Scottsdale Airport Private Jet Charter Prices
Private Jet Charter to and from Scottsdale Airport
Paramount Business Jets offers private jet charter flights and luxury airliner charters to and from Scottsdale Airport.
Scottsdale Airport, a single-runway general aviation airport, is located nine miles north of downtown Scottsdale, just east of Phoenix in the Arizona desert.
Charter a private jet into Scottsdale – often ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States – to play golf, visit a spa, go hiking through the desert or visit Old Town where 1920s era buildings and 19th century olive trees line the streets.
It’s an airport where pilots seldom have to worry about flying conditions. Scottsdale has an average temperature of 73 degrees and an average annual rainfall of just over 10 inches. Abundant sunshine means that pilots can land and take off about 360 days a year using Visual Flight Rules.
As a general aviation reliever facility, Scottsdale has no commercial commuter or airline service and is home to many of the area's corporate aircraft.
Airport Information
What is the airport code for Scottsdale Airport?
The ICAO code for Scottsdale Airport is KSDL and its IATA code is SDL.
FBOs at Scottsdale Airport
U.S. Customs service is available at the airport every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Direct flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) are available through Signature Flight Support.
Signature Flight Support
Signature Flight Support at KSDL. Picture Source.
Signature Flight Support is the world's largest network of fixed base operations with over 200 locations around the world.
Signature was drawn to Scottsdale’s year-round warm weather and abundant sunshine just as tourists are. Downtown Scottsdale is ranked as Arizona’s finest urban center with its some 100 restaurants, 300 shops and 80 art galleries.
Signature’s amenities at Scottsdale include:
- 150,000 square foot hangar
- 24-hour surveillance
- 600,000 square foot ramp
- Aircraft maintenance
- Aircraft parking long term
- ATM machine
- Conference rooms
- Courtesy crew cars
- Covered vehicle parking
- Crew room
- Customs and immigration
- Dallas Airmotive engine services
- Flight planning
- Freshly baked cookies
- Kitchen
- Lavatory service
- Limousine service
- Medical/ambulance capabilities
- Passenger lounge
- Ramp side vehicle access
- Short term vehicle parking
- Showers
- Snooze room
- Water service
- Weather planning service
- Wi-Fi
Ross Aviation
Ross Aviation at KSDL. Picture Source.
Scottsdale Airport is one of seven fixed base operation locations that Ross Aviation has in the United States. Ross Aviation acquired its first FBO in 1992. Ross says it’s “a relatively new name on the FBO playing field, however, the company's executive team brings over 100 years of hands-on experience in identifying and acquiring opportunities, solving problems, fostering growth and creating value in the FBO industry.”
Ross can handle general aviation aircraft up to a Global Express in Scottsdale.
Its services and amenities include:
- Air conditioning cart
- Aircraft detailing
- Airstart
- Avgas
- Baggage cart
- Coffee shop
- Concierge
- Courtesy transportation
- Customs/immigration clearance
- Executive conference room
- Flight planning center
- Forklift
- Gourmet catering
- Ground handling
- Hangar
- Lavatory service
- Lektro
- Linen service
- Media room
- Office space
- Passenger lobby
- Pilot lounge
- Ramp-side vehicle access
- Secure parking
- Shower
- Snooze room
- Tug
- Valet services
- VIP lounge and services
- Weather planning
- Wi-Fi
- Workstation w/ internet access
The Redevelopment of SDL
There is lots going on at Scottsdale Airport. From the construction of new hangars to the building of a new Aviation Business Center, Scottsdale Airport is booming – and there is more to come.
In the summer of 2018, the existing airport terminal building and the adjacent aviation business center were demolished and replaced with the new Aviation Business Center.
The new building includes the Volanti Restaurant and Lounge on the second level. There is an outdoor patio where diners can look out over the airfield and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Mountains. A banquet room offers plenty of room for events to be held at the restaurant.
A plaza with the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial is in front of the building. There is also an event venue for business meetings and events.
A lot of planning went into the redevelopment of the Scottsdale Airport to fully maximize the limited area available for the airport between the mountains.
The airport master plan found that the most immediate need at Scottsdale Airport was more executive hangar space so that was the first project tackled.
Gemini Air Group hangars, which are able to accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream 650, Falcon 7x or Global Express, are now open. The two hangars are about 30,000 square feet and have direct runway access and 28-foot doors.
