As a jet charter customer seeking convenience and freedom in your business travel, you want options that provide comfort, performance, and flexibility for short and mid-range flights. Very light jets with capacities between four and eight passengers offer features like customizable interiors, high speeds, and the ability to take off and land at smaller airports.
Models such as the Cirrus Vision SF50, Eclipse 500, and Cessna Citation M2 excel at these missions. Other top contenders in this market segment include Embraer’s Phenom 100, HondaJet’s HA-420, and Cessna’s Citation Mustang.
Read on to explore the capabilities of these nimble aircraft.
Light Private Jets: Travel With the Speed of Light
Unparalleled Convenience and Flexibility
Private jets offer an unparalleled level of convenience and flexibility for business travel. Their smaller size allows them to access more airports, enabling you to fly directly into your destination. Once on board, you can work, rest, or conduct meetings in a private cabin free from the hassles of commercial air travel.
Top Models for Short and Mid-Range Flights
Very light jets like the Cirrus Vision SF50, Eclipse 500 and Cessna Citation M2 are well-suited for short to mid-range flights of up to 1,000 nautical miles. Seating up to five passengers, these jets provide an efficient and luxurious way to travel between regional destinations. For longer ranges, options like the Embraer Phenom 100, HondaJet HA-420 and Cessna Citation Mustang can seat up to eight passengers and fly up to 1,500 nautical miles.
Experienced Crew and Impeccable Service
When chartering a private jet, you can expect an experienced crew to provide impeccable, personalized service for you and your guests. On-demand catering, luxury amenities, and assistance with baggage handling and ground transportation are all standard.
The crew will ensure your complete comfort, handling all details so you can focus on your business or leisure travel plans. Traveling by private jet allows you to soar over commercial air travel hassles.
With their unparalleled flexibility, top models for short and mid-range flights, and impeccable service, light private jets offer the ultimate way to travel for business. By chartering a jet, you can experience the luxury and convenience of private air travel without the responsibilities of outright ownership.
Typical Light Jet Performance
Range and Speed
Very light jets offer intercontinental range, typically between 1,000 to 3,000 nautical miles. Aircraft like the Embraer Phenom 100 and Cessna Citation Mustang can fly up to 1,300 nautical miles at cruise speeds over 400 knots.
The HondaJet HA-420 has a maximum range of 1,180 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 422 knots. While light jets may require one or two refueling stops for longer trips, their performance is suitable for most domestic and some short-haul international flights.
Runway Requirements
These aircraft can operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet, allowing access to more airports compared to traditional jets. The HondaJet HA-420 and Eclipse 500 have runway requirements of just 3,000 feet. Certain models like the Cirrus Vision SF50 only need 2,133 feet of runway. The ability to use smaller airports provides more options for departure and arrival points, reducing ground transfer times.
Cabin Dimensions
Light jets typically have stand-up cabins 4 to 5 feet in height and 5 to 6 feet in width. The Embraer Phenom 100 has a spacious 4.8 by 5.6 feet cabin while the Eclipse 500’s is 4.3 by 5.7 feet. Although space is more confined than a midsize jet, light jets can still seat up to eight passengers comfortably for short to mid-length trips. For added comfort, some models offer amenities like belted lavatories, full galleys, and entertainment systems.
With intercontinental range, the ability to access small airports, and decent cabin dimensions, very light jets provide an attractive and high-performance option for short to mid-range business travel. For companies and individuals seeking convenience, flexibility, and efficiency on domestic or short-haul international flights, a light jet could prove the ideal solution.
Popular Light Private Jet Models
Cirrus Vision SF50
With a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, the Cirrus Vision SF50 comfortably seats up to five passengers. It is a single-engine jet known for safety, performance, and innovation. The SF50 is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, providing an additional safety feature for the aircraft and passengers.
The jet’s composite construction and Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan engine optimize fuel efficiency while maintaining high performance. The Vision SF50 is ideal for short to mid-range trips for business or leisure.
Cessna Citation M2
The Cessna Citation M2 light jet accommodates up to seven passengers and has a range of over 1,500 nautical miles. It is powered by two Williams FJ44-1AP-21 engines, offering high performance and efficiency.
