7 PRIVATE JET TYPES for the PERFECT CHARTER

From safety and privacy to time conservation and comfort, more and more people are discovering the many advantages and benefits of flying private.

After all, at EliteLyfe, we believe that why wait until you arrive at your hotel, resort, or destination to start your trip? Flying private allows you to get ahead on business, catch up with friends or family, and enjoy your getaway from the very moment the wheels leave the ground. 

As chartering a private jet is very different from taking a commercial flight, it is important to know the different private jet types on the market. The best way to start is with the following seven categories, spanning from small aircraft to huge airliners, so you can get a much better idea of the private jet charter for your range, budget, and requirements.

1. Very Light Jet Charters: The Small Group Weekend Away

Very Light Jets (VLJs) are a cost-effective option for regional travel, brief business trips, weekends away, and other short-haul journeys for small groups.

As the smallest of all private jet types on the market, their size allows them to access small airfields with short runways and narrow taxiways in remote locations. 

Very light jets are also typically cost-effective to operate and maintain compared to other private jet charters. One thing to note, however, is that very light jet charters have a small luggage compartment that can only hold around four suitcases.

Very light jet charters range: Up to approximately 2,770km

Very light jet charters budget: Generally more cost-effective in terms of operational expenses

Features of very light jet charters:

• Designed for short to medium-haul flights
• Compact size, suitable for small groups (typically 4-6 passengers)
• Lower operating costs make them an economical option

Examples of very light jet charters:

• Cirrus Vision Jet
• HondaJet HA-420
• Embraer Phenom 100
• Cessna Citation Mustang
• Eclipse 500
• Eclipse 400

2. Light Jet Charters: Regional Trips & Small Airports

Light jet charters offer a larger passenger capacity than very light jet charters and around the same or a slightly longer range (two to three hours). 

Light jets have the advantage of a higher payload than very light jets, allowing a small, wheeled bag and one personal item per passenger. Light jets can also access small airports with short runways located in remote or public areas. This makes them a popular choice for business trips and avoiding the delays and congestion in larger, busier airports.

Light jet charters range: Up to approximately 3704 km

Light jet charters budget: Relatively lower operational costs compared to larger jets

Features of light jet charters:

• Suitable for short to medium-haul flights
• Compact and efficient for small groups (typically 6-8 passengers)
• Often used for regional business travel

Examples of light jet charters: 

• Hawker 400XP
• Dassault Falcon 10
• Cessna Citation CJ2
• Cessna Citation CJ3
• Embraer Phenom 300
• Learjet 45
• Cessna Citation CJ4

3. Midsize Jet Charters: International Vacations & Trips

Midsize jet charters are a cost-effective option that offer larger, more spacious cabins and a bigger fuel tank for around five hours of flight time at cruising speeds. 

Midsize jet charters are an overall more luxurious experience, with more onboard services such as lavatories, WiFi, and additional luggage space. Midsize jets also typically come with a flight attendant and a service galley to serve food and drinks during the flight.

Midsize jet charters range: Up to approximately 5,556 km

Midsize jet charters budget: Moderate operational costs, providing a balance of comfort and efficiency

Features of midsize jet charters:

• Larger cabin space than light jets (typically 7-10 passengers)
• Suitable for longer flights and greater comfort
• Well-equipped for business and leisure travel

 Examples of midsize jet charters:

• Gulfstream G150
• Cessna Citation Latitude
• Hawker 900XP
• Bombardier challenger 300
• Learjet 60
• Challenger jets

4. Super Midsize Jet Charters: Transcontinental Flights

Super midsize jets have a larger cabin space and faster cruising speeds compared to standard midsize jets, as well as a longer range of up to seven hours at cruising speeds.

Ideal for long-haul trips, super midsize jets typically have oversized windows and offer more comfort and headroom than midsize jets. Examples of features you can find on super midsize jet charters include fully reclining seats, executive seating, conference areas, and entertainment zones.

Super midsize jet charters range: Up to approximately 7,408 km

Super midsize jet charters budget: Higher operational costs than midsize jets, reflecting extended range and enhanced features

Features of super midsize jet charters:

• Spacious cabins suitable for transcontinental flights
• Advanced avionics and amenities for business or leisure travelers
• Enhanced performance capabilities

Examples of super midsize jet charters:

• Bombardier Challenger 350
• Cessna Citation Sovereign
• Gulfstream G280
• Gulfstream G200
• Dassault Falcon 2000
• Cessna Citation X

5. Heavy Jet or Large Cabin Charters: Luxury Intercontinental Travel

Heavy jet charters or large cabin charters have a higher passenger capacity than super midsize jets, a larger wingspan, and larger fuel tanks that allow for around 9 hours of flight time.

Like super midsize jet charters, heavy jets have a lavatory and full galley onboard. But heavy jets also often come with lavish interiors, private suites, generous baggage space, reduced noise levels, and the capacity for non-stop flights on intercontinental routes.

Heavy jet charters range: Up to approximately 9,260 km

Heavy jet charters budget: Highest operational costs, offering long-range capabilities and top-tier luxury.

Features of heavy jet charters:

• Extensive cabin space for larger groups (typically 10-19 passengers).
• Full amenities, including kitchens and spacious lavatories.
• Suitable for intercontinental flights and extended travel.

Examples of heavy jet charters:

• Bombardier Challenger 605
• Cessna Citation Sovereign
• Gulfstream G350
• Dassault Falcon 900

6. Ultra-Long-Range & VIP Airliner Charters: Non-Stop Global Travel

With the longest range possible before an executive liner, ultra-long-range jet charters offer around twelve hours of flight time at cruising speeds in incredibly luxurious conditions.

Ultra-long-range heavy jets are suitable for trans-oceanic flights between continents, such as New York to Hong Kong or Los Angeles to Sydney, and, as such, they are often outfitted with features such as lie-flat beds, automatically pull-up tabletops, kitchen facilities for private chefs, and configurable interiors. As they sit at the highest end of the private jet charter market, ultra-long-range jet charters are popular among billionaires, corporations, and government entities.

Ultra-long-range charters range: Up to approximately 13,890 km

Ultra-long-range charters budget: Top-tier luxury and the highest operational costs

Features of ultra-long-range charters:

• Ultra-luxurious interiors, resembling private flying palaces
• Accommodations for larger VIP groups (up to 19 passengers)
• Ideal for global travel with non-stop capabilities

Examples of ultra-long-range charters:

• Gulfstream V
• Dassault Falcon 7x
• Bombardier Global 6000
• Bombardier Global 7500
• Embraer Lineage 1000

7. Bizliner or Executive Airliner Charters: Custom Travel Without Limits

As the largest and most costly private jet types to charter or operate, executive airlines or bizliners are the epitome of luxury and are often either custom-manufactured or converted from commercial jetliners.

Executive liners often feature luxury bathrooms, ultra-soundproofed accommodation, satellite wifi, spacious cocktail lounges, and pretty much anything you can imagine that does not affect the safety of the flight. Bizliners are often used by heads of state, royalty, celebrities, and billionaire individuals. 

Bizliner charters range: Up to approximately 19,260 km

Bizliner charters budget: From moderate to very high operational costs

Features of bizliner charters:

• Highly customizable interiors, bespoke cabins, meeting rooms, etc.
• Can cover extensive distances non-stop
• Spacious cabins (20 to 50 passengers) often divided into work, living, and dining zones

Examples of bizliner charters:

• Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)
• Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ)
• Embraer Lineage 1000E

Contact our luxury jet charter agency today to find your perfect private jet charter and organize everything from pre-trip itineraries to luxury transfers and more.

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