Melbourne Private Jet
Charter

Experience the highest standard of luxury air travel with private jet charter services from Melbourne, Victoria, tailored to your schedule and travel needs. Choosing a private jet means you book the entire aircraft, avoid crowded terminals, enjoy streamlined boarding from exclusive private terminals, and fly on your own timetable, saving time and enhancing comfort compared to commercial flights. Melbourne’s position as a major economic and cultural hub, combined with access to multiple private-friendly airports like Essendon and Tullamarine, ensures flexible departure and arrival options for domestic and international journeys alike.

Melbourne Private Jet Charter in 2026

Private jet charter from Melbourne means booking an entire aircraft for your schedule, your route, and your group. No shared cabin, no fixed timetables, no commercial check-in queues. You arrive at a private terminal, board directly, and depart on your schedule. The aircraft waits for you.

Melbourne is served by four charter-capable airports, giving it more flexibility than any other Australian city. Melbourne Airport (MEL, Tullamarine) handles international departures, ultra-long-range jets, and large-group charters. Essendon Airport (MEB), 13 km north of the CBD, is the primary general aviation hub and the preferred base for domestic charter — it is quieter, faster, and significantly cheaper to use than Tullamarine for domestic trips. Moorabbin Airport (MBW), 24 km southeast of the CBD, is the busiest GA airport in Victoria and the lowest-cost option for light aircraft and turboprop charter. Avalon Airport (AVV), 55 km southwest, provides an alternative for passengers in the Geelong corridor and for larger jets when Tullamarine slots are congested.

How much does Melbourne private jet charter cost in 2026? Short domestic hops start from AUD 3,000 to 5,500 on a very light jet or turboprop (Melbourne to Hobart or Canberra). A light jet to Sydney costs AUD 7,000 to 13,500. A midsize jet to Perth is around AUD 23,500 to 40,000. International flights to Auckland cost approximately AUD 16,500 to 28,000 on a midsize jet. Ultra-long-range jets to London or Los Angeles range from AUD 95,000 to 160,000+ per trip. All prices are per aircraft, not per seat.

Critically, none of Melbourne’s four charter airports has a curfew. This is a significant operational advantage over Sydney, where Kingsford Smith imposes a curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM. Melbourne clients can depart or arrive at any hour without restriction. This guide covers all four airports, every major route, real 2026 pricing, interactive calculators, aircraft categories, CASA regulations, and a full Q&A.

Charter Airports Serving Adelaide

AUD 2,600+

Starting Price (SA Regional)

7 km

ADL Distance to CBD (closest capital)

No Curfew

At Either Adelaide Airport

10+

SA Regional Destinations

2026

All Prices Current and in AUD

Choose Your Melbourne Airport

Melbourne has four airports capable of handling charter operations. The right choice depends on your destination, aircraft size, origin suburb, and whether you need international customs. Click any card to review.

MEL

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)

Distance to CBD23 km northwest

Main Runway (16/34)12,999 ft / 3,962 m

Second Runway (09/27)7,999 ft / 2,438 m

Annual Passengers37+ million

FBOExecuJet, Jet Aviation VIC

CurfewNone (24/7)

Handling FeesAUD 550 to 2,200+

MBW

Moorabbin Airport

Distance to CBD24 km southeast

Main Runway (13L/31R)4,616 ft / 1,407 m

Annual MovementsVictoria's busiest GA airport

CurfewNone (24/7)

Handling FeesLowest of four airports

Best ForTurboprops, very light jets, piston

AVV

Avalon Airport

Distance to CBD55 km southwest

Main Runway (18/36)9,843 ft / 3,000 m

LocationGeelong corridor

CurfewNone (24/7)

Handling FeesLower than MEL

Best ForHeavy jets, Geelong origin, F1/events

Airport Recommendation Tool

Trip Type

Aircraft Size

Priority

MBW

Recommended Airport

Moorabbin has the lowest handling fees of Melbourne's four airports for turboprop and light jet operations. For cost-sensitive bookings on smaller aircraft, Moorabbin can save AUD 200 to 800 per leg versus Essendon or Tullamarine.