The M2 features a Garmin G3000 avionics suite, providing advanced automation and situational awareness for pilots. A spacious cabin and baggage area make the Citation M2 well suited for business or personal travel. The aircraft’s capabilities allow access to smaller regional airports, adding convenience for passengers.
Embraer Phenom 100
Embraer’s Phenom 100 light jet seats up to eight passengers and has a range of over 1,100 nautical miles. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F-E engines, giving the aircraft strong performance and high efficiency. The Phenom 100 is designed for comfort, with a spacious cabin, refreshment center, and lavatory.
The Prodigy Flight Deck 100 provides advanced avionics for enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot workload. The Phenom 100 balances performance, comfort, and efficiency, suiting the needs of discerning business and private travelers. Its runway capabilities allow access to smaller airports, maximizing convenience.
Cessna Citation Mustang
Performance and Specifications
The Cessna Citation Mustang is a very light jet known for its high performance. It can reach a maximum cruise speed of 340 knots and has a range of 1,150 nautical miles. The Mustang is designed for short-haul flights and can access small regional airports with runways as short as 3,000 feet. It has a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and can climb to that altitude in just over 20 minutes.
Cabin and Amenities
The Citation Mustang offers a spacious cabin for up to four passengers. It includes club seating for two in the aft cabin and two forward-facing seats for the pilot and co-pilot. The interior has 6 feet of headroom, leather seats, and optional upgrades like Wi-Fi, satellite phone, and an entertainment system. The baggage compartment can hold up to 50 cubic feet of luggage.
Ownership Costs
The Cessna Citation Mustang has a price tag of $3.35 million. Factor in additional charges like fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance, and owners can expect to pay between $700,000 to $1.2 million per year to operate the aircraft. The Mustang is also very economical, with fuel burn rates as low as 90 gallons per hour at high altitude and a maximum payload of 1,000 pounds.
For business travelers and owners seeking an efficient light jet, the Cessna Citation Mustang delivers impressive performance, comfort, and value. Its combination of power, range, and affordability makes it an appealing choice for charter and private use.
Embraer Phenom 100
The Phenom 100 is Embraer’s very light jet, seating up to 8 passengers. This aircraft has a range of 1,178 nautical miles, allowing it to connect major cities across the continental U.S. and parts of Canada.
Cabin and Amenities
The Phenom 100 features a spacious cabin with club seating, worktables, and an aft lavatory. The seats recline and tracks are available for extra legroom. Entertainment options include satellite radio, music and movie streaming.
Performance
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW617F-E engines, the Phenom 100 can reach speeds up to Mach 0.80 and an altitude of 41,000 feet. Its short-field performance allows access to smaller airports. The Phenom 100 is also equipped with cutting-edge avionics for precision navigation and safety.
Operating Costs
The Phenom 100 has lower operating costs compared to midsize jets. Fuel efficient engines reduce fuel burn, and single-pilot operation minimizes flight crew costs. Maintenance costs are also lower due to the aircraft’s simple design. Charter rates for the Phenom 100 typically start around $3,000 per hour.
Popular Routes
Common routes for the Phenom 100 include Los Angeles to San Francisco, New York to Miami, and Chicago to Dallas. For longer flights, the Phenom 100 can connect Seattle and Denver or Boston and Orlando. With its combination of cabin amenities, performance and efficiency, the Phenom 100 is an excellent choice for short to mid-range charter flights of up to four passengers. For larger groups, the Phenom 300, which is based on the same platform, may be an option.
HondaJet HA-420
Performance and Specifications
The HondaJet HA-420 is a very light jet known for its advanced aeronautical designs and fuel efficiency. With a maximum cruising speed of 422 knots and a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet, the HA-420 can travel up to 1,437 nautical miles without refueling. Its lightweight yet robust airframe is constructed of carbon fiber composites and an aluminum honeycomb structure, allowing for greater payload capacity while maximizing fuel efficiency.
Cabin and Amenities
The HA-420 features a spacious cabin with seating for up to seven passengers. Its interior configuration includes a private lavatory and closets for storage. Passengers can expect high-quality amenities such as leather seats, tables, and cabin lighting options.
