When deciding which private jet to charter, it’s important to choose an aircraft from the right category to suit your needs. We take a look at the different classes, from very light jets all the way to executive airliners, so you can pick the right aircraft.
Types of Private Jets and Their Amenities
While some people can afford to ignore private jet prices and purchase their own plane outright, most prefer to use a charter service. When you’re planning your journey with a charter service, it’s important to choose the right type of private jet. But with so many jets to choose from, how can you find the plane that is right for you? We take a look at all the types of private jets you can choose from for your private jet charter, and the amenities they offer.
Very light jets
Very light jets – or VLJs – are relatively new to private aviation and offer an alternative to piston and turboprop aircraft for ultra-short-haul journeys on a budget. Cheaper to run than their standard private jet counterparts and able to use shorter runways, they’re popular for personal use, as well as a point-to-point air taxi. Some planes in this category will have a lavatory, whereas others won’t. They also do not have a flight attendant on board, due to the limited space.
Examples of this aircraft are the Cessna Citation Mustang, the Embraer Phenom 100 and the Eclipse 500.
Light jets
Light jets are among the most common types of jet chartered for business, as most executive travel happens within a two- to three-hour radius, which makes light jet charters the most cost-efficient and comfortable short-haul solution. This class of jet can carry up to eight passengers and with a range of hold-size options. They are more cost-effective than their larger counterparts, and still have good range. Most of these aircraft come with an on-board lavatory, but there is the odd one without. It’s also worth noting they don’t have a flight attendant, so there’s no in-flight service.
Some of the most popular models for business travellers are the Dassault Falcon 10, Cessna Citation CJ4, and Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1A.
Super light jets
Super light jets provide travelers with an alternative that provides some of the benefits of a mid-size jet, but closer to the cost of a light jet. These aircraft are generally designed to carry up to nine passengers for longer distances than their light jet counterparts. Some jets in this category have a maximum range of close to 2,500 nautical miles (nmi), and can offer other features such as a full enclosed lavatory, small conference room, or even a refreshment center, depending on the type of aircraft that you choose.
A few notable entries in this class of private plane include the Bombardier Learjet 45 and 45XR, Embraer Phenom 300, and Gulfstream G100.
Mid-size jets
There is a lot of choice when it comes to mid-size jet charter, as different combinations of range, speed, and comfort allow mid-size jets to be viable for both short-haul and long-haul flights. A more efficient alternative to the larger heavy jets, their lower operating costs – along with ample luggage compartments, fold-out divans, and enclosed bathrooms – make them a popular choice. Most aircraft in this category also offer full stand-up cabins and some, such as the Embraer Legacy 500 and Hawker Beechcraft 800XP, have a flight attendant on board.
Super-mid-size jets
There are also super-mid-size jets available for travelers whose needs slightly exceed what a mid-size plane offers. These jets don’t quite meet the costs and features that are offered by the heavy jet class. If you are looking for a jet that’s a little bigger and capable of flying further than their standard mid-size counterparts, some planes in this class can offer you a max range of nearly 3,600nmi.
Our favorites include the Bombardier Learjet 35, the Cessna Citation Sovereign and the Bombardier Learjet 60XR.
Heavy jets
Heavy jets come in two categories: the first is your standard heavy jet able to fly further than its lighter counterparts. Heavy jets are luxurious, with stand-up cabins, plenty of passenger and baggage capacity as well as lie-flat beds, enclosed bathrooms and a flight attendant to take care of your every whim. They allow for either greater comfort, or greater passenger capacity with a maximum of 19 people on some heavy jet aircraft.
The Bombardier Challenger 604, Embraer Legacy 650 and the Gulfstream GIV are some examples in this heavy jets category.
Heavy jets (ultra long range)
The second category of heavy jets is the ultra-long-range heavy jet, which offers the utmost in luxury without heading into executive airliner territory. This range of heavy jets offers all the benefits of regular heavy jets, with the added advantage of being ultra-long-range. That means some of these aircraft can fly up to 6,500nmi, which is about 2,000 to 3,000nmi further than many other regular heavy jets. To put this into perspective, an ultra-long-range heavy jet can fly non-stop from San Francisco to New Zealand.
The Bombardier Global 6000, Gulfstream G550 and Dassault Falcon 8X are part of the ultra-long-range category.
Executive airliners (VIP or bizliners)
If the private plane cost is not a concern and you are seeking the absolute best in private plane travel, then executive airliners are the jet class that you’ll want. These are commercial aircraft designs that have been purchased and adapted to suit the needs of those who want the most elite aircraft and services. Gone are the rows upon rows of seating; they are replaced with conference rooms, dining rooms, entertainment spaces, private suites, showers, and much more. These aircraft can easily carry 20 passengers, with some offering as much as twice that, depending on the design. In addition to all these creature comforts, many executive airliners offer a maximum range of approximately 6,000nmi.
Two of the executive airliners we have on offer at Air Charter Service are the Airbus A318 Elite and Airbus A319 CJ.
Choose the right private plane and the right private charter
When you’re planning your journey, it’s not only important to choose the right type of private jet to suit your needs, but also the right private charter. Air Charter Service (ACS) has been providing private and group charter services to customers since 1990, and has a broad choice of private plane rentals for you to take advantage of.
To find out more about the types of jets you can hire for your private charter, contact our team at ACS.