    Melbourne is the only Australian city with four viable charter airports. Sydney has three (Kingsford Smith, Bankstown, Camden) but only Sydney Airport can handle international departures and only Kingsford Smith has no weight restriction. Melbourne's four airports cover every use case: MEL for international and ultra-long-range, MEB for domestic, MBW for the lightest aircraft, and AVV as a long-runway alternative for heavy jets and Geelong-corridor clients.
  

How Long Does Each Route Take?

Select destination and aircraft category. Times are block time (wheels-up to wheels-down) under standard conditions. Melbourne enjoys favourable tailwinds on westbound routes in winter, which can reduce Perth flight times by 15 to 25 minutes.

Route and Time Selector

Destination

Aircraft Category

MEL

MELBOURNE

1 hr 10 min

378 nm

SYD

SYDNEY

VIC / TAS Destination

Aircraft Category

MEL

MELBOURNE

40 min

152 nm

HBA

HOBART

Destination

Aircraft Category

MEL

MELBOURNE

3 hr 10 min

1,566 nm

AKL

AUCKLAND

    Hobart is Melbourne's fastest interstate route. At only 152 nm across Bass Strait, a light jet reaches Hobart in approximately 40 minutes. The entire journey from car door at Essendon to Hobart CBD can be completed in under 2 hours, compared to a minimum of 3.5 hours on commercial services including airport time each end. For winemakers, farmers, and executives commuting between the two cities, private charter is often the most time-efficient option available.
  

2026 Charter Price Guide

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD), per aircraft. Melbourne has one of the most competitive private charter markets in Australia due to the large local fleet and multiple active operators. Prices here assume departure from Essendon (MEB) for domestic routes and Tullamarine (MEL) for international. Filter by category below.

Filter by Aircraft Category

Category	Passengers	AUD / Hour (Low)	AUD / Hour (High)	Typical Models
Turboprop	Up to 9	AUD 2,800	AUD 4,500	King Air 350, PC-12
Very Light Jet	3 to 5	AUD 3,100	AUD 4,900	Citation Mustang, Phenom 100
Light Jet	5 to 8	AUD 3,700	AUD 6,800	Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300E
Midsize Jet	7 to 9	AUD 5,300	AUD 9,100	Citation XLS+, Hawker 900XP
Super Midsize	8 to 10	AUD 7,100	AUD 11,600	Citation X+, Challenger 350
Heavy Jet	10 to 14	AUD 9,600	AUD 17,200	Gulfstream G550, Global 6000
Ultra-Long-Range	12 to 19	AUD 15,500	AUD 27,000	Global 7500, Gulfstream G700

Key Melbourne Charter Routes (One Way, Per Aircraft)

Route	Distance	Flight Time	Turboprop / Light	Midsize	Heavy
Adelaide to Kangaroo Island (KGC)	68 nm	25 min	AUD 2,600 to 4,800	Overkill for strip length	N/A
Adelaide to Port Lincoln	181 nm	40 min	AUD 3,500 to 6,400	AUD 5,100 to 8,700	N/A
Adelaide to Olympic Dam	378 nm	1h 10m	AUD 5,300 to 9,500	AUD 7,500 to 12,700	N/A
Adelaide to Coober Pedy	446 nm	1h 20m	AUD 6,200 to 11,200	AUD 8,900 to 15,100	N/A
Adelaide to Melbourne	413 nm	1h 15m	AUD 4,600 to 8,500	AUD 6,600 to 11,400	AUD 12,000 to 21,500
Adelaide to Sydney	826 nm	1h 40m	AUD 6,200 to 11,300	AUD 8,800 to 15,100	AUD 16,100 to 28,700
Adelaide to Brisbane	1,161 nm	2h 20m	AUD 8,600 to 15,800	AUD 12,300 to 21,000	AUD 22,300 to 39,900
Adelaide to Perth	1,618 nm	3h 5m	AUD 11,400 to 20,800	AUD 16,200 to 27,800	AUD 29,600 to 52,800
Adelaide to Auckland	1,712 nm	3h 30m	Not applicable	AUD 18,100 to 31,000	AUD 33,000 to 58,900

Per Person Cost Estimator

Route

Passengers: 4

114

AUD 2,600

Charter Total (Low)

AUD 4,800

Charter Total (High)

AUD 700

Per Person (Low)

AUD 1,200

Per Person (High)

At 4 passengers, this route costs AUD 700 to AUD 1,200 per person.

