Differences Between Helicopters and Private Jets: Explained from Cost and Quality Perspectives

"I want to know how helicopters and private jets differ."
"Which one is more suitable for me??"

etc.What is the difference between a helicopter and a private jet?Some of you may be wondering.

A helicopter is suitable for travel within a straight-line distance of 200 km or less, especially when there is no airport near the destination. On the other hand, a private jet is convenient for destinations more than 200 km away in a straight line and where airports are available.

Below, we will explain the differences between helicopters and private jets from four perspectives: travel convenience, specifications, time efficiency, and cost.

Differences Between Helicopters and Private Jets【Service Reliability】

If you prioritize schedule reliability, a private jet is recommended.Helicopters operate using "visual flight rules" (VFR), meaning pilots rely on visual cues to navigate. As a result, their flights are more susceptible to disruptions caused by weather conditions such as snow, clouds, or strong winds.

On the other hand, private jets operate under "instrument flight rules" (IFR), relying on instruments rather than visual navigation. This is the same method used by major airlines like JAL and ANA. As a result, private jets can operate in various weather conditions, including rain, clouds, and wind, except for extreme scenarios like typhoons that also prevent commercial airlines from flying.

Let's take a look at the operational reliability of the two types of aircraft under conditions such as snow, cloudy skies, or strong winds.

In snowy conditions

In the case of snow, the operational reliability of helicopters significantly decreases. The operational reliability of helicopters and private jets in snowy conditions is shown in the table below.

移動方法	Service Reliability
Helicopter	5％
Private Jet	90％

It can be seen that the operational reliability of private jets remains almost unaffected by snow, with very few cancellations.For travel during winter or when heading to destinations in northern regions or mountainous areas, using a private jet would be a better option..

In cloudy conditions

The operational rate during cloudy conditions significantly varies depending on the altitude of the clouds.

Transportation	Service Reliability
Helicopter	If the cloud base is above 1,000 meters, the operational rate is 60%. However, if the cloud base is below 1,000 meters, the operational rate drops to 0%.
Private Jet	95％

When using a helicopter on cloudy days, the operational rate is 60% if the cloud base is above 1,000 meters. However, if the cloud base is below 1,000 meters, the operational rate drops to 0%. For reference, the height of 1,000 meters is three times the height of Tokyo Tower and almost twice the height of Tokyo Skytree.

The height of clouds varies depending on factors such as temperature, water vapor in the air, atmospheric stability, and pressure systems.

On the other hand, a private jet can maintain a departure rate of over 90% even on cloudy days. This indicates a significant advantage in terms of reliability compared to helicopters during such weather conditions.Private jets are better suited than helicopters during cloudy conditions.

In windy conditions

When there are strong winds, the departure rate of helicopters significantly decreasesWhen there are strong winds, the departure rate of helicopters significantly decreases.　 Specifically, as shown in the table below.

Transportation	Service Reliability
Helicopter	When the wind speed exceeds 7 m/s at ground level, the helicopter's operational rate drops to 20%
Private Jet	Unless the wind speed exceeds 25 m/s (extremely strong winds) at ground level, the operational rate for private jets remains at 95%.

Helicopters are particularly sensitive to wind conditions. When the wind speed exceeds 7 m/s at ground level, their operational rate drops significantly to just 20%. A wind speed of 7 m/s is roughly equivalent to the strength of wind felt when riding a bike or car at a speed of 25 km/h.

On the other hand, private jets maintain relatively high operational rates even in strong winds. Wind speeds of 25 m/s, which would cause roof tiles to fly off and trees to break, are typically the threshold at which private jets may be grounded.

Thus, for travel during strong winds, private jets are more suitable due to their higher stability.

The difference between helicopters and private jets in terms of aircraft specifications

If you're focused on quality for entertaining business clients,comparing the specifications of helicopters and private jets is a great approachでしょう。

Here, we compare the most popular and affordable models of helicopters and private jets based on their specifications.

Helicopter 【AS350】

Features

The AS350 is a helicopter that iswidely used around the world as one of Airbus' flagship models.The AS350 is highly popular as a mode of transportation among celebrities, known for its versatility and reliability. Its specifications are as follows:

項目	Aircraft Specification
飛行距離	～500km
飛行速度	200km
座席数	Up to 5 passengers
トイレ	N/A

Private Jet 【Mustang】

Features

One of the moreaffordable and popular private jets is the Cessna Citation Mustang.

The Citation Mustang is loved worldwide as the most compact private jet. It excels in short-distance routes, often used for flights like Tokyo to Osaka, Tokyo to Sapporo, and Osaka to Kagoshima in Japan.

The specifications of the Mustang are as follows in the table below.

項目	Aircraft Specification
飛行距離	～2,161km
飛行速度	630km
座席数	Up to 4 passengers
トイレ	N/A

The private jet model that Shohei Ohtani has reportedly flown on is the "Global 7500," a large aircraft with a capacity of 14 passengers. Such large aircraft are known for being a popular mode of transportation for high-net-worth individuals with a total net worth of over 18 billion yen.

The feature of a luxury private jet is the ability to enjoy comfortable travel in a space where complete privacy is ensured. Additionally, private jet cabins allow pets to accompany passengers, so you can spend precious time with your dogs or cats.

The difference between helicopters and private jets in terms of time-saving is significant.

For individuals who prioritize minimizing travel time, it is useful to compare helicopters and private jets from a time-saving perspective.Below, we will highlight the time-saving advantages of both helicopters and private jets based on their respective strengths.

Helicopter vs. Train, Car

First, let's compare the travel time ofhelicopters with trains and cars for typical routes..

