The short answer: For international and intercontinental trips, you charter an ultra-long-range jet such as a Bombardier Global Express or Gulfstream G550 or GV, which Silver Air’s fleet page lists at 6,100 to 6,500 nautical miles of range, so most transatlantic missions can be flown nonstop with a full cabin. The aircraft is only half the job: permits, customs, crew rest and the return leg shape the schedule and the price as much as the jet does.
Demand for this class of aircraft keeps growing. WingX data reported by Private Jet Card Comparisons counted 224,681 U.S. departures by ultra-long-range jets in 2025, up 5%, of which 83,530 were charter or fractional flights, also up 5%.
Ultra-long-range (ULR) jets exist to fly long overwater legs nonstop with real payload and reserves. They earn their cost when the trip actually needs that capability. A heavy jet with 4,000 to 4,200 nm of listed range will often cover the same itinerary with one fuel stop, at a lower hourly cost.
Choose ULR when the leg is long and overwater, a fuel stop would add hours or an extra customs clearance, you are flying a full cabin with luggage, or the passengers need to sleep properly on board.
Consider a heavy jet when the longest leg is comfortably within its range at your passenger count, a technical stop is acceptable, or the international portion is a short hop such as the U.S. to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.
The figures below are as listed on the Silver Air fleet page. Published range is a planning number, not a promise: real-world range on a given day depends on passenger and baggage weight, winds aloft, temperature, routing and the reserves the operator requires.
| Aircraft | Listed range | Listed passengers | Typical role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bombardier Global Express | 6,100 nm | 12 | Ultra-long-range; wide cabin, intercontinental nonstops |
| Gulfstream G550 | 6,500 nm | 14–18 (by configuration) | Ultra-long-range; long overwater legs with a full cabin |
| Gulfstream GV | 6,500 nm | 14 | Ultra-long-range; the G550’s predecessor airframe |
| Gulfstream G-IV SP | 4,220 nm | 14 | Heavy jet; transatlantic with planning, often with a stop |
| Bombardier Challenger 605 | 4,000 nm | 10 | Heavy jet; long domestic and shorter international legs |
Cabin and sleep. On a flight of eight hours or more, ask for the specific aircraft’s cabin layout: how many seats convert to berths, whether there is a divan, and where the galley and lavatory sit. Two aircraft of the same type can be configured very differently.
1. Itinerary and passenger details. The operator needs the full routing, dates and every passenger’s name, date of birth, nationality and passport details early. For flights departing or arriving in the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires an electronic advance passenger manifest (eAPIS) before departure, and other countries have their own equivalents.
2. Visas and entry rules. Each passenger is responsible for holding the right passport validity and visas for every country on the trip. Requirements differ by nationality, so a mixed group may need several checks.
3. Overflight and landing permits. Many countries require advance permission for a private charter to land, and some require it just to cross their airspace. Lead times vary widely by country and can be several business days. Silver Air’s dispatch team typically needs [NEEDS NUMBER FROM OPS] of notice for permit-heavy itineraries.
4. Customs and airport of entry. Inbound international flights must clear customs at an airport that offers it, so your first stop back in the U.S. may not be your home airport. Agriculture rules, declared cash and restricted items apply as they would on an airline.
5. Ground handling and slots. Busy European and Asian airports may require landing slots and parking reservations, especially during major events. Your operator arranges a handler at each stop for fuel, customs escort, catering and crew logistics.
Charter flights under FAA Part 135 operate within limits on how long pilots may fly and be on duty, followed by required rest. On long international trips this shapes the plan in three ways:
Cabotage rules generally stop an aircraft registered in one country from selling transport between two points inside another country. In practice, a U.S.-registered charter can usually fly you from New York to Paris and back, but should not sell you a Paris-to-Nice leg within France. If your itinerary has internal legs abroad, plan them on a locally registered operator, a commercial flight or ground transport, and ask your operator to review the routing before you book.
Silver Air’s hourly rate for its ultra-long-range aircraft is [NEEDS NUMBER FROM OPS]. Ask any operator for a quote that itemizes these elements, so you can compare like with like.
Silver Air is an FAA Part 135 operator founded in 2008, and its managed fleet includes the Global Express, G550, GV, G-IV SP and Challenger 605 alongside midsize and light aircraft. That means one operator can match the aircraft to the actual mission, including recommending a heavy jet with a stop when an ultra-long-range jet would be more than the trip needs. Silver Air holds Wyvern Wingman PRO certification and follows IS-BAO, and under its safety management system every flight is run through a Flight Risk Assessment Tool during planning. You can read more on the safety and certifications page.
Silver Air is not the right fit for every international trip. If you need a narrow-body airliner for a large group, or internal legs within another country, a different provider will serve you better, and we will tell you so. To discuss a specific itinerary, see charter with Silver Air or contact the team.
Which private jets can fly nonstop from the U.S. to Europe?
Ultra-long-range jets such as the Global Express, Gulfstream G550 and GV are built for transatlantic nonstops. Some heavy jets can also make the crossing depending on the route, load and winds, while smaller jets usually need a fuel stop.
What does it cost to charter a G550 or Global Express internationally?
The total depends on flight hours for every leg including repositioning, whether the aircraft waits or returns, crew expenses, international fees and fuel. Ask for an itemized quote so you can see each element.
How far in advance should I book an international private jet charter?
Earlier is better, because some countries require landing or overflight permits that take several business days. Last-minute international trips are sometimes possible, but routing and destination options may be limited.
Do I go through customs when flying private internationally?
Yes. Passengers clear customs and immigration like any traveler, usually at a private terminal. Your first U.S. landing must be at an airport with customs service, and passenger details are submitted in advance.
Can a U.S. charter fly me between two cities in another country?
Usually not. Cabotage rules generally prevent a foreign-registered aircraft from selling transport between two points within another country. Plan internal legs separately.
Which companies offer ultra-long-range charter with their own aircraft?
Look for an operator that holds its own Part 135 certificate and manages ULR aircraft, rather than a broker reselling another operator’s flights. Silver Air operates a managed fleet that includes the Global Express, G550 and GV.
Reviewed October 23, 2026 by the Silver Air team.
