Fleet, aircraft management, FBO and charter
Luxaviation: our full review
Europe's largest operator under the microscope: managed fleet, charter, owner management services, FBO network and independent alternatives.
About Luxaviation
Luxaviation is one of the world’s largest business aviation groups and Europe’s largest operator. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Luxembourg, the group’s roots actually stretch back much further — to Belgian company Abelag, established in 1964, one of the pioneers of European business aviation.
Over roughly fifteen years, Luxaviation has grown through a strategy of acquisition and integration, bringing recognised players under its banner, including ExecuJet (with a strong presence in Africa, Asia and the Middle East) and an extensive FBO network. The group is now present in more than 40 cities and covers the entire value chain of private aviation.
Unlike a broker, Luxaviation is an operator and manager: it operates aircraft, manages them on behalf of owners and provides ground services, rather than comparing third-party operators for each flight.
The Luxaviation model: charter, management and FBO
Luxaviation’s activity is structured around three complementary core businesses.
Charter
Luxaviation offers on-demand charter from its large managed fleet, from light jets to long-range jets, for one-off trips in Europe and internationally.
Aircraft management for owners
This is a cornerstone of the group. Luxaviation manages aircraft on behalf of third-party owners: operations, crews, maintenance, regulatory compliance and revenue generation when the aircraft is not in use. This management expertise is among the most respected in the sector.
FBO services
The group operates a global FBO network (private terminals): reception, lounges, ground services and flight coordination, for a seamless experience on departure and arrival.
The fleet
Luxaviation manages a fleet of around 260 aircraft, one of the largest and most diverse on the market. It covers all cabin categories:
- Light jet: for short and regional trips
- Midsize / super-midsize: for intra-European and medium-haul routes
- Large cabin: for comfort on longer flights
- Long-range: for intercontinental routes
This fleet depth is a major asset: Luxaviation can address very diverse needs, anywhere in the world. The important nuance concerns the nature of this fleet: it is predominantly “managed”, meaning it consists of aircraft owned by third parties. The onboard experience can therefore be less consistent than with an operator whose fleet is wholly owned and standardised, such as VistaJet.
Safety and operational reliability
Operational reliability is one of Luxaviation’s key strengths. The group’s size, its longevity (Abelag heritage dating back to 1964) and its aircraft management expertise imply demanding standards in operations, maintenance and crew training. The presence of a structured FBO network and entities such as ExecuJet reinforces control over the chain, both on the ground and in the air. For an aircraft owner, entrusting management to Luxaviation is a guarantee of professionalism and continuity.
Luxaviation’s strengths
Scale and global coverage: one of the world’s largest groups, present on every continent via ExecuJet and a broad network.
Aircraft management expertise: a benchmark for owners who want to delegate the operation of their aircraft.
FBO network: rare mastery of the ground experience, in more than 40 cities.
Very large and varied fleet: from light jet to long-range, the capacity to address very diverse needs.
Operational reliability: longevity, high standards and the solidity of Europe’s leading group.
Identified weaknesses
Predominantly managed fleet: composed of third-party owners’ aircraft, it delivers a less consistent experience than a wholly owned and standardised fleet.
Management and FBO orientation: the group is more geared towards owners and services than towards a turnkey consumer product.
No simple, standardised membership model: no membership or jet card offering that is straightforward and standardised for the end traveller.
Variable onboard experience: cabin quality depends on the managed aircraft and its owner, whereas an operator with its own fleet guarantees a single standard.
Complexity for private individuals: the offering, which is rich and B2B in nature, can be less legible for an occasional traveller than a broker’s quote.
Who is Luxaviation recommended for?
Luxaviation is primarily aimed at aircraft owners who wish to delegate management of their aircraft to a solid, experienced player, as well as travellers seeking access to a very large global fleet and a quality FBO network. For these profiles, the group’s scale and expertise are genuine assets.
Conversely, the occasional traveller who simply wants to charter a one-off flight at the best price, or who wants a guaranteed consistent experience, will benefit from going through an independent broker capable of putting Luxaviation in competition with all available operators.
Private Jets Connect: the no-commitment alternative
Against Luxaviation’s model, Private Jets Connect offers a purely independent approach:
- Systematic competitive tendering: for every flight, we put Luxaviation and every other operator in competition to achieve the best value for money.
- Zero commitment: no management contract or subscription — you pay only for the flights you actually take.
- Every type of aircraft: from light jet to ultra-long-range, we select the ideal aircraft for each trip.
- Total independence: as a broker, we have no bias towards any particular fleet or group.
- Transparent pricing: a clear quote tailored to your real need, with no recurring fees.
Request a free quote from Private Jets Connect and compare for yourself.
Verdict and rating
Luxaviation is a heavyweight of business aviation, Europe’s leader and a major global player. Its very large fleet, aircraft management expertise and FBO network make it a top-tier partner, particularly for owners and global needs. The downside: a predominantly managed fleet, meaning a less consistent experience than an operator with its own fleet, and a more B2B than consumer orientation. For chartering a one-off flight at the best price, the competitive tendering carried out by an independent broker like Private Jets Connect remains unbeatable. You can also compare with NetJets or consult our analysis of the best private jet operator.
| Criterion | Rating |
|---|---|
| Scale & global coverage | 9/10 |
| Management & FBO expertise | 9/10 |
| Fleet depth | 9/10 |
| Experience consistency | 6/10 |
| Relevance for occasional use | 6/10 |
| Overall rating | 8/10 |
Luxaviation’s official website is available at luxaviation.com for any direct enquiry.
Why choose Private Jets Connect
Guaranteed security and confidentiality
Maximum protection of your data and travel in complete discretion
Access to over 5,000 available jets
The world's largest fleet at your disposal
24/7 Service with a dedicated advisor
Personalised assistance at any time, anywhere in the world
Negotiated rates, no hidden fees
Total transparency and best prices guaranteed
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services
Is Luxaviation an operator or a broker?
Luxaviation is an operator and an aircraft management company: the group operates and manages a very large fleet on behalf of owners, offers charter and runs an FBO network. This is different from a broker like Private Jets Connect, which neither owns nor manages aircraft, but instead puts Luxaviation and every other operator in competition to get you the best flight, with no commitment.
How large is the Luxaviation fleet?
Luxaviation manages a fleet of around 260 aircraft, from light jets to long-range jets. It is one of the world’s largest business aviation groups and Europe’s largest operator. The majority of these aircraft, however, belong to third-party owners whose assets Luxaviation manages, rather than a wholly owned and standardised fleet.
What is a Luxaviation FBO?
An FBO (Fixed Base Operator) is a private terminal dedicated to business aviation: passenger reception, lounges, ground services and flight coordination. Luxaviation operates an extensive global FBO network present in more than 40 cities, which facilitates the ground experience for passengers and crews both before and after the flight.
Luxaviation or Private Jets Connect: which to choose?
Luxaviation is an excellent choice for aircraft ownership management, access to a very large global fleet and FBO services. Private Jets Connect, an independent broker, is better suited if you want to charter a one-off flight at the best price: we put Luxaviation in competition with every other operator, with no commitment and no bias towards any particular fleet.
