An aircraft trip cost comparison compares the total price of flying a particular route (fuel, crew, landing fees and time) between different aircraft rather than using one published hourly rate for all aircraft types. For the same route the total cost can be tens of thousands of dollars different depending on the category of aircraft used, distance flown and whether fuel stop required or positioning leg or overnight crew stay is involved.

Owners and buyers who compare aircraft only by hourly rate get a distorted picture because hourly rate is just one input. The aircraft that looks cheapest per hour isn’t always the cheapest for a given trip once distance, speed and route-specific fees are taken into account.