COMMERCIAL · GLOSSARY
Ferry Flight
A non-revenue positioning flight, often over long distances, to move an aircraft from one operating base to another.
IN PRACTICE
Ferry flights typically occur when an aircraft is delivered from the factory, returns from heavy maintenance, or relocates seasonally — for example a Gulfstream moving from Geneva to St Maarten for the winter charter season.
When a ferry overlaps with customer demand it becomes sellable as an empty leg; otherwise the operator absorbs the cost as positioning.
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Frequently asked
What does Ferry Flight mean in private aviation?
A non-revenue positioning flight, often over long distances, to move an aircraft from one operating base to another.
How does ferry flight work in practice?
Ferry flights typically occur when an aircraft is delivered from the factory, returns from heavy maintenance, or relocates seasonally — for example a Gulfstream moving from Geneva to St Maarten for the winter charter season.
When is ferry flight the right option for a charter client?
Ferry flight fits flyers who match the usage pattern described above. For one-off trips, on-demand charter is usually more flexible; for recurring travel, structured products like jet cards or fractional programmes can be more predictable.
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