How Much Is It to Charter a Pilatus PC-12? The Hidden Fees the Charter Companies don’t tell you
A peak inside the cabin of the Pilatus PC12 NGX
The Pilatus PC-12 is the perfect blend of speed, efficiency, and cabin comfort—a top choice for private charters. Maybe you’re considering chartering one for an upcoming trip, or perhaps even purchasing one in the future. But how much does it really cost to charter a Pilatus PC-12?
Use our pricing tool below to estimate your nonstop one-way trip costs. But buyer beware—charter companies often may not disclose all the hidden fees that can significantly impact your trips final price. Compare your estimated charter cost with what a private owner or company flying 250+ hours per year might expect to pay, and see if chartering is truly the best financial option for you.
How Much is it to Charter a Pilatus PC12?
Is it time to own rather than charter? If you're flying frequently, owning a Pilatus PC-12 may be the smarter choice. Avoid unpredictable charter fees and gain full control over your aircraft.
Check out our in-depth article on PC-12 ownership vs. chartering to see when ownership makes sense. And when you're ready, TurbineProps can help with aircraft acquisition, management, and expert guidance to ensure a seamless ownership experience.
The Hidden Fees of Private Air Charter
Paying for Nothing: The reality of repositioning fees and “Empty Legs”:
If you don’t live near a major metropolitan area, chances are you’re paying for repositioning fees—often without realizing it. These empty-leg flights, which move the aircraft to your departure location, can add thousands to your total cost. While some operators offer repositioning flights at discounted rates—typically $900 to $1,500 per hour for a PC-12—these costs quickly add up. Worse, pricing transparency varies, especially when trips are brokered through a third party. Some operators may exclude repositioning fees from initial quotes to appear competitive, leaving you with unexpected charges later.
Even more concerning, charter operators often resell repositioning flights at a discount to other clients, meaning you’re unknowingly subsidizing their operations. Many charter companies actively market these discounted empty-leg flights—funded by your trip costs.
This happens because charter and air taxi operators have Fixed Bases of Operations—their primary hubs where aircraft are stationed. If your journey doesn’t begin at one of these hubs, the aircraft must be relocated to your departure point, adding an often hidden expense. If you’re near an operator’s base, great—you likely avoid these fees. But if you’re outside their primary service area or don’t fit into their point-to-point scheduling model, you’ll likely foot the bill for an empty leg.
Over time, repositioning fees inflate the true cost of chartering a PC-12—far beyond the advertised hourly rates. It’s also important to note that the pricing tool above does not account for these additional expenses, meaning your actual charter costs may be significantly higher than estimated.
High Demand; High Price Tag
Planning a holiday getaway or a back-to-school trip for the kids? Brace yourself—peak travel seasons mean peak charter pricing. Just like commercial airlines, charter operators adjust their rates based on demand, and during busy times, prices can skyrocket.
It’s simple supply and demand, and unfortunately, charter customers take the hit. When availability is tight, you’re competing with other travelers for limited aircraft, driving rates even higher. Owning a PC-12 eliminates this surge pricing, offering cost predictability and guaranteed access when you need it most.
Fuel and Service Surcharges: Hidden Costs You Might Not Expect
So, you book a Pilatus PC-12 charter flight to a major commercial airport for a downtown business meeting. The quote seemed reasonable, so you confirmed the trip. But after the flight, you receive an invoice with unexpected surcharges—fees that were never disclosed before your deposit.
Some charges, like fuel surcharges and airport services, might be expected. But here’s the question: Are you paying the actual cost or an inflated amount?
Many third-party services—such as lavatory servicing, ground handling, and refueling—have standardized fees at most airports. However, some charter operators add markup costs under vague line items like “Airport Services Rendered” or “Operational Expenses.” What should have been a $100 lavatory service fee could unexpectedly show up as $500 on your final invoice.
The challenge? Not all operators provide fully itemized receipts, making it difficult to verify actual costs. Whether you or your broker are closely reviewing invoices depends on individual diligence, but misbilled or inflated service charges are not uncommon.
Book Late: Pay Great
Just like booking a last-minute first-class ticket on Delta, a last-minute charter for an unexpected business trip or family emergency will come at a steep premium. Charter operators adjust pricing based on availability and demand, meaning the later you book, the higher the cost—sometimes significantly more than an owner would pay for the same trip.
If last-minute travel is a frequent part of your business or personal life, ownership may offer a more predictable, cost-effective solution—providing on-demand access without the markup.
Cancelation Fees
Think your deposit is safe? Think again. Many charter operators impose strict cancellation policies, often charging 50-100% of the trip cost if you cancel within 48-72 hours. Last-minute changes? You might lose the entire fare. Unlike ownership, where flexibility is in your hands, chartering often means paying for a flight you’ll never take.
Jet Card Perks? Read the Fine Print
Jet cards promise locked-in rates and priority access, but the reality isn’t always so simple. Blackout dates, peak-season surcharges, fuel adjustments, and minimum flight hours can dilute the value of your membership. Before signing up, understand the real cost—or risk paying more than you expected.
Crew Limits, Travel Inhibits
Charter flights aren’t just about the aircraft—you’re also paying for crew availability and duty time restrictions. FAA-mandated rest periods could mean unexpected overnight stays, extra pilot costs, or inconvenient delays. With ownership, you control the schedule—with chartering, the rules control you.