A quick look at the main types of private jets
Choosing the right aircraft starts with knowing the basic classes. Below is a rundown you can read in two minutes.
Very Light Jets (VLJ)
Two to five seats, roughly 1,000 nm range. Perfect for quick hops between regional airports where the airlines do not fly.
Light Jets
Six or seven seats, 1,200-1,800 nm range, and enough speed to beat the airlines on sub-four-hour trips. Popular models: Phenom 300E, Citation CJ3+.
Super-Light Jets
Up to eight passengers plus a stand-up cabin. Think short runways and coast-to-coast flexibility without midsize fuel burn.
Midsize Jets
Eight or nine seats, real stand-up height, and 2,000-2,800 nm range. Widely regarded as the entry point for true transcontinental comfort.
Super-Midsize Jets
Ten seats, 3,000-3,600 nm range, flat floors, full galley, and a large baggage compartment. A sweet spot for owners who fly both coasts and the Caribbean without fuel stops.
Large-Cabin Jets
Twelve to fourteen passengers enjoy living-room space and a 4,600 nm reach. Cabin altitude is lower, so everyone arrives fresher.
Ultra-Long-Range Jets
Global 7500, Gulfstream G700, Falcon 10X—these aircraft link New York and Tokyo nonstop, carry up to nineteen people, and often include a bedroom with a shower.
VIP Airliners (Bizliners)
Converted airliner-type aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320neos, fly 20-50 guests in apartment-style cabins. Ideal for touring artists and heads of state.
How to pick a class that fits
- Route map vs. range. Measure your longest regular leg.
- Passenger count. More seats drive you out of VLJ territory fast.
- Runway length. Smaller airports give light jets and the Pilatus PC-24 an edge.
- Cabin comfort. Need a flat floor, divan, or shower? Start at super-midsize.
- Operating cost. VLJs run under $1 800 per flight hour; ultra-long-range jets can top $6 000.
If you want hands-on help comparing real-world numbers or sourcing an aircraft, our aircraft brokerage team can explain the market in plain language.
For a deeper dive into how businesses use each aircraft type, see the NBAA business aircraft guide.
