When people think about private jets in 2023, their mind turns to elegance, class, and sophistication. Travelling via a chartered plane is a luxurious experience that provides privacy, comfort, and efficiency. Private planes were only sometimes perceived this way. Dating back more than 100 years, the history of private aviation shows the tremendous changes these smaller aircraft have gone through to get us to a stage where they can be considered the optimum way to fly.

With private aviation evolving from tiny propeller planes that always seemed to stretch the limits of safety to sleek, streamlined, and ultra-safe private jets, there has been a lot of innovation in this space. Below is our deep dive into the history of private aviation over the past century.

The mid 1900s marked the start of the aviation industry, with the first private planes emerging. In those days, hiring a private charter was only of interest to wealthy people who wanted the experience of flying in such a small craft.

As safety standards began to improve in the 1920s, the wealthy started to hire private planes for specific flights or buy them for use throughout the year. The elite in the United States began to understand the effectiveness of using a private plane, as they could get to any part of the country without needing to go through major airports.

Businesses also started chartering private flights when they needed to reach smaller cities in the US quickly or if they had an urgent meeting to attend and could not get someone on a commercial flight then.

One of the most famous examples of private flight in the mid-1900s was the De Havilland Comet, which first flew in 1949. With space for only four passengers, the jet was tiny but much faster than comparable propeller planes.

A golden age for private flying?

Fast forward to the 1970s, and private flights “golden age” had arrived. Jets became larger, more luxurious, and affordable for celebrities, businesses, and politicians.

One of the most famous jets in this respect was the Learjet 23, which was faster, more comfortable, and safer than earlier models. Aviation giant Boeing eventually came out with the 727, an even larger private jet that could fit up to 18 people. Sports and corporate teams saw this jet as a boon for travelling privately rather than taking commercial flights.

Accessibility and elegance intertwined

The popularity of private jets is unsurprising, given the sophistication and elegance of travelling this way. Such an impression of private jets has taken decades to cultivate and grow.

Aviation companies have worked hard to deliver on two key fronts: accessibility and elegance. While people travelling by private jet want a luxurious and comfortable experience, they also hope for a more accessible flight.

Private jets can take off from smaller tarmacs, which puts them within reach for millions of Americans who may not live near major airports. There are also no long lines when boarding a private jet, which makes them a better travelling experience for people with illnesses or disabilities.

A new way to travel?

Private jets have become a lot more affordable over the years. Given the cheaper cost to produce and buy a private plane, aviation companies can offer private flights at prices that an average family can afford.

A great example would be a large family going on vacation. If they were to buy ten commercial tickets, especially in business or first class, they would be spending thousands of dollars. They could rent a private jet for the flight at a similar or lower price while enjoying a much better flying experience.

Even though one or two people travelling can save a lot of money if they fly commercially, larger groups find that travelling privately may be a financially sensible move. Not only can they arrange for a flight to the specific area where they want to go, rather than having to fly commercially into a major city, but they can also fly on their schedule.

The private planes people can rent in 2023 are incredibly different from the tiny aircraft that first took off from smaller airfields in the early 1900s. If you took a private plane in the 1920s, you were likely a thrill seeker or someone interested in the cutting edge of aviation technology.

The modern chartered jet has it all. These aircraft may be small, but they do not lack in any way. Private planes are crafted to the highest safety standards, while their interiors are plush, luxurious, and practical. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, you will likely have a pleasant experience onboarding a private jet for a few hours.