Private jet operators and air charter companies lose customers every month simply because they're not visible where decision-makers look. Getting listed on a marketplace that connects you directly to clients searching for air charter solutions cuts through noise and puts your aircraft, crew expertise, and flight services in front of qualified leads. Here's how to set up your air charter business on Mercoly and start winning contracts.
Why Mercoly Works for Air Charter Operators
The private aviation market moves fast—clients need aircraft availability, transparent pricing, and operator credentials yesterday, not next week. Mercoly centralizes your business information, service offerings, and availability in one place that potential clients actually visit when they're ready to book. Whether you operate a fleet of Citation X jets or offer helicopter charter across a region, being listed here means leads find you before they call your competitors.
Verify Your Business Information
Start by gathering your documentation. You'll need your FAA Part 135 certification number (or whatever regulatory approval applies to your jurisdiction), proof of insurance, and your current operating base location. Have these ready before you begin—Mercoly's verification process checks these details to build credibility with clients.
Record your years in operation, total flight hours, and any specialized certifications (RVSM capability, ETOPS approval, ADO approval for certain regions). This matters. A charter operator with 15 years of experience and 50,000+ flight hours signals reliability to corporate flight departments and fractional ownership clients who are evaluating safety records.
Define Your Fleet and Aircraft Details
List each aircraft you operate with precise specifications:
- Aircraft type and tail number (e.g., Bombardier Global 7500, N12345)
- Seating capacity (typical cabin size: light jets 4–6 passengers, midsize 6–8, heavy jets 8–13+)
- Range (light jets typically 2,000–3,500 nautical miles; heavy jets 4,500–6,000+)
- Hourly operating cost (ranges $3,500–$5,500 for light jets; $6,500–$9,000+ for heavy jets, depending on fuel and crew)
- Cabin amenities (Wi-Fi, catering capability, beds, onboard bar, entertainment systems)
- Availability (dedicated aircraft vs. shared charter; busy months; minimum booking windows)
This detail eliminates back-and-forth emails with tire-kickers. When a client sees you operate two Citation X jets with full cabin Wi-Fi and RVSM certification, they know immediately whether you fit their mission.
Set Clear Pricing Tiers
Clients shopping for air charter expect either hourly rates or per-flight quotes. Be transparent about your model:
- All-in hourly rates (fuel, crew, maintenance, insurance bundled). This is common for charter and typically ranges $3,000–$8,000/hour depending on aircraft class.
- Minimum block hours per charter (usually 2–4 hours of flight time minimum charge).
- Landing and handling fees (these vary by airport; many operators list a range or state "variable by destination").
- Crew positioning charges if your crew must deadhead to pick up the passenger.
Fractional ownership programs, management contracts, and on-demand charter all have different pricing structures—spell out which services you offer and at what price points. A client shopping for a $15,000 charter flight needs to see that option clearly, not guess.
Highlight Safety and Compliance Records
Safety sells in private aviation. List your:
- Safety audit certifications (Wyvern Audit, ARGUS, IS-BAO).
- Accident and incident history (if you have a clean record, say so explicitly).
- Pilot training standards (recurrent training frequency, simulator requirements, crew rest policies).
- Maintenance protocols (how often you inspect and service aircraft; use of manufacturer-approved parts).
A single mention that "all pilots complete 6-month recurrent training and 40+ hours simulator annually" reassures corporate clients and flight departments evaluating risk.
Add Photos and Media
Upload high-resolution cabin photos, cockpit images, and exterior shots of your aircraft. Charter clients often book based on cabin comfort—show the leather, the galley setup, the lavatory, and any premium features. Video walkarounds of your aircraft perform exceptionally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an FAA Part 135 certification to list on Mercoly? For on-demand charter in the U.S., yes—Part 135 is mandatory and Mercoly will verify it. If you operate under Part 91K (fractional) or Part 91 with a management company, note that clearly in your profile.
Q: What's a realistic timeline to start receiving inquiries after listing? Most operators see their first inquiries within 1–2 weeks; the volume depends on your aircraft class and pricing competitiveness. Heavy jet operators in major markets (New York, Los Angeles, Miami) typically see faster traction.
Q: Should I list hourly rates or only provide quotes on request? Transparency drives confidence—list your typical hourly range. You can add "price varies by origin, destination, and date" to account for demand spikes and positioning costs, but hiding pricing costs you leads.
Ready to put your air charter business in front of qualified clients? [Start your Mercoly listing today.]