I'm just working on a proposal for a client who is buying a brand new light jet, him flying 200 hours a year, topped up with 300 of charter revenue which is a conservative target for us.
The cost of him running this particular aircraft for 200 hours privately including All costs is £298K. If he puts it on charter then his costs for all his flying offset against the revenue of charter is £130k cheaper, plus any VAT advantage including a provision for the increased depreciation of a higher houred aircraft after 5 years.
Some clients may choose to spend the £130k and have it all to themselves, some would choose to reduce their cost, I've given up trying to second guess the thriftiness or otherwise of the wealthy.
Although I have no real experience of the heavy jet market, my gut feel is that this level of saving is only experienced in light / mid jets and is often more about saving the 20% VAT bill on purchase.
Contacttower - happy to share my workings if it is of interest.
Phil