Van Nuys Airport Private Jet Charter Prices
Private Jet Charter to and from Van Nuys Airport
Paramount Business Jets offers private jet charter flights and luxury airliner charters to and from Van Nuys Airport.
There’s a reason Van Nuys Airport is among the five busiest – many years in the Number 1 slot – general aviation airports in the world.
People like to fly here. Tucked away on 730 acres in the heart of California’s San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys is a convenient and discreet gateway into and out of the West Coast for celebrities and VIPs.
It allows A-list travelers to hire private jets and arrive and depart in total privacy. A private entrance allows vehicles to drive directly to an aircraft to pick up or drop off passengers out of the public eye.
And, despite the lack of human eyes, there are scores of electronic eyes – almost 100 security cameras – that keep close watch on the place and the luxury planes that park there.
Van Nuys Airport Diagram Picture Source
What is Van Nuys Airport code?
IATA: VNY, ICAO: KVNY
Why rent a jet at Van Nuys?
VNY and Los Angeles International (LAX) are both owned by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting city department. It’s run by a board of commissioners.
VNY has two parallel runways – one with full instrument landing system – and a FAA tower. The main runway is 8,000 feet long, the other, a training runway, is 4,000 feet long. Van Nuys can accommodate any rented charter jet. In fact, more than 700 non-commercial planes and jets take off daily.
You will be among the rich and famous – including Barack Obama, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna – who have used the airport.
Airport Information
Charter a private jet where Amelia Earhart flew
On Dec. 17, 1928, the 25th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, a group of businessmen opened what would become Van Nuys Airport.
Metropolitan Airport was an 80-acre airport in the middle of peach orchards and walnut groves in San Fernando Valley. It was a place for experimentation in flight and used by famous early aviators like Amelia Earhart to set speed records.
Metropolitan Airport was a far cry from today’s 730-acre Van Nuys Airport that handles some 220,000 business, private, corporate and government jets a year. It’s a reliever airport that reduces traffic around commercial airports like Los Angeles International (LAX), making them safer and more efficient. More than 100 businesses have grown up around VNY, including four fixed base operators, Castle & Cooke, Clay Lacy, Jet and Signature aviation. Jet services are available from the FBOs and other businesses at the airport that do repairs and other aviation activities.
According to the airport’s website, an economic study shows that Van Nuys Airport contributes about $1.3 billion annually to the Southern California economy and supports more than 12,300 jobs.
The Wall Street Journal studied thousands of private aircraft flights between 2007 and 2011. It found that the flight from Van Nuys Airport to New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport, another of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, is especially popular among celebrities and corporate types because Van Nuys is close to West L.A. and Teterboro is close to Manhattan. Companies that have made that run many times include Paramount Pictures, companies owned by Hard Rock founder Peter Morton and Guitar Center.
Hollywood made Van Nuys Airport famous
Van Nuys is not only an airport used by flying celebrities, it has also been a popular location for filming since the 1930s when Dean Daily, a former cameraman, saw it as a way to make money for his grandmother and then-airport owner, Drusilla Daily Warner. (He also grew banana squash around the airport to make money to make ends meet.)
When the Great Depression nearly closed the airport, Hollywood film production saved it.
Hollywood stars and film makers, such as Gene Autry, Cecil B. DeMille and Howard Hughes, not only used the airport for travel, they used the airport for movie scenes, infusing it with much needed money.
In the movies
You’ll find scenes of Van Nuys Airport in these movies:
- Hell’s Angels
- Lost Horizon
- Test Pilot
- Flying Deuces
- Casablanca (While the romantic final scene in which Humphrey Bogart bids farewell to Ingrid Bergman was filmed at Metropolitan Airport with hangars and an Art Deco tower (torn down in the 1960s) in the background, the famous farewell on a foggy Moroccan runway was filmed on a Warner Bros. soundstage.)