Tokyo → Hakone

Hakone is a popular hot spring town featuring luxury ryokan such as Gora, Kinnotake, and Fufu. Recently, it has become a sought-after tourist destination, particularly among international visitors, due to rising inbound demand.

By Helicopter 【Tokyo → Hakone Gora】

・Tokyo Heliport → Hakone Sengokuhara Heliport
・Travel time: 25 minutes

URL:https://maps.app.goo.gl/rjCiCfiNfyYSTgPz9

【Tokyo → Hakone Gora by car】

The travel time is 120 minutes,making the helicopter significantly faster and more convenient. Many people are likely frustrated by the congestion and traffic jams on the highways, particularly around Odawara and on the smaller roads leading to Hakone.

【Tokyo → Hakone Gora by train】

The travel time is 140 minutes,with the journey from Tokyo to Hakone taking the Odakyu Limited Express. Once you reach the terminal at Motohakone Station, you will need to use a taxi or train to get to Hakone Gora, which takes additional time and effort. It is clear that the helicopter is significantly faster compared to the train.

Osaka → Naoshima

Naoshima, located in Okayama Prefecture, is renowned as an "art island." It serves as a hub for various contemporary art activities. The island is home to famous attractions such as the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, the House Project, and outdoor works like the iconic pumpkin sculpture. These art installations attract wealthy visitors from around the world, making Naoshima a popular destination for art lovers and affluent tourists visiting Japan.

【Osaka → Naoshima by helicopter】

The travel time is 40 minutes,and you can land at the dedicated heliport located on Naoshima Island.

【Osaka → Naoshima by car and ferry】

The travel time is 150 minutes,and since it is an isolated island, you cannot reach it directly by car. You will need to take a ferry from a nearby port. This process takes nearly four times longer than traveling by helicopter.

【Osaka → Naoshima by train and ferry】

The travel time is 160 minutes,which involves taking the Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then using a taxi and ferry to reach Naoshima. Like the car route, the time difference compared to using a helicopter is significant.

Private Jet vs. Commercial Flight and Bullet-Train

Comparing the travel time between private jets, commercial flights, and bullet-trains.

Tokyo → Hakone

【Private Jets】

Travel time: 90 minutes

【Commercial Flights】

Travel time: 90 minutes

Due to the popularity of certain routes, the flight time on a private jet may be similar to that of a commercial flight. However, with a private jet, you have the advantage of flexible departure times. The aircraft will wait for the passengers, allowing for a departure based on their schedule, so there is no need to worry about rushing or missing a flight.

Additionally, the process from your home or hotel to boarding the aircraft, as well as the journey from the plane to your final destination, differs between a private jet and a commercial flight. With a private jet, the entire experience is more streamlined and personalized, as passengers can bypass long lines, security checks, and crowded terminals. You can usually arrive closer to the departure time, and after landing, you can exit quickly without waiting for luggage or dealing with busy terminals. This level of convenience is one of the main advantages of private jet travel over commercial flights.

The private jets offered by ARILA provide a unique and luxurious experience. When departing from Haneda Airport, guests are transported in a Rolls-Royce directly to the jet. The car is parked right next to the private jet, allowing passengers to board without delay. This streamlined process eliminates the need for check-ins, security checks, and other hassles typically involved in commercial flights, ensuring a smooth and seamless boarding experience. This level of convenience and luxury is a major advantage of flying on a private jet with ARILA.

Osaka → Fukuoka

【Private Jets】

Travel time: 50 minutes

【Bullet-Trains】

Travel time: 120 minutes

When comparing a private jet to the Bullet-Train, the difference in travel time can be nearly double.

The difference between helicopters and private jets in terms of cost is significant.

For those who prioritize cost-effectiveness,it is helpful to compare the differences in pricing.Below, I have summarized the costs for each of the previously discussed routes.

【Tokyo → Hakone】

料金	Transportation
590,000円	Helicopter (with 5 passengers)
10,000円	Car (with 4~6 passengers)
20,000円	Train (with 4 passengers)

【Osaka → Naoshima】

料金	Transportation
790,000円	Helicopter (with 5 passengers)
12,000円	Car (with 4~6 passengers)
52,000円	Bullet-Train, Taxi, Ferry (with 4 passengers)

【Tokyo → Naoshima】

料金	Transportation
1,529,000円	Private Jet (with 4 passengers)
100,000円	Commercial Flights (with 4 passengers)

【Osaka → Naoshima】

料金	Transportation
1,452,000円	Private Jet (with 4 passengers)
60,000円	Bullet-Train (with 4 passengers)

When traveling by Shinkansen or car, it is possible to travel at a low cost, but it requires more time and effort.

On the other hand,helicopters and private jets provide significant value when hosting important business clients or when private, exclusive travel is required.

Additionally, when traveling by plane or train, changes in the number of passengers require purchasing additional tickets. However, with helicopters and private jets, passenger numbers can be adjusted at any time, as long as the total does not exceed the maximum capacity.

Summary

Helicopters are well-suited for short-distance travel within 200km and can reach destinations even if there are no airports nearby, as long as there are helipads or other suitable landing spots available. On the other hand, private jets are ideal for long-distance travel over 200km and are most convenient when there is an airport at the destination.

Helicopters have better cost-performance for operational expenses, but private jets offer more convenience in terms of flight reliability, comfort, and additional amenities. While helicopters are more affordable for short distances, private jets provide a higher level of service and are more suitable for long-range travel, offering greater flexibility and comfort overall..

For those unsure about which mode of transportation to choose,HelicopterandPrivate Jetwe recommend consulting with ARILA. Our experienced concierge team will propose the most suitable transportation option and plan based on your needs and circumstances.