Aircraft guide
Private jet classes, compared
Seats, range, cabin height and typical hourly rates for every class, from turboprops to ultra long range jets. Pick the smallest aircraft that fits the trip and you have made the biggest pricing decision.
Specifications at a glance
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Typical range | Cabin height | Hourly rate (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350 | 6–9 | ~1,800 nm | ~4.8–4.9 ft | $1,800–3,200 |
| Very light jet | HondaJet, Citation M2 | 4–5 | 1,400–1,550 nm | ~4.8 ft | $2,800–4,200 |
| Light jet | Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75 | 6–8 | 2,000–2,150 nm | ~4.8–4.9 ft | $3,500–5,500 |
| Midsize jet | Citation XLS+ | 7–9 | ~2,100 nm | ~5.7 ft | $4,500–7,000 |
| Super-midsize jet | Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600 | 8–10 | 3,200–4,000 nm | ~6.0 ft | $6,500–9,500 |
| Large cabin jet | Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS | 10–16 | 4,000–4,300 nm | 6.0–6.2 ft | $8,500–13,000 |
| Ultra long range jet | Gulfstream G650ER, Global 7500 | 13–19 | 7,500–7,700 nm | 6.2 ft+ | $12,000–20,000+ |
Approximate figures. Range falls with a full cabin, headwinds and hot or high airports; hourly rates are US market estimates before the 7.5% federal excise tax, fees and repositioning.
6–9 seats · ~1,800 nm
Turboprop
Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350
The economical choice for trips up to about two hours, and the aircraft that gets into short runways, islands and mountain strips that many jets avoid. Turboprops fly lower and a little slower than jets, but with six to nine seats they carry a family or a small team for less.
- Best for: Island hops, regional business days, short runways
- Cabin height: ~4.8–4.9 ft
- Hourly rate (est.): $1,800–3,200 before tax and fees
6–8 seats · 2,000–2,150 nm
Light jet
Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4, Learjet 75
The workhorse for one to three hours in the air. Light jets climb above most weather, cruise fast and keep the hourly rate down. The trade-off is space: the cabin is for sitting, and bulky luggage such as skis or golf bags needs checking against the hold before you book.
- Best for: Trips of 1–3 hours, up to six or seven passengers
- Cabin height: ~4.8–4.9 ft
- Hourly rate (est.): $3,500–5,500 before tax and fees
7–9 seats · ~2,100 nm
Midsize jet
Citation XLS+
A taller cabin, typically around 5.7 ft, with an enclosed lavatory and more room for bags. Midsize jets suit two to four hour trips with a full cabin. Coast-to-coast is possible but often with a fuel stop, depending on winds and load.
- Best for: 2–4 hours, full cabin, more luggage
- Cabin height: ~5.7 ft
- Hourly rate (est.): $4,500–7,000 before tax and fees
8–10 seats · 3,200–4,000 nm
Super-midsize jet
Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Praetor 600
A stand-up cabin of about 6 ft, a flat floor and range of 3,200–4,000 nm. Super-midsize jets fly coast-to-coast nonstop and some can cross the Atlantic eastbound. For many travellers this is the best balance of comfort and cost on long domestic trips.
- Best for: Coast-to-coast nonstop, 4–6 hours
- Cabin height: ~6.0 ft
- Hourly rate (est.): $6,500–9,500 before tax and fees
10–16 seats · 4,000–4,300 nm
Large cabin jet
Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650, Falcon 2000LXS
Separate cabin zones, a galley, seats that convert to beds and range of 4,000–4,300 nm. Large cabin jets are the standard for transatlantic trips, overnight flights and groups of ten or more. Hourly rates are higher, but on long trips a nonstop flight often saves the cost and time of a fuel stop.
- Best for: Transatlantic, overnight, larger groups
- Cabin height: 6.0–6.2 ft
- Hourly rate (est.): $8,500–13,000 before tax and fees
Also available
Very light and ultra long range jets
At the small end, very light jets such as the HondaJet and Citation M2 seat four or five for about $2,800–4,200 an hour. At the other, ultra long range jets such as the G650ER and Global 7500 fly 7,500 nm or more nonstop, from about $12,000 to over $20,000 an hour.
How to choose the class
- Count people and bags together. A light jet with six passengers and golf clubs may not close the hold.
- Check the nonstop range with a full cabin. Brochure range assumes light loads and calm winds.
- Match the cabin to the flight time. Past about three hours, a stand-up cabin and a proper lavatory make a real difference.
- Look at the airports. Short runways, high elevation and weight limits can rule out larger jets.
Not sure which class fits?
Send the trip and your advisor will suggest the smallest aircraft that does it well, with an all-in price for each option.