- Foxfire
- The Presidio
- Midnight Run
- Charlie’s Angels
- Full Throttle
- The Bodyguard
- Patriot Games
- Last Action Hero
- In the Line of Fire
- Lethal Weapon, Crash
- A Star is Born (remake with Lady Gaga)
On TV
- Entourage (many scenes including the one in which Kanye West offers friends a ride to Cannes)
- Airwolf (used the hangars for Santini Air)
- Dynasty
- Candid Camera
- Unsolved Mysteries
- MacGyver
- Quantum Leap
- CSI
- Glee
- Scandal
- Shark Tank
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
In music videos
- Britney Spears’ “Stronger”
- Metallica’s “The Memory Remains”
- Blink-182’s “All the Small Things”
- Kiss’ “God Gave Rock and Roll To You 2”
And then there was Marilyn
In 1945, a woman named Norma Jeane (Baker) Dougherty was working on the airport grounds on an assembly line at Radioplane Company, which manufactured drones for the U.S. Army during World War II. A photographer was sent to the plant to shoot photos for a story in Yank Army Weekly Magazine about female workers in the war effort.
That photo made her famous. She changed her name to Marilyn Monroe and was given a screen test. Before overdosing in 1962 on barbiturates at age 35, she starred in 29 films and was married three times.
Land a private charter jet on “One Six Right”
In 1957, the name changed for the last time to Van Nuys Airport and the Sherman Way underpass was built to extend the main runway (the famed “One Six Right” to 8,000 feet.
“One Six Right” shows the passion that pilots have towards flying and the benefits that general aviation, including hired charter jets at VNY, bring. The movie showcases the ups and downs of Van Nuys airport, which is located 11 miles northwest of Hollywood.
The documentary film was made in 2005 by Brian Terwilliger, a producer and director, who spent five years making the movie named for the compass heading painted on the tarmac, “16R.” He was concerned about the future of general aviation, especially at Van Nuys.
In the film, the narrator says, “When pilots hear ‘one six right,’ they know they’re home.
“Every two weeks, an airport closes in the United States,” the narrator goes on to say.
While Van Nuys, the largest employer in the San Fernando Valley, is in no real danger of closing anytime soon, Terwilliger wanted to memorialize all the aviation firsts that have taken place there.
In the documentary, Terwilliger, who had learned to fly at Van Nuys, interviews many airplane lovers, including director Sydney Pollack.
Races and records and firsts
Men and women in their new-fangled flying machines were drawn to Van Nuys (Metropolitan Airport) in the early days of flight.
When Metropolitan Airport opened, it was run by Waldo Dean Waterman, a test pilot and engineer for a manufacturing company at the airport. Waterman held non-stop races to Cleveland, Ohio, and set many records, including a seven-day stay in the air in a plane that was able to be refueled mid-air.
In 1929, one of the first female pilots, Bobbi Trout, set an endurance record when she circled the airport for 12 hours, 11 minutes without refueling.
Later in 1929, Amelia Earhart set a speed record of 184 mph.
In 1930, Florence “Pancho” Barnes flew 196 mph, breaking Amelia Earhart’s record.
The P-80, America’s first fighter jet, had its test flights at the airport during World War II.
In 1965, National Guard pilots Clay Lacy and Jack Conroy flew a Learjet on a record-setting transcontinental round-trip flight from Van Nuys to New York and back.
The term “jet-setter” was coined when Frank Sinatra bought a Learjet to travel back and forth to Las Vegas and Palm Springs with Rat Pack buddies, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin.
The B-2 stealth bomber was first shown to the public at the Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo in 1996.
Through the years
1920s and 1930s
When it opened, biplane hangar fees were $35 per month and landing fees were 50 cents.
In 1929, when the stock market crashed and many airplane owners and aviation companies went broke, the airport remained open thanks to the money made by planes bringing in bootleg liquor from Mexico.
The 1940s
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. Army took over Metropolitan Airport. It bought land to nearly triple its size and paved and extended the runways to create Van Nuys Army Airfield where fighter pilots were trained.
It also became an important defense-manufacturing center.
In 1944, the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Corporation went together to build the Navy Lockheed Plant, a modification facility for aircraft.
After the war, the City of Los Angeles bought the airport for $1 as war surplus and renamed it San Fernando Valley Airport.
1950s and 1960s
The 1950s brought substantial growth to general aviation at the airport and local industries.
