8 Seater Private Jet Price & Best Models Guide

An 8-seater private jet costs $3M-$12M new or $3M-$7M pre-owned. The top five models include the Gulfstream G200 ($6M+), Bombardier Challenger 300 ($7M+), Embraer Legacy 450 ($5M+), Citation XLS+ ($4M+), and Pilatus PC-24 ($10M). Learn prices, pros, and ownership costs.

An 8-seater private jet strikes the perfect balance between capacity and operational efficiency. It comfortably serves business teams needing to conduct meetings mid-flight or families prioritizing privacy and convenience on their journeys.

This category of jet offers enough space for passengers to travel in comfort while maintaining cost efficiency compared to larger aircraft. For prospective buyers and charter clients, the most pressing questions revolve around purchase costs, operating expenses, and which models offer the best value. 

This guide answers those questions and showcases the top-performing 8-seater jets available today.

How Much Does an 8 Seater Private Jet Cost?

Average Purchase Price Range

The cost of an 8-seater private jet varies significantly depending on factors like brand prestige, range capabilities, and onboard amenities.

• New jets: $3 million to $12 million. Premium models such as the Bombardier Challenger 300 or Pilatus PC-24 sit at the higher end of this spectrum due to their advanced features and long-range performance.
• Pre-owned jets: $3 million to $7 million. Buyers often find excellent value in well-maintained used aircraft that have already absorbed significant depreciation.

Key pricing influences include the jet’s age, the extent of avionics upgrades, and the aircraft’s maintenance history. 

A newer jet with state-of-the-art avionics and a pristine maintenance record commands a higher price but offers better long-term reliability and efficiency.

Hourly Operating Costs

For those considering ownership, understanding ongoing expenses is as critical as the purchase price.

• Charter rates: Typically $3,000 to $8,000 per flight hour, depending on the aircraft type, route, and availability.
• Annual ownership costs: Range from $1.25 million to $1.5 million, covering fuel consumption, crew salaries, hangar rental, insurance, and regular maintenance.
• Maintenance: Often exceeds $500,000 annually, especially as aircraft age or undergo major inspections and part replacements.

These costs underscore why some owners explore fractional ownership or chartering as alternatives to full ownership.

The 5 Best 8 Seater Private Jets and Their Costs

1. Gulfstream G200: The Luxury Workhorse

• Cost: Approximately $6 million on the pre-owned market.
• Range: 3,400 nautical miles, ideal for transcontinental travel.
• Cabin: Exceptionally spacious with seating for up to nine passengers, making it one of the most comfortable jets in its class.

2. Bombardier Challenger 300: Versatile and Popular

• Cost: $7 million to $12 million for new models; $5 million to $8 million for pre-owned.
• Range: 3,100 nautical miles.
• Amenities: Advanced Wi-Fi systems and luxurious seating configurations for 8 to 10 passengers. Its reputation for reliability and comfort makes it a preferred choice among corporate operators.

3. Embraer Legacy 450: Best for Shorter Trips

• Cost: $5 million to $7 million.
• Range: 2,900 nautical miles.
• Standout feature: Fly-by-wire technology offers a smoother flight experience, while fuel efficiency reduces operating costs, making it ideal for regional travel with sophistication.

4. Cessna Citation XLS+: Affordable and Efficient

• Cost: $4 million to $6 million new; $3 million to $5 million pre-owned.
• Range: 2,100 nautical miles.
• Reputation: Lauded for its reliability, low operating costs, and excellent runway performance, the Citation XLS+ is a strong choice for those seeking value without compromising quality.

5. Pilatus PC-24:The Most Versatile Jet

• Cost: Approximately $10 million new.
• Range: 2,000 nautical miles.
• Unique feature: Designed for versatility, the PC-24 can operate from short and unpaved runways, opening access to airports inaccessible to most jets of its size.

Factors That Influence 8-Seater Jet Pricing

• New vs. Used Market: Depreciation is a significant factor in private jet pricing. The value of a new jet typically drops steeply within the first five years. 
• Customizations and Avionics: Luxury enhancements such as premium leather interiors, bespoke cabinetry, or in-flight entertainment systems can add millions to a jet’s price. 

Should You Buy, Lease, or Charter?

Buying: Full Control at a High Cost

Purchasing an 8-seater private jet offers unmatched scheduling flexibility and ownership autonomy. For frequent flyers who need to travel on their own terms, this can be highly appealing. 

However, ownership comes with substantial fixed costs.

Operating an 8-seater jet typically consumes 200 to 300 gallons of fuel per hour, translating to $1,400 to $2,100 for each hour in the air. This fuel burn rate, combined with maintenance, crew salaries, insurance, and storage, contributes to annual ownership costs that can exceed $1.5 million. 

While owning your own aircraft allows for full customization and availability, it is a financial commitment that requires careful long-term planning.

Leasing: Lower Commitment

Leasing an 8-seater private jet can be a practical solution for those who want the benefits of private aviation without the full responsibility of ownership. Monthly lease payments range from $25,000 to over $500,000 depending on the aircraft type, size, and lease duration.

