Your guide to private jets
Which aircraft type is best for that next trip?
Cessna Citation XLS, a midsize jet
From the smallest propeller planes to the largest luxury jets we demystify aircraft available for charter. For more information on specific aircraft types we provide a guide complete with illustrations and specs.
You can also read our article on private air charter pricing.
Aircraft range
Throughout this article we discuss the range capabilities of various aircraft. The maximum range of an aircraft is the maximum distance an aircraft can fly between takeoff and landing, as determined by several factors including but not limited to
The aircraft’s fuel capacity
The aircraft’s payload (the number of people and bags on board)
Airport capabilities
Wind and weather conditions en-route.
Please note that discussions regarding aircraft range are for guidance only.
Private aircraft types
We describe 9 principal aircraft categories in this article loosely named based on their weight classification. In general, as one ascends by category the aircraft become larger, they hold more passengers, become more comfortable, and their maximum range increases.
Piston-Engine aircraft charter
Cessna 206 floatplane.
Piston-engine aircraft are the smallest aircraft available for charter, carrying up to 8 passengers. They are well-suited to flights of around 1 hour in duration. You will have to bend to get to your seat and you won’t be able to stand during the flight. These are simple aircraft without a lavatory or other amenities, but they are cost-effective, and comfortable when seated. They are the most economical private air travel solution over very short distances. Need a flight to a cottage, or an out of town fishing trip? These small planes can typically land where others cannot. When equipped with floats, aircraft such as the Cessna 182 or Cessna 206 become even more versatile enabling them to land on water.
Spoilers? None here. The versatile King Air 350i even has an engine pod for stowing golf clubs or skis.
Turboprop aircraft charter
A turbo-prop is a jet-turbine powered aircraft with propellers. They typically seat 5-9 people. Turbine-powered aircraft fly higher and faster than piston-engine flights, and provide increasing degrees of cabin comfort depending on size. They offer great value on trips of up to 2 hours. These aircraft are extremely versatile as they are able to operate from short runways that many jets cannot, while still cruising fast and high above most weather. The most popular turboprop business aircraft ever produced is the Beechcraft King Air. The latest variant, the King Air 350i has a range up to 2,072 miles (1,800 nautical miles/ 3,300 kilometers) and the pressurized cabin and powerful engines enable it to reach altitudes of up to 35,000 feet.
The HondaJet is among the newest entrants in the Very Light Jet category
Very Light Jet aircraft charter
A Very Light Jet (VLJ), is the smallest private jet category. Often referred to as “Entry-level jets”, these aircraft typically seat 4-5 people. They are part of an emerging segment of the market, incorporating the efficiencies of turbo-prop aircraft with some of the performance capabilities of light jet aircraft. These aircraft are perfect for short flights up to 2 hours duration. Their speed makes them ideal when time is of the essence, and their size makes them highly economical. The newest entry into the market is the head-turning HondaJet. The small jet can quickly climb as high as 43,000 feet, and carry 5 passengers.
Bombardier Learjet 75 is the latest in a long line of aircraft that have helped define the light jet category
Light Jet aircraft charter
Light Jets are are a good choice for 6-7 people traveling up to 1,000 miles. As a small aircraft, Light Jets will get you in and out of airports that commercial airlines cannot access. Their size does place restrictions on your ability to stand upright and baggage capacity can be limited, but these jets are ideal for those on a tighter budget. Some aircraft in this family are referred to as “super-light jets” as a crossover between a light and midsize jet. Don't let their size or weight class fool you, as the Light Jet category includes some of the fastest private jets in the sky. The most common private jets to occupy this category include the Cessna Citation series, Bombardier Learjet line, and the Embraer Phenom 300.
Beechcraft Hawker 850XP midsize jet. The Hawker 800 series were built in large numbers are continue to deliver great value for the money.