Build Your Full Trip Cost

Adjust every variable to model your exact charter. Melbourne’s competitive operator market and local aircraft availability means positioning fees are rarer here than in Cairns or Perth for most aircraft categories.

Full Cost Builder

Aircraft Category

One-Way Flight Hours: 1.17

30 min12 hrs

Trip Structure

Departure Airport

Positioning Required?

Crew Overnight Nights: 0

Same day7 nights

Passengers: 4

119

Catering Level

Flight Cost (flight hours x hourly rate)AUD 4,600 to AUD 8,500

Trip structure1 leg (One way)

Positioning / Ferry FeeAUD 0

Airport Handling (per leg)AUD 100 to AUD 300

Crew Accommodation and Per DiemAUD 0

CateringAUD 0

ESTIMATED TOTAL (range)AUD 4,700 to AUD 8,800

AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,200

Per Person

AUD 2,400 to AUD 4,400

Empty Leg Estimate (50% off)

Indicative estimates only. Request formal quotes from 2 to 3 operators for accurate pricing. All figures in AUD. GST of 10% applies to domestic charter. International routes attract additional permit and overflight fees.

Which Aircraft Is Right for You?

Melbourne has one of Australia’s strongest locally-based charter fleets spanning all categories from turboprops to ultra-long-range jets. Select your passenger count and route for an instant recommendation.

Aircraft Selector

Number of Passengers

Route Type

Very Light Jet

Recommended Category

Very Light Jet is the right choice for 4 passengers on this route type. Models include the Citation Mustang, Phenom 100, Eclipse 500.

3 to 5

Seat Capacity

1,000 to 1,500 nm

Max Range

AUD 3,100 to 4,900/hr

Hourly Rate

Stand-Up Cabin

All Aircraft Categories

Turboprop

Up to 9 pax

1,000 to 1,600 nm

Very Light Jet

3 to 5 pax

1,000 to 1,500 nm

Light Jet

5 to 8 pax

1,200 to 2,000 nm

Midsize Jet

7 to 9 pax

2,500 to 3,000 nm

Super Midsize

8 to 10 pax

3,000 to 3,800 nm

Heavy Jet

10 to 14 pax

5,000 to 6,500 nm

Ultra-Long-Range

12 to 19 pax

7,000+ nm

Very Light Jet -- Detailed Specifications

Cabin SizeSit-down cabin

Range1,000 to 1,500 nm

Hourly CostAUD 3,100 to 4,900/hr

Capacity3 to 5 seats

Common Models

Citation Mustang, Phenom 100, Eclipse 500

Stand-Up Cabin

Best For

Hobart, Canberra, short interstate, executive point-to-point

    Essendon Airport runway note: Essendon's main runway (17/35) is 5,512 ft / 1,680 m. This accommodates all turboprops, very light jets, and light jets without restriction. Most midsize jets including the Citation XLS+ and Hawker 900XP can also operate from Essendon within typical charter payload limits. Super-midsize and heavy jets generally require Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) or Avalon, both of which have runways exceeding 9,800 ft.
  

CASA Rules and Melbourne-Specific Requirements

All private jet charter in Victoria operates under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) national framework. Operators must hold a CASA Part 135 AOC. You as the charter client need no aviation licence or certificate. Victoria adds no state-level aviation regulations on top of CASA’s national framework.

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is a security-controlled aerodrome. Departing passengers and baggage from the FBO are screened under the operator’s approved aviation security program. Essendon Airport is also a security-controlled aerodrome under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004, but charter departures from the GA apron operate under a reduced-intensity security program compared to the commercial terminal. Moorabbin and Avalon are not security-controlled aerodromes — no commercial-style screening applies at those airports.

Operator Certification

All charter operators must hold a CASA Part 135 AOC. Ask for the certificate number and verify it on the CASA public registry at casa.gov.au before paying any deposit.

