The flight between Europe and Australia is the longest journey in private aviation. It is not something to book from the airport: the distance, the stops and the arrival rules all need planning. Here is what to know before you start.
The distance
London to Sydney is roughly 17,000 km in a straight line; London to Perth is roughly 14,500 km. The longest-range aircraft in our aircraft guide fly about 6,000 nautical miles, around 11,000 km. Even the longest-range jets in private aviation are at the limit of this journey, so most trips include at least one fuel stop, usually somewhere in the Gulf, South Asia or South-East Asia. We plan the stops for the aircraft, the permits and the time of day.
Which aircraft
Only ultra long range jets and VIP airliners are used. That is the top of the range, with cabins, galleys and, on some aircraft, a private stateroom to make a journey of this length bearable. See when to step up to a heavy or ultra long range jet for what each class gives you.
Time zones
The difference between the UK and the eastern Australian states is between nine and eleven hours, depending on the time of year and whether daylight saving applies at each end. For Perth it is seven or eight. Jet lag is the real cost of this journey, and a flight with proper sleep arrangements on board is the main argument for flying it privately.
Crew rest and stops
A journey of this length is subject to crew duty limits. Depending on the aircraft and the crew, the trip is flown with an augmented crew or broken by an overnight stop. We plan it, and tell you what the schedule is before you commit. A stop can also be an opportunity: an overnight in Dubai or Singapore is more attractive than it sounds at the end of a long day.
Arriving in Australia
An aircraft arriving from overseas must land first at a designated international airport unless prior permission has been obtained for somewhere else, and customs, immigration and biosecurity clearance take place there. Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin all have international airports. Your first Australian landing may be Perth, even if you are going on to the east coast; private jet to Perth covers the westbound sector. For the detail, see international private flights from Australia.
Who arranges which end
Private Jet Australia arranges flights in Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific from Melbourne. For flights starting in the UK or Europe, our colleagues at Charter-A arrange them: Charter-A.com is the company’s main site, and charter-private-jet.com covers private jet charter from UK airports. Whichever end you start from, a single plan across both ends gives the best result, so tell us the whole itinerary.
What it costs
A journey of this length is among the most expensive trips in private aviation: the aircraft is the largest class, the stops add landing and handling costs, and the permits and crew arrangements add planning. There is no list price. We quote each trip with the aircraft, the route, the stops and what is included, and the cost per person falls as the party grows. What a private jet charter costs explains what moves the number.
Seasons for the journey
The Australian summer is the northern winter, so flights from the UK and Europe in December and January arrive in the middle of Australia’s school holidays and peak season. Aircraft and airports are busy then, and availability is very much subject to continued availability. A trip in the shoulder months is easier to plan, if your dates allow it.
How the whole trip is planned
We treat the journey as one itinerary. The aircraft, the stops, the permits and the arrival in Australia are planned together, and the ground transport and catering are arranged at each end. See how it works for the four steps, and private jet hire Perth if your first Australian landing is likely to be in the west.
Plan it early
- Start planning as early as you can; permits and stops take time
- Tell us the passengers’ nationalities so we can check entry rules at every stop
- Decide whether you want a direct trip with stops, or a stay on the way
- Ask about the return, which may be a different routing
Send us the origin, the destination and the dates, and we will talk you through the options.
Frequently asked questions
Can a private jet fly from London to Sydney non-stop?
Most trips need at least one fuel stop. The distance is roughly 17,000 km in a straight line, which is beyond the range of the aircraft in our guide and at or beyond the edge of the longest-range jets in private aviation.
How long does the journey take?
It depends on the route, the aircraft and any stops. Plan on well over twenty hours door to door, and expect the crew’s duty limits to shape the schedule; some trips include an overnight stop. We plan the whole itinerary and tell you what to expect.
Who arranges the UK end?
Private Jet Australia is part of Charter-A, which also arranges flights from the UK and Europe. Tell us the whole itinerary and we connect the two ends, so you have one plan from the departure airport to the Australian landing.
Ready to plan your flight?
Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.
Keep reading
Heavy and Ultra Long Range Jets: When to Step Up
Long sectors, large parties and overnight flights: when a heavy or ultra long range jet is the right tool.
Read the articleInternationalInternational Private Flights from Australia: Planning
Permits, customs, passports and time zones: what has to be arranged before a private jet leaves Australia.
Read the articleRoutesPrivate Jet to Perth: Flying Coast to Coast in Comfort
Around four hours across the continent: the aircraft that suit it, the time difference and how to arrive ready to work.
Read the article