An optional refreshment center provides hot and cold beverages. The HA-420 is also equipped with cutting-edge avionics and flight control systems, including a three-screen Garmin G3000 integrated avionics suite and a state-of-the-art touchscreen flight management system.
Operating Costs and Ownership
The HondaJet HA-420 has a base price of $4.5 million. Operators can expect direct operating costs between $650 to $1,500 per hour depending on factors like fuel prices, engine reserves, and aircraft utilization. Owners benefit from Honda Aircraft Company’s high standards of safety, quality, and reliability.
Honda provides 24/7 technical support and partners with a network of certified service centers for maintenance and parts replacement. With its advanced and efficient design, spacious high-quality cabin, and reputable brand, the HondaJet HA-420 offers excellent value for private and business jet charter.
Its combination of performance, comfort, and lower operating costs compared to similar light jet models make it an appealing choice for pilot owners and frequent business travelers alike.
Cirrus Vision SF50
Performance and Specifications
The Cirrus Vision SF50 is a five-seat, single-engine very light jet noted for its cutting-edge technological features and impressive performance specifications. Powered by a Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, the SF50 has a maximum cruising speed of 300 knots and a range of 1,200 nmi.
It requires only 2,000 feet of runway to take off and can land on runways as short as 3,000 feet. The SF50 features the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, providing an additional safety measure in the event of loss of control or structural failure.
Cabin and Amenities
The SF50 cabin is designed for passenger comfort on short- to mid-range flights. The interior is spacious for a light jet, with seating for up to five adults and a total cabin volume of over 100 cubic feet. A fully enclosed lavatory provides privacy.
The cabin is pressurized to a lower altitude, allowing for a more comfortable experience. Individual passenger control panels allow for adjustment of lighting and temperature. Entertainment options include satellite radio, mobile device connectivity, and USB charging ports at each seat.
Ownership and Operating Costs
The SF50 has a base price of $2.2 million, making it an appealing option for private owners and small charter operators. Operating costs are relatively low for a private jet, averaging around $650 per hour of flight time.
The Williams FJ33-5A engine is designed to be highly fuel efficient, consuming around 160 gallons of jet fuel per hour. Maintenance costs for the first five years are projected to be around $50,000 annually. Overall, the SF50 provides an affordable combination of performance, comfort, and prestige for those seeking access to private air travel.
Light Jet Advantages
Very light business jets offer significant benefits for companies and individuals seeking efficient short-to mid-range air travel. Their compact size allows access to smaller regional airports, reducing travel time with fewer delays from larger hubs.
With seating for typically four to eight passengers, these jets provide flexibility and convenience for small groups. Owners and operators appreciate the lower costs of acquisition and operation compared to larger business jets.
Very light jets have more affordable purchase prices and lower fuel consumption, reducing overall operating costs. They can be flown by a single pilot, decreasing staffing requirements. Maintenance and hangar fees are also lower due to the smaller size.
Popular models in this category, such as the Cirrus Vision SF50, Eclipse 500, and Cessna Citation M2, are designed for comfort and performance over short to mid-length flights. The Embraer Phenom 100, HondaJet HA-420, and Cessna Citation Mustang offer additional options with a range of 600 to 1,400 nautical miles. These jets provide spacious cabins, advanced avionics, and cruising speeds over 300 knots for efficient point-to-point travel.
For businesses and private owners seeking flexibility, efficiency, and affordability in a private jet solution, very light business jets present an appealing choice. Their combination of lower costs, smaller size, and performance for short to mid-range flights suits the needs of many operators. Exploring the range of options in this category can lead owners to the ideal jet for their requirements.
Conclusion
As you explore options for chartering very light business jets, consider your typical passenger load, preferred cabin size, and required runway lengths to select the right aircraft. Models like the Cirrus Vision SF50, Eclipse 500, and Cessna Citation M2 excel at short and mid-range flights with 4-8 passengers.
For additional range and capacity, the Embraer Phenom 100, HondaJet HA-420, and Cessna Citation Mustang offer versatile performance. Very light jets provide convenience, flexibility, and comfort for your business travel needs. Evaluating your mission profile will guide you to the optimal light jet.
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