Private aircraft have stood for luxury and privilege for a very long time. They offer unparalleled comfort, convenience, and privacy, making them the preferred mode of travel for the elite. With a wide range of types of private jets available today, choosing the right one for your travel needs can be overwhelming.
From light jets to heavy jets, each type of private jet has its own unique features and benefits. In this blog, we will explore the different types of private jets available for charter and help you choose the best one for your next trip. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, understanding the different types of private jets will help you make an informed decision and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Types of Private Jets
There are several types of private jets available for charter, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are the main types of private jets:
1) Very Light Jets (VLJs)
These jets are perfect for short to medium-distance trips. They are more economical compared to other types of private jets and are ideal for business trips or quick getaways. They typically have a cabin height of around 4-4.5 feet, a cabin width of 4-5 feet, and a cabin length of around 10-12 feet. VLJs are suitable for short-range flights of up to 2-3 hours.
Small business private aircraft classified as very light jets (VLJs) have a maximum takeoff weight of under 10,000 pounds. Some of the most well-known VLJs include
- Cirrus Vision SF50
- Eclipse 550 and Eclipse 500
- Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 by Embraer
- Cessna Citation Mustang
VLJs are designed to provide a cost-effective and efficient option for short-haul flights, with seating capacities ranging from 4 to 7 passengers.
2) Light Jets
Among the several different types of small private planes, light jet aircraft are the smallest and most affordable type of private jet. The size of a light jet is typically defined by its maximum takeoff weight, which is usually between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
In terms of cabin size, light jets can vary, but they generally have seating for 4 to 8 passengers and a range of up to 2,000 miles. Some popular examples of light business jets include the Cessna Citation CJ3, the Embraer Phenom 100, and the Beechcraft Premier I.
Light Jets can also carry up to 7 passengers and have a cabin height of around 4.5-5 feet, a cabin width of around 5-6 feet, and a cabin length of around 15-18 feet. Light Jets offer a longer range than VLJs and can fly for up to 4-5 hours.
These best light jets are typically used by people for short to mid-range trips, such as business travel or weekend getaways, and are favored for their speed, convenience, and flexibility. They are also popular among small business owners and entrepreneurs who need to travel frequently but want to avoid the hassle and expense of commercial air travel.
3) Midsize Jet
These jets are designed to offer a balance of comfort, speed, and range, and hold seating up to 9 passengers. They are ideal for longer trips or for those who require more space and comfort.
Midsize Business Jets have a cabin height of around 5.7 feet, a cabin width of around 6.5 feet, and a cabin length of around 18-21 feet. Midsize Jets have a longer range than Light Jets and can fly for up to 5-6 hours.
Midsize jets are a category of private jets that are larger than light jets but smaller than heavy jets. They typically offer a range of between 2,000 and 3,500 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Some well-known midsize business jets include:
- Hawker 800 and Hawker 900
- Citation XLS+ and Citation Latitude
- Gulfstream G150 and G280
- Embraer Legacy 450 and Legacy 500
Midsize jets are often preferred by business travelers and families for their balance of range, speed, and cabin comfort, making them suitable for both short- and medium-haul flights.
4) Super Midsize Jet
These jets offer greater speed, range, and comfort compared to midsize jets, making them ideal for longer trips or larger groups.
Super-midsize cabin jets can carry up to 12 passengers and have a cabin height of around 6 feet, a cabin width of around 7 feet, and a cabin length of around 25-28 feet. The best super midsize Jets have a longer range than Midsize Jets and can fly for up to 7-8 hours.
Super midsize jets feature a category of private jets that offer an increased range, speed, and cabin size compared to traditional midsize jets. They typically have a range of between 3,000 and 4,500 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Some well-known aircraft in this category are:
- Citation Sovereign+ and Citation X
- Falcon 2000LXS and Falcon 2000S
- Gulfstream G280 and G350
- Embraer Praetor 500 and Praetor 600
Super midsize jets are popular among business travelers and those who need to travel longer distances without sacrificing comfort and convenience. These types of charter planes offer a spacious cabins and many amenities, including high-speed internet, entertainment systems, and in-flight dining options.
5) Heavy Jets
These are the largest private jets, offering the most space, luxury, and range. They can seat up to 16 passengers and are perfect for long-haul trips or for larger groups.
Heavy business jets, also known as large-cabin or long-range business jets. These types of private jets are designed to fly longer distances and carry a larger number of passengers than light jets. The size of a heavy business jet is typically defined by its maximum takeoff weight, which is usually over 50,000 pounds.
In terms of cabin size, heavy business jets are much larger than light jets and can typically accommodate 8 to 16 passengers, depending on the model. They are also equipped with amenities such as fully-equipped galleys, comfortable seating, and entertainment systems. Some popular examples of heavy business jets include the Gulfstream G650, the Bombardier Global 7500, and the Dassault Falcon 8X.