This option is especially attractive to corporations that value flexibility for temporary projects or seasonal travel needs. 

Leasing allows access to modern aircraft without the burden of long-term maintenance costs and depreciation, though lessees still need to budget for operational expenses.

Chartering: Pay as You Go

For individuals or businesses flying fewer than 50 hours per year, chartering is often the most economical and hassle-free option. Charter rates for an 8-seater private jet typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 per flight hour.

Chartering provides all the benefits of private aviation, comfort, privacy, and direct flights, without the commitments of ownership or leasing. 

It eliminates concerns about depreciation, maintenance, or crew management, making it ideal for infrequent travelers or those seeking maximum flexibility.

Ownership Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

Crew and Maintenance

Operating a private jet requires more than just a pilot. Most owners employ at least two pilots, with annual salaries ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 per pilot. 

For larger or more frequently used aircraft, hiring a cabin attendant may also be necessary, adding an additional $50,000 or more in salary expenses.

Maintenance is a significant cost driver. Owners should budget a minimum of $500,000 annually for maintenance reserves. This includes routine inspections, part replacements, and unscheduled repairs, any of which can result in substantial, unexpected costs.

Hangar, Insurance, and Hidden Fees

Storing an aircraft safely is essential. Hangar fees for an 8-seater private jet typically range from $30,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the airport’s location and the quality of the facility.

Insurance premiums for private jets vary widely, generally falling between $20,000 and $300,000 annually. These rates are influenced by the aircraft’s value, usage patterns, and the owner’s flying history.

Many first-time owners are surprised by the hidden costs associated with private jet ownership. Expenses such as repositioning fees, de-icing services, catering, and crew overnight accommodations can quickly add up and should be factored into the total cost of ownership.

Questions You’re Probably Asking

What is the best private plane for 8 people?

The Gulfstream G200 consistently ranks as the best private plane for 8 passengers due to its superior range, spacious cabin, and overall comfort. However, other models offer distinct advantages:

• The Bombardier Challenger 300 excels in luxury and transcontinental range.
• The Embraer Legacy 450 offers technological sophistication and fuel efficiency.
• The Pilatus PC-24 shines with versatility, capable of operating from short, unpaved runways.

The best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, whether that’s range, runway access, or operating economy.

How much does it cost to maintain a private jet annually?

Annual maintenance costs for a midsize private jet typically range from $1.25 million to $1.5 million. This includes routine inspections, part replacements, avionics updates, unscheduled repairs, and participation in maintenance reserve programs to stabilize long-term expenses.

What’s the break-even point between ownership and chartering?

The break-even point generally sits around 200 flight hours per year. Owners flying fewer than this threshold may find chartering or fractional ownership more financially prudent, avoiding high fixed costs while retaining access to private aviation’s convenience.

Insider Insights You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Chartering Your Jet to Offset Costs

For owners seeking to mitigate high operating expenses, placing their aircraft on a Part 135 certificate allows for legal charter operations. This approach can generate significant revenue, helping offset ownership costs by thousands of dollars monthly.

However, it’s not without risks. Increased flight hours accelerate wear and tear, resulting in more frequent maintenance needs and potentially reducing the jet’s resale value.

Importance of Pre-Buy Inspections

Conducting a comprehensive pre-buy inspection is non-negotiable when purchasing a private jet. Such inspections can reveal hidden defects that may cost hundreds of thousands to remedy. From avionics to airframe integrity, knowing the aircraft’s true condition protects buyers from inheriting costly liabilities.

Proprietary Fuel Programs

FlyUSA clients benefit from access to proprietary fuel programs that significantly reduce one of the largest operational expenses: fuel. Our volume-based purchasing agreements deliver cost advantages that individual owners or small operators simply cannot match, offering tangible savings year after year.

Is an 8-Seater Private Jet Right for You?

An 8-seater private jet is ideal for frequent flyers who value privacy, flexibility, and convenience in their travel. It offers a perfect blend of space and efficiency, serving both business and personal aviation needs.

However, for those flying fewer than 200 hours annually or who are uncomfortable with the high fixed costs, options like chartering or fractional ownership may be more appropriate. 

The decision to purchase, lease, or charter should be made in consultation with aviation professionals who can align your travel patterns with the most cost-effective solution.

Your Private Jet Journey Starts Here

If you’re weighing the cost of owning an 8-seater private jet or wondering how to maximize its value, FlyUSA is here to help.

With full operational control, we offer:

• Aircraft management that eliminates the stress of maintenance scheduling and regulatory compliance.
• Access to our proprietary fuel programs, driving down operational costs.
• Seamless charter services to offset ownership expenses through revenue generation.

Our experienced pilots, technicians, and aviation professionals work together to ensure every aspect of your private aviation experience is safe, efficient, and transparent.

Contact FlyUSA today for personalized guidance on aircraft acquisition, management, or chartering. Let us help you take flight with confidence.