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Chartering a private jet for film and video shoots
A private jet as a film set
Business aviation offers a powerful visual setting, immediately associated with luxury, travel and success. This is why a private jet appears regularly in audiovisual productions, from feature films to music videos, by way of commercials and series. The aircraft then serves as a set, both outside and inside the cabin. Cinema and business aviation cross paths often, as our article on the Deauville American Film Festival illustrates.
Depending on the project, the aircraft can be used static, as a stage, or in real flight conditions. The choice of aircraft matters: the size and style of the cabin shape the on-screen result, while the exterior silhouette contributes to the look of the apron shots.
Filming on the ground or in flight
Two approaches coexist, with different constraints. Ground filming, the most common, allows control over lighting, sound and shooting time. In-flight filming adds realism but involves a stricter regulatory framework. The table below sums up the two options.
| Mode | What it allows |
| Aircraft on the ground (static set) | Exterior shots on the tarmac or in a hangar, cabin scenes, repositioning the aircraft |
| Aircraft in flight | Air-to-air shots, real in-cabin scenes, subject to the applicable authorisations |
Paris-area airfields for a shoot
Around Paris, several airfields lend themselves to filming with an aircraft. Paris-Le Bourget, Europe's leading business-aviation airport, is the reference: its operator runs a dedicated filming-authorisation procedure that covers feature films as well as commercials, TV programmes and music videos. The site is also home to the Air and Space Museum, itself a recognised filming venue.
Pontoise-Cormeilles-en-Vexin aerodrome has already served as a location for several films, including a memorable scene from Le Guignolo, with Jean-Paul Belmondo, shot on its runway. Dedicated to general and business aviation, it offers a more discreet setting. France has other aircraft-friendly aerodromes, such as La Ferté-Alais and its collection of vintage aircraft, which leans more towards historic aeroplanes than modern jets.
| Aerodrome | Strength for a shoot |
| Paris-Le Bourget | Operator's dedicated filming-authorisation procedure, business-aviation hub, Air and Space Museum |
| Pontoise-Cormeilles-en-Vexin | Already used as a film location, discreet setting, general and business aviation |
What filming with an aircraft involves
Filming with an aircraft cannot be improvised. At Paris-Le Bourget, for example, the operator requires a prior site recon, then a complete dossier filed several working days in advance, including proof of insurance and the necessary image-rights authorisations. Access to airside areas requires badges issued by the authorities and a specific authorisation under the prevailing security measures.
To these formalities are added the choice of aircraft, the booking of a slot and coordination with the handling agent, who provides the aircraft and the required areas. Anticipating these steps is essential to keep to a shooting schedule.
Why work with IBC Aviation
As an independent broker, IBC Aviation compares the aircraft available on the market and selects the one that matches the desired look, the cabin required and the shooting dates. Our teams coordinate the operator and the airport, and handle the logistics of the production team, from travel to site access. This end-to-end organisation is at the heart of our role. You can browse our aircraft fleet to picture the cabins and silhouettes available, discover our approach on our private jet charter page, and our concierge services.
Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:
Our teams advise you on the aircraft best suited to your shoot and organise the entire logistics, on the ground and in flight. Available 24/7:
- France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
- Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
- Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
- Bangkok: +66 81 808 2866
- Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com
Frequently asked questions
Can you charter a private jet for a film shoot?
Yes. A private jet can be chartered or made available as a set, on the ground or in flight, in coordination with the operator and the airport.
Can you film inside a grounded private jet?
Yes. A parked aircraft on the apron or in a hangar serves as a set for both exterior and cabin scenes, with crew, lighting and equipment on site.
Which airports near Paris are suitable for filming with an aircraft?
Paris-Le Bourget, whose operator runs a dedicated filming-authorisation procedure, and Pontoise-Cormeilles-en-Vexin aerodrome, which has already been used as a film location.
Can you film in flight aboard a jet?
Yes; cabin footage during a real flight and air-to-air shots are possible, depending on the aircraft, the operator and the applicable authorisations.
How do you organise a shoot with a private jet?
You need airport authorisation, a prior site recon, a dedicated area, proof of insurance and airside access for crew and equipment, plus the choice of aircraft and slot. A broker coordinates the whole process.
Which private jet should you choose for a shoot?
It depends on the cabin, especially its size for interior scenes, the desired on-screen look and availability. A broker can source the most suitable aircraft.