This type of private aviation is often used for long-range travel, such as transatlantic or transpacific flights, and is favored by large corporations, government agencies, and high-net-worth individuals who need to travel frequently and in style. They offer a high level of comfort, privacy, and security, and are designed to provide a seamless travel experience for their passengers.
6)Turboprops
Turboprops are a type of private aircraft that use a gas turbine engine to power a propeller. While they are not technically “private jets,” they are often used for private air travel and can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional private jets. Here are some examples of turboprop aircraft commonly used for private air travel:
- Pilatus PC-12: This is a popular turboprop aircraft for private air travel, seating up to 9 passengers and offering a range of up to 1,800 nautical miles.
- King Air 350i: The King Air 350i is a twin-turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 11 passengers and has a range of up to 1,806 nautical miles. It offers a spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and a comfortable ride.
- Beechcraft 1900: This is a larger turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 19 passengers and has a range of up to 1,400 nautical miles. It is often used for regional airline operations but can also be chartered for private air travel.
Turboprops are often preferred for shorter distances or for accessing remote airports with shorter runways. They are typically more fuel-efficient and cost-effective than traditional private jets, making them a popular choice for business or personal travel.
7) Executive Airliners
Executive airliners, also known as corporate airliners, are commercial aircraft that have been converted into luxury private jets for high-end business and personal travel. These aircraft offer all the amenities of a traditional private jet but with a larger cabin space and longer-range capabilities. Here are some examples of executive airliners:
- Boeing Business Jet (BBJ): This is a modified version of the Boeing 737 commercial airliner, with a cabin that can be customized to the owner’s specifications. It offers a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles and can seat up to 50 passengers.
- Airbus ACJ320: This is a modified version of the Airbus A320 commercial airliner, with a luxurious cabin that can be customized to the owner’s preferences. It has a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles and can seat up to 19 passengers.
Executive business jets are ideal for larger groups of passengers, offering a more spacious cabin and longer-range capabilities compared to traditional private jets. They also offer the same level of privacy, luxury, and comfort as a private jet, making them a popular choice for business executives, sports teams, and high-net-worth individuals. These are considered the best private jet for international travel.
8) Cabin Wise Private Jets
Private jets are categorized based on their size, range, and capacity. Here are some general descriptions of the most common types of private jets based on their cabin size:
Large Cabin Aircraft
A large cabin jet is a specific type of private jet that offers spacious cabins and the ability to carry a significant number of passengers. They typically have a range of around 3,000 to 6,000 nautical miles and can fly at high altitudes, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Here are some examples of large cabin aircraft.
- Gulfstream G550: This is a popular large cabin aircraft that can carry up to 18 passengers. It has a range of around 6,750 nautical miles and can fly at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet.
- Bombardier Global 6000: This aircraft can carry up to 16 passengers and has a range of around 6,000 nautical miles. It features a spacious cabin with a height of 6.3 feet, a width of 8.2 feet, and a length of 43.3 feet.
Large private jets are ideal for long-haul flights and can provide a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. They are often used by business executives, celebrities, and government officials for their private travel needs.
Mid-Cabin Jets
Mid-cabin jets are a type of private jet that is slightly smaller than large-cabin jets but still offer a spacious cabin and the ability to carry a significant number of passengers. They typically have a range of around 2,000 to 3,000 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
Here are some examples of mid-cabin jets.
- Citation Latitude: The Citation Latitude can carry up to 9 passengers and has a range of around 2,700 nautical miles. It features a spacious cabin with a height of 6 feet, a width of 6.5 feet, and a length of 21.9 feet.
- Gulfstream G150: This aircraft can carry up to 7 passengers and has a range of around 2,950 nautical miles. It features a spacious cabin with a height of 5.8 feet, a width of 5.7 feet, and a length of 17.7 feet.
Mid-cabin jets are the best light jets for shorter flights but still offer a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. They are often used by business executives and small groups for their private travel needs.
Small Cabin Airplanes
Small cabin airplanes, which fall under light aircraft types, are a type of general aviation aircraft that typically seat 1-6 passengers and have a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs or less. These aircraft are popular for personal and business travel, sightseeing, and flight training.
Some popular models of small cabin airplanes include:
- Cessna 172 – a four-seat, single-engine aircraft that is popular for flight training and personal use.
- Cirrus SR22 – a four-seat, single-engine aircraft known for its advanced avionics and safety features.
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee – a four-seat, single-engine aircraft that is popular for flight training and personal use.
Small cabin airplanes come in a variety of types, including single-engine, twin-engine, and turboprop. They can also be equipped with a range of features, including retractable landing gear, advanced avionics, and pressurization systems. The choice of aircraft will depend on the intended use and personal preferences of the pilot and passengers.
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