Last Updated by Rick: 16 April 2026
PrivateFly is a UK-based private jet charter broker founded in 2008 by Adam Twidell, a former RAF pilot, and Carol Cork. It was one of the first platforms to use technology to simplify private charter booking. In 2018, PrivateFly was acquired by Directional Aviation’s OneSky group, which also owns FlyExclusive and Sentient Jet. In the US, the brand has been transitioning to FXAir.
This review covers what PrivateFly offers, its ownership structure, what users say, and who it suits best.
This article is part of our series on private jet charter companies.
Back to the main article: Private Jet Charter Companies: Complete Guide →
Quick verdict
PrivateFly is one of the most established European charter brokers with strong pricing tools and jet card options. Best for UK and European travelers.
15+ year track record, 4.5 Trustpilot from ~965 reviews, live hourly rate tracking. Note: US operations are transitioning to the FXAir brand.
Contents
What is PrivateFly?
PrivateFly is a charter broker. It does not own aircraft. When you book through PrivateFly, the actual flight is conducted by a third-party FAA Part 135 or EASA-certified operator from its network of over 5,000 aircraft globally.
The platform is known for its technology-driven approach. The PrivateFly website tracks live aircraft availability and pricing, and provides hourly rate data across different aircraft categories. This transparency around pricing has been a distinguishing feature since the platform launched.
PrivateFly at a glance
How does PrivateFly work?
You submit a request through the website or by phone, specifying your route, date, number of passengers, and any preferences. The PrivateFly team returns options from its operator network, typically within a few hours. You choose an aircraft, the booking is confirmed with the operator, and payment is made before the flight.
For jet card holders, PrivateFly provides pre-negotiated access at fixed rates with guaranteed availability and a 24-hour call-out window. For more on jet card programs across the industry, see private jet membership programs compared.
Get a Private Jet Quote
Compare charter prices from vetted operators worldwide. Receive quotes within minutes for any route, any aircraft type.
Free quotes · No hidden fees · 24/7 support
What do real users say?
Find Empty Leg Flights
Browse live empty leg deals and save up to 75% on private jet charter. Routes update daily based on real-time availability.
Free to search · No commitment · 10,000+ aircraft
PrivateFly holds a 4.5 rating on Trustpilot from around 965 reviews, which is among the higher scores for private jet platforms. The volume of reviews is also notable — most direct operator and broker services have far fewer.
Positive experiences
Recurring themes in positive reviews include responsive account managers, smooth flight execution, and good handling of complex multi-leg itineraries. One jet card holder described needing a flight 24 hours in advance following a medical situation and described the process as seamless. Clients who work regularly with a named account manager describe a relationship-driven service similar to a personal travel adviser.
Common concerns
A minority of negative reviews describe frustration with quote response times for non-urgent requests. A small number of complaints allege sales calls promoting fractional products after submitting a charter quote request. PrivateFly’s response to negative Trustpilot reviews has been inconsistent. Some reviewers question the authenticity of the positive review volume, noting that most reviews come from new accounts.
Good to Know
The flight product is strong. The corporate group affiliation is worth knowing about, especially if you are approached about fractional products after requesting a charter quote.
How does PrivateFly compare to Villiers Jets?
| PrivateFly | Villiers Jets | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 2013 |
| Ownership | Directional Aviation group | Independent |
| Network | 5,000+ aircraft | 10,000+ aircraft |
| Jet card | Yes | No |
| Pricing tools | Live hourly rate tracker | Quote-based |
| Strongest region | UK and Europe | Europe and global |
| Service style | Account manager + platform | Boutique broker, personal |
For a full Villiers Jets review or Jettly review, see our separate assessments. For all platforms compared, see best private jet charter companies.
Who is PrivateFly best suited for?
Is PrivateFly right for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PrivateFly?
PrivateFly is a UK-based private jet charter broker founded in 2008. It operates as a booking platform that connects clients with a network of certified charter operators. It does not own any aircraft.
Who owns PrivateFly?
PrivateFly was acquired by Directional Aviation’s OneSky group in 2018. Directional Aviation also owns FlyExclusive, Sentient Jet, and FXAir. In the US, the PrivateFly brand is transitioning to FXAir.
Is PrivateFly a legitimate service?
Yes. PrivateFly is an established broker with over 15 years of history. It works with EASA and FAA Part 135 certified operators and has a 4.5 Trustpilot rating from nearly 1,000 reviews.
Does PrivateFly own aircraft?
No. PrivateFly is a broker. Flights are conducted by third-party certified operators from its global network.
What is FXAir?
FXAir is the US-market rebranding of the Directional Aviation charter broker business, which includes the PrivateFly customer base. If you are based in the US and have previously used PrivateFly, FXAir is the relevant entity for your region.
How does PrivateFly’s jet card work?
PrivateFly’s jet card provides prepaid access at fixed hourly rates with guaranteed availability and 24-hour notice booking. Pricing depends on the aircraft category. Contact PrivateFly directly for current jet card rates.
Is PrivateFly good for European flights?
Yes. PrivateFly has strong European operator coverage and is one of the better-known platforms for UK and European charter. Its pricing tool tracks hourly rates across European aircraft categories.
How does PrivateFly compare to Villiers Jets?
Both are brokers with global operator networks. PrivateFly has a longer track record, a jet card product, and more detailed pricing data tools. Villiers is a smaller boutique operation with a more personal service focus. Which suits you depends on whether you prefer a larger platform or a relationship-driven broker.