Pick Your Perfect Private Jet
In this short blog, we shine the light on a range of private jets categories, their capacity, speed and range.
When chartering a private jet, it’s essential to understand the differences in category and model, as they significantly impact price, onboard amenities, and aircraft capabilities. Whether your priority is access, speed, cost, comfort, capacity, or range, picking the perfect private jet is vital. Thankfully, when you charter with ACC, you’re not alone, and our brokers will ensure you fully understand your options before any commitments are made. Generally speaking, private jets fit into one of nine categories. The categories are loosely defined by their passenger capacity and maximum range.
Piston
This is where it all begins in private aviation. The simplest and smallest aircraft category offers an economical option for traveling short distance of 2 hours or less for 2-3 passengers with light or no luggage. Piston aircraft are usually single pilot, non-pressurized aircraft that can make flying to remote and hard to reach destinations possible. Some notable Piston aircraft include:
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Beechcraft Baron 58
Passengers: up to 5
Cruising speed: 230 mph
Range: 2 hours
Cessna 402
Passengers: up to 8
Cruising speed: 225 mph
Range: 3 hours
Cirrus SR 22
Passengers: up to 3
Cruising speed: 210 mph
Range: 1 -2 hours
Turbo Prop
A step up from the piston category is the versatile turbo prop aircraft. From dual prop long-range capabilities to single prop best-in-class runway performance, this economical alternative to a jet does not lack comfort or space. Accommodating up to 9 passengers, turbo props in many cases have better luggage capacity than the neighbouring piston and light jet categories. Some notable turbo props include:
Beechcraft King Air 200
Passengers: up to 8
Cruising speed: 330 mph
Range: 4 – 5 hours
Pilatus PC-12
Passengers: up to 8
Cruising speed: 310 mph
Range: 3 – 4 hours
Cessna 208 Caravan
Passengers: up to 9
Cruising speed: 214 mph
Range: 2 hours
Very light jets (VLJs)
The smallest jet category on the list, VLJs are perfect if you’re looking for an economical option for a short hop of up to two hours. Accommodating four to five passengers, VLJs combine the efficiencies of a turboprop with the speed of a jet. What VLJs lack in luxury, they more than make up for in speed and economy. Some notable VLJs include:
Cirrus Vision Jet
Passengers: up to 4
Cruising speed: 345 mph
Range: 2 hours
Embraer Phenom 100
Passengers: up to 4
Cruising speed: 465 mph
Range: 2 hours
HondaJet
Passengers: up to 5
Cruising speed: 485 mph
Range: 2 – 3 hours
Light Jets and Super Light Jets
The next step up in category is light jets (or super light jets for a further jump in performance). Light jets bridge the gap between short VLJ-appropriate city hops and longer transcontinental flights typically performed on mid-size jets. It’s no surprise that light jets wear the crown for the most popular private jet category, offering space for up to five to eight passengers and a small-yet-functional onboard lavatory. Some notable light and super light jets include:
Embraer Phenom 300
Passengers: Up to 8
Cruising speed: 521 mph
Range: 3 – 4 hours
Nextant 400XTi
Passengers: Up to 7
Cruising speed: 450 mph
Range: 4 – 5 hours
Cessna Citation CJ3
Passengers: up to 6
Cruising speed: 480 mph
Range: 2 – 3 hours
Mid-size Jets
The mid-size category is where things like onboard amenities and comfort really start to ramp up. Typically used for flights over 2,000 nm or groups of up to eight passengers, mid-size jets are ideal for more extensive trips. While none of the previous categories overlooks comfort, mid-size jets take it to the next level. With a fully enclosed lavatory and some models offering a functional galley and stand-up cabin, mid-size is a highly functional category. Some notable mid-size jets include:
Cessna Citation XLS
Passengers: Up to 8
Cruising speed: 490 mph
Range: 3 – 4 hours
Beechcraft Hawker 800XP
Passengers: up to 8
Cruising speed: 450 mph
Range: 4 – 5 hours
Bombardier Learjet 60
Passengers: up to 7
Cruising speed: 485 mph
Range: 3 – 4 hours
Super Mid-size Jets
The super mid-size category is ideal when you need more firepower. These aircraft share many characteristics of heavy jets but with slightly smaller seating capacity – a perfect blend of comfort and capability without throwing economy out the window. Some notable super mid-size jets include:
Cessna Citation X
Passengers: up to 8
Cruising speed: 610 mph
Range: 4 – 6 hours
Dassault Falcon 50
Passengers: up to 9
Cruising speed: 550 mph
Range: 5 – 6 hours
Bombardier Challenger 300
Passengers: up to 9
Cruising speed: 540 mph
Range: 6 – 8 hours
Heavy Jets
This is where things start to get interesting. Aside from ultra-long range jets, heavy jets are the peak of the private jet category list. Heavy jets offer full stand-up cabins, highly capable galleys, washrooms, lie-flat beds, extensive luggage capacity and seating for up to 16 passengers. Some notable heavy jets include:
Gulfstream G-IVSP
Passengers: up to 16
Cruising speed: 550 mph
Range: 8 – 10 hours
Dassault Falcon 900
Passengers: up to 13
Cruising speed: 590 mph
Range: 7 – 9 hours
Bombardier Challenger 604
Passengers: up to 10
Cruising speed: 540 mph
Range: 6 – 8 hours
Ultra-Long Range Jets
The absolute pinnacle of private aviation is ultra-long range Jets. Top in line luxury meets extended range. Ultra-long range aircraft can fly you half way around the world without stopping. These aircraft offer the best in cabin amenities like queen size beds, multiple full washrooms, independent private rooms within the cabin, and galleys that will make executive chefs jealous. Flying onboard an ultra-long range jet will be sure to have you arrive at your destination feeling well rested and well pampered. Some notable ultra-long range jets include:
Gulfstream G-V
Passengers: up to 15
Cruising speed: 560 mph
Range: 12 – 14 hours
Bombardier Global Express
Passengers: up to 14
Cruising speed: 565 mph
Range: 13 – 14 hours
Dassault Falcon 7X
Passengers: up to 14
Cruising speed: 560 mph
Range: 10 – 12 hours
Executive Airliners
The final private jet category is executive airliners. These full-scale passenger aircraft have been converted (or built from the factory) to a private jet configuration. The possibilities with executive airliners are endless – from full staterooms to multiple lounges, boardrooms, showers and washrooms, multiple seating classes depending on configuration, and the list goes on. Some notable executive airliners include:
Airbus ACJ330neo
Passengers: up to 25-60 (depending on configuration)
Cruising speed: 552 mph (depending on configuration)
Range: 14 – 16 hours (depending on configuration)
Boeing BBJ 787
Passengers: up to 40 (depending on configuration)
Cruising speed: 645 mph (depending on configuration)
Range: 18 – 20 hours (depending on configuration)
Contact ACC Aviation
The options available on the charter market are endless and finding a reputable air charter company to help you navigate and understand your options is essential. ACC has over two decades of experience successfully assisting clients to charter aircraft of all shapes and sizes worldwide. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, and we’ll run you through your options. UK: +44 1737 232 230 US: +1 954 686 5220
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