Types of Private Jets: Which Aircraft Size Fits You Best?
There are many types of private jets to choose from as they come in all shapes and sizes. But what are the differences besides the size factor? Read the details below to help you best decide which one is right for you!
When you go car shopping, you have many options to choose from, don’t you? From motorcycles and sports cars to minivans, cargo vans, and everything in between – you review your options and decide what works best for you. And, you base this decision based on things such as comfort, reliability, available space, cost, etc.
Believe it or not, when it comes to choosing a private jet, you also have many options. In fact, the decision to choose the best one to meet your needs is not much different than car buying. There are different classes of jets, different abilities, different comfort levels, and so on.
If you are new to the world of private jets, then trying to determine which aircraft fits you best can be overwhelming. To help kick off your search, it is best to break it down into traits. So, let’s learn about all the sizes of aircraft available.
Very Light Jets
The category of the smallest private aircraft – very light jets – is where we will start off today. These jets have also been referred to as entry-level jets, microjets, and personal jets. But don’t let their size fool you. Many of these very light jets still offer a wonderful flying experience – and luxury in the sky.
While it will vary greatly on the specific type of jet, many often allow room for 4 to 6 – sometimes even 8 – passengers with a takeoff weight of less than 10,000lbs. These jets often run with a single pilot. Though it is important to note that their downside is the fact that they generally do not have a lavatory on board. Of course, because they are created for shorter distances (often up to 500 miles), the need for a lavatory isn’t as common.
Interested in a very light jet? Here are a few of the most sought after models:
- Eclipse 500
- Cessna Citation Mustang
- Embraer
Light Jets
Next up on the size charts for private jets, we’ve got light jets. This type is slightly larger than the aforementioned model, though sometimes they are very comparable in size. Light jets are a bit roomier, allowing for extra luggage storage, golf clubs, and so on. However, they typically have room for 5 to 6 passengers.
Luxury amenities are not overly common with these light jets, but they are more apt to come with a lavatory – likely due to their ability to travel greater distances, approximately 1,500 nautical miles before needing to refuel.
Seem like the choice for you? Here are a few popular light jet models:
- Citation II
- Citation Encore
- Falcon 10
- Lear 40
Midsize Jets
Moving on up in the private jet size chart we come to midsize jets – aircraft that have the ability to seat, on average, 5 to 10 passengers. Now, this is where things start to get a little larger and a little more luxurious. If you are a business executive who is looking to do some business while in the sky – and be comfortable doing so – this may be the perfect size jet for you.
It is small enough to allow you access to the many private and executive airports throughout the country. And, it is large enough to fly from one coast to the next without having to stop to refuel. Did we mention midsize jets will almost always have a private lavatory, too?
If you plan on spending time on a private jet for any great amount of distance, this is the perfect jet to keep you comfortable without going overboard.
Just in case you want to dig a little deeper and see what midsize jets have to offer you, here are a few common options:
- Astra SPX
- Citation VII
- Gulfstream G150
- Hawker 800
- Lear 55
Super-Mid Jets
Just like their name suggests, super-mid jets are larger than the typical mid-size jet. With the ability to hold as many as 10 passengers, these jets can travel longer distances. Looking for additional amenities and more comfortable luxuries than you find with smaller jets? You will find it here.
Super midsize jets give you space to sit back and relax, take a nap between meetings, handle business, or play a game with your family. You are sure to have a tranquil flight onboard one of these private jets.
Looking for a super-mid jet that will give you everything you are looking for? Consider one of the following:
- Citation X
- Challenger 300
- Falcon 50
- Gulfstream 200
- Hawker 1000
Heavy Jets
Interested in one of the bigger models of private jets available for charter? If so, you will find that with a heavy jet. Sure, they are heavy – due to their larger size. But you should know that these jets are going to be your more high-class, top of the line comfort in air travel. While you can always travel alone and enjoy all the extra space, but these jets generally offer seating for approximately 18 passengers.
With the ability to travel over 6,000 nautical miles and a ton of luxurious amenities, you are surely going to enjoy any flight you take on one of these jets.
So, what are a few popular heavy private jets? Check these out:
- Challenger 601
- Falcon 900
- Global Express
- Gulfstream III
- Gulfstream V
Jumbo Jets
Finally, we’ve come to one of the largest private jets out there. In fact, they get their name due to their great size. With the ability to hold nearly 60 passengers, depending on the model, these jumbo jets are almost equivalent to flying via commercial airliner – only better.
Jumbo jets usually come with a high level of comfort and technology, allowing you to go great distances in luxury.
Here are a few of the most admired jumbo jets in the industry:
- Airbus A320
- BAC111
- Boeing Business Jett (BBJ)
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 757
Conclusion
As you can tell, not all private jets are alike. Some are small, others are large. But, they all have one thing in common – the privacy and enjoyment of flying a charter and all the perks that come with it. Take a look at the specs for each type of private jet and discover the best option for your travel needs.