In 1957, the name changed for the last time to Van Nuys Airport.
In 1959, the Sherman Way underpass, which allowed cars to go under the runway, was built, allowing the main runway to be extended from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, the famous “One Six Right.”
In the 1960s, aerospace companies began to locate at the airport and VNY was enlarged to meet their needs. The Van Nuys Golf Course was built at the south end of the airport in the late 1960s, and a new control tower was constructed that is still in use today.
1970s and 1980s
In 1973 at the 10th Annual Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo, the command module from Apollo 14 was on display.
In 1975, the FlyAway Bus Terminal opened to provide nonstop bus service to LAX.
In the 1980s, Bob Hope embarked from the airport on his last USO tour for American troops abroad.
Today
Van Nuys is home to about 800 planes, ranging from corporate jets to puddle jumpers. You can fly your own plane or rent a private charter jet into Van Nuys Airport.
Popular Los Angeles Charter Flights
If you’ve ever visited Los Angeles, California, it will come as no surprise that Van Nuys Airport is one of the most popular airports for private jet charter.
From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Disneyland and the Staples Center – the home of LA Lakers – there are countless things to do in and around Los Angeles. Not to mention, it’s home to some of America’s most well-known celebrities.
If you’re looking to join the long list of private flyers at Van Nuys Airport, we have just the thing for you. Check out the infographic below for a list of the top 10 destinations from Van Nuys Airport. It includes lots of useful information such as distances, times, and how much you can expect to pay.
Runway information
FBOs at Van Nuys Airport, KVNY, VNY
METAR Weather
Traveling frequently from Van Nuys Airport?
If you fly frequently and you want have access to the finest private jets at any time, our jet card program is perfect for you. Our Jet Card allows you to fly anywhere, at any time and with any aircraft that fits your needs. Contact us for more information or read more about our Jet Card program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop for customs when I fly on a private jet?
Passengers on all international private charter flights will have to stop at customs. In certain countries, you may have to go through customs at a specific port of entry; for example, you must stop in Tahiti to perform customs checks en route to Bora Bora. You’ll also need to stop at the first port of entry when entering the U.S. from Mexico.
How much rest does the crew need before they can depart again?
Crew members are required to have a 10-hour rest period within each 24-hour cycle. The maximum duty day is 14 hours and must be followed by a 10-hour rest period at their hotel. When scheduling a flight, operators usually account for 12 hours of rest instead of 10. These extra two hours allow the crew time to get to their hotel, rest for the required time, and return to the airport.
How long does a fuel stop for a private jet flight take?
The average fuel stop takes 45–60 minutes. To speed up fuel stops, the operator, or pilots may call ahead, so a fuel truck is waiting for the aircraft on arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can take as little as 30 minutes.
Will my private jet charter use the same airport as a commercial airline?
No. When you charter a private jet, you generally fly into a private airport. However, you could access the same airports as a commercial airline if you request to do so or if there are no private airport options. However, using a large mainstream airport like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often a bad choice for private jets, as flying to a smaller regional private airport is much faster and often makes for a more luxurious experience.
Is the age of an aircraft a safety factor?
Aircraft age is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and hasn’t been refurbished properly, it may cause flyers some inconvenience, such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.
How much luggage am I allowed to bring on a private jet?
As a rule of thumb, each seat on a light or midsize jet equates to one passenger and one item of luggage. Each item of luggage is considered to be the standard 23 kilograms, or about 50 lbs. Large jets are designed for long-range trips, which typically involve longer stays, so you can carry more than one item of luggage per person.
Are there aircraft that are wheelchair accessible?
There are many aircraft that are wheelchair accessible. Most of them are large jets or above and have a straight aisle. If the jet has a zigzag aisle – like the Falcon 900 – it will be difficult to maneuver the wheelchair onboard the aircraft. You’ll also need the right type of wheelchair; many motorized wheelchairs won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. If this is the case, you’ll need a smaller, temporary wheelchair. Some aircraft operators have smaller wheelchairs that can be used. Please speak with your Paramount private jet expert to review your aircraft options.