No Curfew at Any Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport, Essendon, Moorabbin, and Avalon all operate 24/7 with no curfew. This is a major operational advantage over Sydney's Kingsford Smith (curfew 11 PM to 6 AM). Last-minute early morning or late-night departures are fully available from any Melbourne airport.

International Departures

International custom and biosecurity clearance is only available at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). Essendon, Moorabbin, and Avalon do not have customs facilities and cannot be used as departure points for international charter flights.

ID and Passenger Manifest

Domestic flights require a government-issued photo ID for all passengers. International departures require a valid passport. Operators typically request a full passenger manifest including full legal names and dates of birth 24 to 48 hours before departure.

Major Events (F1, AFL Grand Final)

Melbourne hosts the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the AFL Grand Final, both of which significantly increase private jet traffic. During these periods, FBO slots at Essendon and Tullamarine fill up weeks in advance and handling fees increase. Book early and confirm parking arrangements with your operator.

GST on Charter

Domestic charter flights attract 10% GST. International charter flights departing from Melbourne are generally GST-free. Some operators quote inclusive and others exclusive of GST. Confirm before comparing prices across operators.

What to Do Before You Pay a Deposit

Tick off each item before committing to any Melbourne charter booking. Several items are specific to Melbourne’s multi-airport setup and major-event periods.

Common Questions About Melbourne Charter

Which Melbourne airport should I use for domestic charter?+

For most domestic departures, Essendon Airport (MEB) is the best choice. It is 13 km from the CBD (compared to 23 km for Tullamarine), handling fees are significantly lower, the FBO experience is faster and more private, and the GA apron is not subject to commercial-terminal security queues. Most Melbourne-based light jet and midsize jet operators stage from Essendon. For passengers in the Bayside, St Kilda, or South Yarra corridor, Moorabbin is a 20-minute drive and offers the lowest fees of all four airports for lighter aircraft. The only reasons to use Tullamarine for a domestic flight are if your aircraft requires a longer runway than Essendon's 5,512 ft (e.g. some heavy jets) or if your operator's specific aircraft is based there.

Does Melbourne have an airport curfew?+

No. None of Melbourne's four charter airports has a curfew. Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Essendon, Moorabbin, and Avalon all operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This gives Melbourne a significant operational advantage over Sydney, where Kingsford Smith Airport imposes a strict curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM. Melbourne charter clients can depart at 2 AM or arrive at 5 AM with no restriction, no penalty, and no dispensation required. This makes Melbourne particularly attractive for clients connecting to or from long-haul international flights, and for time-critical business operations that require early morning or late-night departures.

When should I use Avalon Airport instead of Tullamarine?+

Avalon (AVV) is best used in three specific situations. First, if you are based in the Geelong corridor or the Surf Coast -- Avalon is 55 km from Melbourne CBD but significantly closer to Geelong, Torquay, Lorne, and the Great Ocean Road. Second, during major Melbourne events (F1, AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup) when Essendon and Tullamarine ramps are full -- Avalon has capacity and is typically not overloaded during events. Third, if your charter aircraft is a heavy or ultra-long-range jet and you want to avoid the higher handling fees at Tullamarine while still having access to a long runway. Avalon's 9,843 ft runway can handle all aircraft categories and fees are notably lower than Tullamarine for equivalent handling.

Is private charter from Melbourne cheaper than from Sydney?+

Generally yes, for domestic routes. Melbourne has a larger competing operator base for light jets and midsize jets than Sydney, which keeps pricing more competitive. Essendon's handling fees are lower than Sydney's Bankstown for comparable aircraft, and Moorabbin is lower still. For routes like Melbourne to Sydney versus Sydney to Melbourne, the total charter cost is symmetric on the flight hours themselves, but the departure handling and positioning costs can differ. On balance, Melbourne charter clients often find rates 3 to 8 percent lower than equivalent Sydney bookings for the same aircraft and route, reflecting the stronger operator competition in the Melbourne market.