Midsize Jet aircraft aharter
Midsize Jets are a good mix of comfort, performance and value for a flight of 3-4 hours. With typical seating for up to 8 people, Mid-size jets fly faster and afford greater comfort while still getting in and out of many small airports. Midsize jets typically offer more head room - more than 5.5 feet - plus, there are generous amenities on board including a full refreshment area, sometimes including a warming oven or microwave. While they have greater range than light jets, most mid-size jets do not offer continental range, particularly westbound, so you will need to step up to a super-mid for those coast-to-coast trips.
650 Bombardier Challenger 300 series aircraft were delivered in the 10-years ended December 2017, making it an extremely popular choice for flights of 4-5 hours.
Super-Mid Jet aircraft charter
Super-Midsize Jets have many of the traits common to larger "heavy jets" with pricing closer to that of the midsize range. They seat 8-9 people in greater comfort. They will feel roomier when filled to capacity. Cabin heights are typically at our just under 6 feet. Several aircraft in this class are capable of flying for well over 5 hours. This is a versatile category of aircraft, as you will find many amenities common to larger jets. A galley, satellite phone, Wi-Fi and entertainment system are commonly available. This category of aircraft includes the popular Bombardier Challenger 300 series, and the speedy Cessna Citation X. The Citation X is among the fastest business jets in the sky, capable of reducing the typical flight time between New York and the west coast by almost 1 hour.
Gulfstream G450 is that company’s latest offering in a long line of large cabin heavy jets.
Large Cabin/ Heavy Jet aircraft charter
Large Cabin Jets, also called “heavy jets”, offer an extremely comfortable private jet experience. They typically seat 10-14 (and sometimes more). They fly faster and higher providing a high level of cabin comfort and amenities for longer-range flights, including between continents. Large chairs, wide aisles, stand-up cabin, larger baggage compartments, premium audio and video entertainment, Wi-Fi, satellite phone and a full galley are standard. These jets commonly come with a cabin attendant. Gulfstream debuted the first large cabin business jet in the late 1960s and numerous types remain in service today including the G IV, G IV SP, G400 and G450. The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is that manufacturer’s large cabin design and the latest variant, the Challenger 650, is still in production. Jets in this category have range capabilities in excess of 4,600 miles (4,000 nm/ 7,408 km). Other players in this space include the newer Embraer Legacy 600 and 650, and the Dassault Falcon 2000 and 900. The latter’s 900LX model has a full passenger range of roughly 5,700 miles.
Bombardier Global 7500 is that firm’s latest entry in the competition for the business jet with the most range.
Ultra-Long Range Jet aircraft charter
Ultra-Long Range Jets are designed for non-stop inter-continental travel. Typically seating 14 or more people, these aircraft sport flexible cabins configured with separate compartments for working, dining, or relaxing, along with top-of-the-line amenities. A flight attendant comes standard. The top range leaders in this field include the soon to enter service Bombardier Global 7500 with a maximum range of 8,861 miles (7,700 nm/ 14,260 km), and Gulfstream’s current G650ER with its 8,631 mile range. These jets were designed to fly routes such as New York-Hong Kong, or San Francisco to Singapore. Dassault Falcon have their 7x and 8x models in this space.
Hong Kong based Deer Jet operate a wide-body Boeing 787 for private use which features seating for only 40 guests and what it calls “7-star hospitality” standards. The interior resembles that of a luxury home.
VIP Airliner private charter
VIP Airliners are an option for groups of between 12-19 people on medium to long-range flights where the ultimate in luxury or an office-like business environment is of prime importance. Aircraft in this category include jets worthy of VIPs or heads of state. They commonly feature ultra-luxe accommodations with private dining and sleeping facilities, numerous lavatories, a gym and/or shower and meeting rooms. The Boeing BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) was developed initially as a derivative of the highly successful Boeing 737 commercial aircraft program, while the Airbus ACJ is a converted commercial Airbus A319. These aircraft offer range in the neighborhood of 7,000-8,000 miles depending on the model- not quite as far as the ultra long range business jets but much larger in size with greater cabin comforts.