Can I fly with large sums of cash?
Yes, you can. This is a common occurrence for many private jet clients. You can fly with up to $5 million in cash as long as you declare that cash when coming through customs. For domestic trips, there’s no limit and no need to declare it.
Which private jets come with flight attendants?
In the United States, large jets and above are required to have flight attendants onboard; in Europe, flight attendants are used on midsize jets and above. Flight attendants require their own seats. Larger jets and above have a jump seat near the cockpit for the flight attendant to use, meaning the attendant generally stays out of the cabin.
Which airports offer ramp access, allowing the client to drive their car right up to their private jet?
Private jet clients can often have a limo drive them right up to the private jet, or even drive their own car to the plane. That said, different airports have different policies, and some may not offer ramp access. Please speak with your Paramount Aviation Advisor to review your options for a given trip.
Do private jets come with Wi-Fi?
Many private jets do have Wi-Fi, and it’s increasingly available free of charge on U.S. domestic flights. On international flights, prices range from $3.00-$8.50 USD per megabyte used. This means that opening up social media sites that are rich in images and videos could quickly cost you $20 – and downloading a feature-length movie could cost thousands!
When is on-demand private jet charter better than buying a block of hours?
Private jet charter can be a lot cheaper than buying a block of hours for a one-way flight, as you can access floating fleets or an empty leg to reduce the cost. With a block of hours, the price covers a round trip. If you only fly one-way, you are effectively paying double.
What is a carbon-neutral flight?
Every aircraft burns jet fuel and emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This can be offset via one of several carbon offset programs that allow private jet clients to purchase a certain number of carbon credits to offset the emissions from their flights. A carbon-neutral flight is one that offsets the carbon emissions it uses via a formal process.
Can I have a flexible departure time for my private jet flight?
Yes, it is possible to have a flexible departure when flying privately. Operators typically offer a 30-minute to two-hour window, but you can request a longer window as long as it doesn’t interfere with the maximum crew duty day or their next scheduled flight. Please confirm with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking your jet.
When should I hire a Boeing Business Jet?
Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) have unique amenities that extend far beyond sheer size and are often equipped with 1-2 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms (one more of those bathrooms may even offer stand-up showers.) These airliner-based executive aircraft also feature tall or ‘stand-up’ cabins that are also longer and wider than more typical corporate aircraft.
How soon can I have a private jet ready from the time I call in the request?
Generally speaking, with as little as 4 hours of notice. However, we have had wheels up in as little as 32 minutes from the time our client called us to book the flight and had them in the air. It depends on a few factors, such as how long it takes for the pilots to arrive at the airport (generally, there is a 2-hour call-out time for the pilots), and whether the aircraft is ready to go at the airport with no repositioning needed. Our Jet Card members enjoy faster booking since they have funds on account and can confirm a flight with a simple email.
Can I access my luggage while in flight?
On most private jets, you will be able to access your luggage during the flight. That’s because luggage and passengers are situated on the same level. This is in contrast to commercial airlines, where checked luggage is stored in a cargo hold. On large private jets, luggage is often stored in a compartment behind the lavatory, which means easy access to your bags.
When are private jet charter landing and takeoff slots applicable?
A landing or takeoff slot is simply a small window of time in which your aircraft is scheduled to fly in or out of the airport. You will need a landing and takeoff slot if you fly to a high-density airport in the United States or one that is hosting a special event with a significant number of aircraft arriving and departing. If you’re flying internationally, you will need a landing and takeoff slot for all major European cities. Please check with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking for a specific route.
What kind of in-flight catering is available on a private jet?
Other than the standard snacks and drinks, you can order local cuisine options for your catering on board. In short, anything that doesn’t need to be cooked can be ordered; hot food must be precooked and then warmed on board.
Can I bring pets with me on private jet flights?
Of course! Just let us know in advance. The majority of the operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard. In some cases, a small cleaning fee may apply. That said, there are specific requirements that must be met when traveling with your pet, including making sure that all documentation and vaccination records for your pet(s) are correct and up-to-date. Dogs and cats must also be at least eight weeks old and weaned when traveling within the U.S.
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