Resources
Private Jet Types Explained: How to Choose the Right Aircraft
From turboprops to ultra long range jets, this guide breaks down every category of private aircraft so you can choose the right one for your trip.
Why Aircraft Type Matters
Choosing the right private jet is about matching the aircraft to your specific journey. The wrong choice means either paying far more than necessary or discovering mid-trip that the aircraft lacks the range, cabin space, or runway capability you need. Understanding the categories takes five minutes and can save you thousands.
The private jet market is broadly divided into seven categories based on size, range, and passenger capacity. Each serves a different type of traveller and mission.
1. Turboprop
Range
Up to 1,000 miles
Passengers
4 to 8
Best For
Short regional hops, smaller airstrips, island access
Turboprops are propeller aircraft powered by jet engines. They are slower than jets but can land at tiny airstrips that jets cannot access. Ideal for regional travel or reaching remote destinations with limited runway infrastructure.
Popular examples: Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350
2. Very Light Jet
Range
Up to 1,500 miles
Passengers
4 to 5
Best For
Quick regional trips, cost-conscious private travel
Very light jets are among the most affordable private jet options per hour. The cabin is compact and the range is limited, but for short trips with a small group they represent exceptional value relative to the private aviation experience they deliver.
Popular examples: Cirrus Vision Jet, Embraer Phenom 100
3. Light Jet
Range
Up to 2,000 miles
Passengers
6 to 8
Best For
Most popular category for business travel and weekend trips
Light jets are the workhorses of private aviation. They offer a genuine private jet experience, comfortable seating, a decent baggage hold, and enough range to cover most domestic routes. The Phenom 300 is the most delivered business jet in the world for good reason.
Popular examples: Citation CJ4, Phenom 300, HondaJet Elite
4. Midsize Jet
Range
Up to 3,000 miles
Passengers
7 to 9
Best For
Longer domestic trips, stand-up cabin, more luggage
Midsize jets offer stand-up cabins, more generous baggage capacity, and transcontinental range. They are the go-to choice when you need to travel coast to coast or cover distances that a light jet cannot handle in a single leg.
Popular examples: Citation XLS, Learjet 60, Hawker 800
5. Super Midsize Jet
Range
Up to 4,000 miles
Passengers
9 to 10
Best For
Transatlantic hops, premium comfort, maximum domestic range
Super midsize jets bridge the gap between midsize and heavy jets. Aircraft like the Challenger 300 are capable of crossing the Atlantic with a stop in Iceland or Newfoundland. They combine generous cabin space with exceptional performance.
Popular examples: Citation Latitude, Challenger 300, Gulfstream G280
6. Heavy Jet
Range
Up to 6,000 miles
Passengers
10 to 16
Best For
Transatlantic and transcontinental flights, maximum passengers
Heavy jets offer full stand-up cabins divided into distinct zones, dedicated seats that convert to fully flat beds, and true transatlantic range without stops. These are the aircraft of choice for corporate travel and long-haul private aviation.
Popular examples: Gulfstream G550, Falcon 7X, Bombardier Global 5000
7. Ultra Long Range Jet
Range
Up to 9,000 miles
Passengers
10 to 19
Best For
Nonstop intercontinental travel anywhere on earth
Ultra long range jets represent the pinnacle of private aviation. The Bombardier Global 7500 can fly nonstop from New York to Singapore. These aircraft feature full bedroom suites, gourmet galleys, and shower facilities. They are aircraft that blur the line between private jet and flying residence.
Popular examples: Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500, Dassault Falcon 10X
How to Choose the Right Jet for Your Trip
Start with three questions:
How far are you flying? Route distance is the most important factor. A light jet cannot reach a destination 3,000 miles away nonstop. A heavy jet on a 300-mile route is a significant and unnecessary cost.
How many people are travelling? Per-seat cost falls sharply as you fill the cabin. Eight people on a midsize jet is dramatically better value than four people on a heavy jet.
What does the destination runway look like? Some regional airports and island destinations have short runways that rule out larger jets. A light jet or turboprop may be your only option for certain destinations.
Find empty leg deals on any aircraft type
CharterAlert monitors empty leg flights across all aircraft categories. Set your route preferences and receive alerts the moment a deal appears.
Get free alerts