May 2026 Average Hourly Charter Rates | Virtual Hangar®
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Introduction
As private aviation activity accelerated heading into the summer travel season, May delivered strong demand across nearly every aircraft category. From business travel and holiday weekend getaways to early summer vacations, travelers continued to utilize private aviation for its flexibility, efficiency, and convenience.
Powered by real-world booking activity across the Virtual Hangar® platform, these monthly averages provide insight into what travelers actually paid for charter aircraft throughout May 2026.
May 2026 National Average Hourly Charter Rates
Based on verified charter activity during May, the average hourly rates for the most frequently booked aircraft categories were:
Light Jet (Citation CJ3)
$6,209 per hour
Perfect for regional missions and shorter trips, light jets remain one of the most economical and popular ways to fly privately.
Mid-Size Jet (Citation Excel)
$7,138 per hour
The Citation Excel continues to be a favorite among travelers seeking additional cabin comfort and baggage capacity while maintaining excellent value.
Super Mid-Size Jet (Challenger 300)
$8,499 per hour
Known for its coast-to-coast capability and spacious cabin, the Challenger 300 remains one of the industry’s most requested aircraft.
Heavy Jet (Gulfstream G400)
$9,352 per hour
Heavy jets provide exceptional comfort, range, and cabin space for longer flights and larger travel groups, making them a preferred choice for premium travel experiences.
Summer Travel Demand Continues to Grow
May marked the beginning of the summer travel season, with increased activity surrounding Memorial Day weekend and popular destinations throughout Florida, the Northeast, Scottsdale, Nashville, and coastal resort markets.
As demand grows during the summer months, travelers often experience increased competition for aircraft availability during peak travel periods.
Powered by Real-Time Market Intelligence
Virtual Hangar® leverages real-time aircraft positioning, operator availability, and historical booking data to help travelers identify efficient aircraft solutions while minimizing unnecessary repositioning costs.
This technology-driven approach allows members to compare multiple aircraft options and make informed travel decisions based on actual market conditions.
Looking Ahead
As June and July approach, private aviation demand is expected to remain strong with major sporting events, family vacations, holiday travel, and business activity driving continued market growth.
Virtual Hangar® will continue publishing monthly pricing insights to help travelers stay informed on private aviation market trends and average charter rates across the United States.
About the Author
Keira Svensen is the Content & Editorial Director of Virtual Hangar Media, where she leads editorial strategy and storytelling across private aviation, aircraft markets, and emerging flight technologies. With a focus on data-driven reporting and modern aviation trends, Keira helps shape how owners, operators, and travelers understand the evolving private aviation landscape.
Published: June 2, 2026
About The Team: https://virtualhangarmedia.com/about/
Website: https://virtualhangar.com/news/
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