extra charges:
- Premium catering
- Cabin branding
- Special handling
- Extended parking
- Crew overnight stays
These are specified in the final quote.
Get your group charter quote with Avico
Although rate charts provide initial estimates, each charter is unique. A personalized quote is essential.
Discover our group charter solutions to organize your tailored air transport.
Three step quote process
- Project analysis: destination, dates, number of passengers
- Search for available aircraft: select suitable airlines and planes
- Detailed pricing proposal: multiple aircraft and price options
Why the final price may differ from the estimate
Rates may vary depending on:
- Aircraft availability
- Season
- Airport slots
- Operational conditions
A specialized broker ensures the most competitive solution.
FAQ – Group aircraft charter prices
What is the average price for a charter flight for 100 people in Europe?
For a short haul European flight on a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, expect €15 000 to €45 000 depending on route and date.
Is charter cheaper than individual tickets?
From 30 to 40 passengers, charter often becomes more competitive, especially on routes with few regular flights.
Can onboard service be customized?
Yes. Group charters allow:
- Personalized catering
- Cabin branding
- Specific announcements
- Custom schedules
What is the lead time for a quote?
A detailed quote can usually be provided within 2 to 4 hours with multiple aircraft options.
Is there a minimum number of passengers?
No technical minimum exists, but economic interest usually starts at 20 to 30 passengers.
The price of a group charter flight mainly depends on distance, aircraft type, and passenger count. A European flight typically costs between €25 000 and €60 000, while a long haul can reach several hundred thousand euros.
Despite this cost, charter remains a strategic solution for businesses and organizations seeking schedule control, simplified logistics, and the ability to travel together.
With its global network of airlines and over 25 years of charter experience, Avico supports companies in organizing their group charter flights.
👉 Need a quick estimate for your project?
Contact our team to request a free quote and receive a proposal tailored to your group.
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