Why Scottsdale?
There are plenty of reasons to hire a private jet into SDL but most people would agree that despite all its other draws, the one word Scottsdale is synonymous with is “golf.”
PGA’s TPC Scottsdale is where the Waste Management Phoenix Open is played every year in early February.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” draws the most fans of any golf tournament in the world – with attendance growing yearly. It drew 720,000 people in 2018; up from 655,000 in 2017; up from 618,000 fans in 2016.
Located in the Sonoran Desert that is surrounded by the McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale is the only PGA Tour property in Arizona and the Phoenix Waste Management tournament is the state’s only U.S. Open. There are two championship courses at TPC Scottsdale, the world famous Stadium Course – with its large and raucous 16th hole bleachers -- and the Champions Course.
The Stadium Course was designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf specifically to serve as the course that would become the site of the largest spectator golf event in the world.
Not interested in golf? Or looking for something to do when not playing or watching golf? Charter a private jet into Scottsdale to bask in its 300 days of sunshine a year or to enjoy the beauty of the desert hiking the trails that wind through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Scottsdale Airport history
Scottsdale Airport was called Thunderbird Field II when it opened in 1942 as a training facility for World War II Army Air Corps pilots.
Before being deactivated two years later, Thunderbird Field II turned a small piece of isolated desert into one of the Army Air Corps primary training schools.
While in operation, Thunderbird II got a reputation as an elite training facility as the number of cadets that came there for training increased as the war escalated. The number of pilots trained at Thunderbird Field II reached its peak in November 1943 when 615 cadets “graduated” after -- over a 10-week period – taking 65 hours of flight training and 109 hours of ground schooling.
After the war, Arizona State Teachers College, which is now Arizona State University in Tempe, acquired the airport property in order to begin its own aviation program. However, the cost of operating an aviation program so far from the college forced it to abandon its flight school plans.
The Arizona Conference of Seventh Day Adventists bought Scottsdale Airport in 1953 and turned it into Thunderbird Academy. The barracks were turned into dormitories. Hangars were turned into woodworking and mechanical shops for the students. The airfield itself was used to train missionary pilots until the city of Scottsdale, today’s owner of the airport, bought the airfield portion of the academy property in 1966.
The first FBO was selected in April 1967 and the first business jets landed at Scottsdale Airport four months later. By the end of 1969, 127 aircraft and 20 helicopters were based at SDL.
Today, Scottsdale Airport is one of the premier corporate jet facilities in Arizona with both of the airport’s fixed base operators ranked by pilots as one of the Top 50 in the country.
Scottsdale Airport info
Scottsdale Airport facilities are located on more than 300 acres of land in the north central part of Scottsdale.
More than 30 companies are headquartered in Commerce Airpark (also known as Scottsdale Airpark), the 2,600-acre commercial and industrial area surrounding the airport. In addition, some 2,500 small and medium-sized businesses are located there. The total number of jobs at the airport and airpark are close to 50,000, including more than 1,400 aviation-related jobs, according to the City of Scottsdale’s Economic Benefit Analysis of 2014. These companies draw general aviation and corporate business travelers from all over the country to Scottsdale for business and tourism. Its first tenant, Casa Precision, moved into the airpark in 1968.
In 2018, some 460 aircraft – from single-engine recreational planes to luxurious corporate jets – were based at Scottsdale Airport.
Scottsdale Airport’s single runway doesn’t seem to slow its traffic, growth or importance. There were some 168,000 takeoffs and landings in 2017, more than many general aviation airports with multiple runways.
In 2018, a new Aviation Business Center was built at the airport featuring a Stearman, historic aircraft similar to those flown during WWII. It is the centerpiece of the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial that is meant to remind visitors of the reason the airport was built and to pay tribute to Army Air Corps veterans trained there.
The City of Scottsdale Aviation Department, which employs 14 people, is responsible for overseeing everything at the airport. It is responsible for safety and security at the facility, including responsibility for runways, taxiways and lighting. It also oversees noise abatement and land development around the airport.
The airport can accept aircraft weighing up to 75,000 pounds. Prior permission is needed for heavier aircraft.
Runway information
FBOs at Scottsdale Airport, KSDL, SCF
METAR Weather
Traveling frequently from Scottsdale 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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