I don't think people realized that just to get it up in the air and make one stop was literally tens of thousands of dollars,” CNN's source said. CNN aviation analyst David Soucie note that operating a Boeing 757 can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $18,000 per hour.

As of early 2026, the hourly operating cost for a Boeing 757-200 typically ranges between $13,000 and $25,000 per block hour, depending on fuel prices and maintenance status. Fuel is the largest component, accounting for roughly 50-60% of the cost; at 2026 fuel prices, a 757 burns approximately 1,000 to 1,200 gallons per hour, costing about $10,000+ just for gas. Maintenance is higher than newer models because the 757 is an aging airframe, often requiring $2,500 to $3,500 per hour in inspections and parts. For a private charter, the "all-in" rate quoted by brokers is usually around $19,800 to $22,000 per hour, which includes the margin for crew, insurance, and landing fees. This makes the 757 significantly more expensive to fly than a modern narrow-body like the A321LR, which costs about 20% less to operate on similar routes.