Are empty legs common from Melbourne?+

Yes. Melbourne is one of Australia's highest-volume charter markets, which means a steady supply of repositioning flights. The most common empty leg corridors from Melbourne are Melbourne to Sydney (both directions, extremely frequent), Melbourne to Adelaide (both directions), and Melbourne to Brisbane. During AFL season, empty legs from Melbourne to interstate cities spike as aircraft reposition after transporting sports executives and guests. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix, operators actively advertise arrival empty legs into Melbourne and departure empty legs out. Signing up to multiple Melbourne-based operator alert lists is the most effective way to access empty legs, as they are posted with limited notice -- sometimes only a few hours before departure.

How long does Melbourne to Hobart take on a private jet?+

Melbourne to Hobart is 152 nautical miles across Bass Strait and takes approximately 40 minutes on a light jet from wheels-up to wheels-down. This is the shortest interstate charter route in Australia by distance. The total journey from car arrival at Essendon to stepping off the aircraft in Hobart is typically under 1 hour 15 minutes. Commercial airlines take a similar block time in the air but require 90 to 120 minutes of combined airport time each end, making private charter particularly compelling on this route. Turboprops such as the King Air 350 take around 55 to 60 minutes on the same crossing and are cost-effective for groups that do not need the speed of a jet.

Can I fly private from Melbourne to Mildura, Albury, or other regional Victorian destinations?+

Yes. Melbourne is well-served by turboprop and light jet operators for regional Victorian and border destinations. Mildura (MQL) is 303 nm northwest and takes approximately 55 minutes on a King Air 350 or 45 minutes on a light jet. Albury (ABX) is 178 nm northeast and reachable in 35 to 40 minutes. Merimbula on the NSW South Coast is about 200 nm and takes 40 to 45 minutes on a light jet. Moorabbin Airport is often the preferred departure point for regional Victorian destinations given its lower fees and southeast Melbourne location. Charter to Launceston (Tasmania) is also popular for Tamar Valley wine tourism, taking 55 minutes on a light jet versus 152 nm for Hobart.

Can I fly non-stop from Melbourne to Bali or Singapore?+

Bali (DPS) is 2,526 nm from Melbourne -- beyond the non-stop range of most light jets but within comfortable range for midsize jets at standard charter payload. A Citation XLS+ or Hawker 900XP can fly Melbourne to Bali non-stop in approximately 4 hours 50 minutes. Super-midsize and heavy jets cover the same distance with ease. Singapore (SIN) at 3,702 nm is beyond non-stop range for midsize jets from Melbourne. Super-midsize jets can reach Singapore from Melbourne but may carry a reduced payload or require a technical fuel stop at Darwin or Bali depending on aircraft configuration. Heavy jets including the Gulfstream G550 and Global 6000 fly Melbourne to Singapore non-stop comfortably. All international departures must use Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) for customs and biosecurity clearance.

Can a private jet fly non-stop from Melbourne to London or Los Angeles?+

Not at present. London (LHR) is approximately 9,540 nm from Melbourne and Los Angeles (LAX) is approximately 8,210 nm. No currently certified charter aircraft has the range to fly either route non-stop. The Gulfstream G700 and Bombardier Global 7500 have certified ranges of approximately 7,500 nm, meaning both routes require one stop. London is typically served with one stop in Dubai, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Los Angeles typically requires one stop in Honolulu or Fiji. Total trip time Melbourne to London with one stop is approximately 19 to 22 hours depending on aircraft and winds. Melbourne to Los Angeles with one stop is approximately 15 to 17 hours. Operators experienced in ultra-long-range routes from Australia can provide detailed itineraries and stop options based on your preferred timeline.

How far in advance should I book charter during the Australian F1 Grand Prix or AFL Grand Final?+

For the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix (Albert Park, typically March), you should book private charter at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance. The Grand Prix draws significant private aviation traffic from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and internationally. Essendon FBO ramp fills completely, Tullamarine charter handling runs at capacity, and Avalon becomes a meaningful overflow option. For the AFL Grand Final (September, MCG), book at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance if arriving from interstate. Essendon is the preferred arrival airport for interstate AFL guests given its proximity to the CBD and MCG. During both events, handling fees rise, fuel surcharges increase, and aircraft without pre-booked parking may be redirected to Avalon. The Melbourne Cup (November, Flemington) creates similar but slightly less intense demand.

Melbourne Private Jet
Charter