Private aviation expands in Palm Beach
Writer: Pablo Marquez
October 2025 — Palm Beach has long been synonymous with luxury living, and recent trends show a remarkable surge in the demand for private jet charters in the region.
“We are a very popular destination,” Laura Beebe, airport director at Palm Beach International Airport, told Invest:. “Sixty-five percent of our traffic is private general aviation, and not necessarily small aircraft but larger, corporate aircraft.”
“All of these businesses settling into the county like to use Palm Beach International Airport as their home. This provides a unique opportunity for businesses to maintain their aircraft at the airport close to where their businesses are located.”
Given the surge in private flights, airports are setting their sights on expansion to accommodate growth. In May, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) shared plans for significant expansion, including further developing terminal facilities and enhancing infrastructure to support the increasing number of private and charter flights.
Industry data from 2024 shows the private jet charter market in South Florida, which includes Palm Beach County, experienced double-digit growth, driven by increased interest during and after the pandemic as well as higher demand for personalized travel experiences.
“We are seeing unprecedented interest in private jet travel as more individuals and businesses recognize the value of personalized, efficient, and luxurious travel experiences. We offer a comprehensive cost guide to help clients understand the various factors that impact private jet charter prices. Our goal is to provide transparent and competitive pricing tailored to each client’s unique travel needs,” said Ricky Gomulka, founder of the Orlando-based JetLevel Aviation, in a press release.
Moreover, companies such as Tradewind Aviation have seen continued demand for private flights. Tradewind announced plans in 2022 to expand their fleet by 20 aircraft through 2027, citing “the strength of our returning passengers paired with the growth of new clients.”
However, growth isn’t without its challenges. Recent flight restrictions at Palm Beach International Airport and nearby facilities, including those driven by local regulatory decisions, have had an impact on private jet flyers. Miami-based research platform Private Jet Card Comparisons notes that these restrictions, particularly those instituted around President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, have caused some adjustments in travel plans but overall have not dampened demand.
“There will be extra costs and flight time for flyers who want to fly into PBI. These costs reflect the extra flight time, the cost of pilots, ground handling from extra stops, extra resources in operations and dispatch, and so forth. Most operators are not using it as an excuse to make more money. They are simply trying to ensure they recover hard costs they will incur,” said Craig Ross, CEO of Aviation Portfolio.
On the service expansion front, Slate Aviation recently launched new seasonal flights between Palm Beach and popular destinations like Nantucket, responding directly to customer demand for convenient, direct routes. This service expansion represents the industry’s agility in tailoring offerings to the desires of high-end travelers seeking seamless connections.
Further enhancing connectivity, Slate Aviation has also introduced Palm Beach to Farmingdale “by the seat” flights, making private aviation more accessible while maintaining exclusivity. This trend highlights how private charters blend the convenience of commercial-like routes with the privacy and comfort of private aviation.
The private jet charter market in Palm Beach is experiencing unprecedented growth fueled by the area’s luxury lifestyle, a desire for convenience and privacy, and expanded infrastructure supporting increased demand. Despite regulatory challenges, Palm Beach continues to strengthen its position as a premier hub for private aviation, offering residents and visitors alike an elevated travel experience that meets today’s expectations for convenience and luxury.
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