Top 5 private jets used by French CEOs

CEOs and businessmen have very busy days, and have to make dozens of hours of journeys a year to keep their appointments. In business aviation, this mode of transport helps companies to grow.

In this article, AEROAFFAIRES presents the top 5 private jets used by French CEOs.

Top 5 private jets for French CEOs: Models, Prices & Performance

1. Bernard Arnault’s private jet: from ownership to leasing for greater discretion

bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury group LVMH and one of the richest men in the world, owned a Bombardier Global Express private jet, valued at 48 million euros, until 2022. This long-haul jet, capable of flying non-stop from cities such as Bordeaux to Seoul, was an invaluable tool for his business travels.

However, faced with increased scrutiny of his journeys on social networks, notably via the Instagram account @laviondebernard, which shared his air travels, Bernard Arnault decided to sell his jet. He explained that this decision was intended to preserve the confidentiality of his travels and prevent competitors from tracking his movements.

Since then, he has opted to rent private jets, enabling him to travel more discreetly and flexibly. This strategy also enables him to choose aircraft adapted to each mission, while avoiding the constraints associated with aircraft ownership.

For professionals wishing to enjoy the benefits of business aviation without the commitments of ownership, private jet rental represents an ideal solution. It offers flexibility, confidentiality and comfort, while optimizing operational costs.

Alternatively, you can already make your: online quote.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit : Bombardier

2. Martin Bouygues’ private jet

Martin Bouygues, CEO of the Bouygues Group, uses a Bombardier Global Express for his international travels. This top-of-the-range jet offers a range of 11,000 km, enabling non-stop long-haul flights.

For shorter distances, particularly within Europe, he also uses a Raytheon Hawker 800XP, a more compact aircraft with room for 8 passengers. This jet is registered in Luxembourg and operated by Bouygues Air Transport Services.

At the same time, Martin Bouygues shares the use of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter with the Pinault family. This partnership enables them to quickly link Paris to their residences in Brittany, notably Saint-Malo and Dinard, in around an hour.

3. François Pinault’s private jet

François Pinault, founder of the Artémis and Kering groups, has an air fleet tailored to his professional and personal needs.

Among his aircraft is a Dassault Falcon 900 EX, registered in the name of the painter Goya, offering long range and optimum comfort. It also owns a Falcon 7X, a tri-jet renowned for its performance and efficiency on long-haul flights.

In 2023, the family holding company Artémis acquired a Bombardier Global 7500, one of the most efficient private jets on the market, capable of flying non-stop from Paris to Los Angeles. This aircraft is used for business purposes by Kering’s management teams, and occasionally on a personal basis by the Pinault family, with appropriate billing in the latter case.

In addition, François Pinault shares the use of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter with Martin Bouygues, facilitating their travel between Paris and their properties in Brittany.

Credit photo : Wikimedia

Credit Photo : Dassault Aviation

4. Pierre Fabre’s private jet

Pierre Fabre is a pharmacist and businessman, founder of the eponymous cosmetics group.

He has been flying his company’s Falcon 50 for 13 years. This business jet can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers for flights lasting an average of 4 hours.

The Falcon 50 features a comfortable cabin. It’s a powerful, high-performance jet that can take off and land on short runways.

As an indication, the price of a Geneva – Marrakech flight aboard a Falcon 50 costs around €25,000 for 8 passengers.

5. Jean-François Gobertier’s private jet

Jean-François Gobertier is a French businessman. An investor in retirement homes, he made his fortune there. He fell for a Pilatus PC-12. This is a single-engine aircraft with an integrated propeller.

It has a spacious cabin for 8 passengers. The Pilatus PC-12 can land at over 2,500 airfields in Europe, unlike a larger private jet or commercial aircraft.

Leasing vs. buying: what’s the best choice for a private jet?

Buying a private jet gives you full ownership and total freedom in the use of your aircraft.

However, leasing a private jet is considerably less expensive than buying one. This means you can avoid a substantial investment that may not prove very profitable.

The advantages of private aviation are numerous:

• flexibility for the passenger ;
• time-saving during your trip;
• a productivity tool for companies;
• comfort and peace of mind;
• confidentiality;
• and much more.

How do I book a private jet flight?

If you would like to charter a private jet for a business or leisure trip, contact our team of aviation experts at +330144099182 to book your private jet. You can also contact us by e-mail: charter@aeroaffaires.fr or make a free estimate using our online quote.