10 Top Cost-Effective Small Private Planes
Posted on January 31st, 2023
Flying commercial is all great until potential hassles unfold one after the other. The list goes on; the long lines for security clearance, hours for pre-boarding, baggage checks, and the risk of losing luggage, unexpected delays & cancellations. Frequent travelers know that delays and cancelations can wreak havoc on a tight work schedule.
Renting a private jet is much more convenient than going through the woes of commercial flights that have their own schedules & limitations. Naturally, many questions may come up, including-
- How costly is renting a private jet?
- How far can a private jet fly without stopping for refueling?
- Can a private jet land in any airport?
To answer all your questions, we have rounded in on the top small private jets in the world, a few past favorites, and newer counterparts. If you are flying with limited personnel, why splurge on the big jets when a small private jet charter can do the job for you perfectly?
Small Aircraft For Your Next Business & Leisure Trip
You can choose from hundreds of small private jets for business and leisure purposes. Small and shorter-range planes come in the following configurations.
- Light Jets, Small Cabin Jets Charter
- Very Light Jets Charter
- Turbo Props Charter
Speed & Cost
Very light jets and light jets fly at an average of 449 mph. The cost will vary depending on the model you opt for, but generally, base prices start at $2,400 and $3,500 per hour. Among these, very light and light jets fly faster with compact cabins. Unlike the small jets, Turboprops facilities may have a potty, not a complete lavatory, on board these planes.
Flight Distance
Although many factors, such as the engine model, passenger capacity, weights, and weather conditions, affect the distance a small private jet can fly, their range is typically between 1,500-3,000 miles. Although super-mid and large cabin jets can fly trans-Atlantic, small jets such as Cessna Citation XLS+ and Learjet 70/75 have the range to fly city pairs across the U.S.
Let’s find visit a few of the top private aircraft charters then and now belonging to the Light Jets, Small Cabin Jets, Very Light Jets, and TurboProps categories.
Light Jets, Small Cabin Jets Charter
Light jets are an efficient option for shorter trips and can comfortably seat 6-7 passengers with limited luggage space. They are usually optimized for journeys up to three hours or around 1,400 miles under ideal conditions. Some light jets have a private restroom, but most don’t have a full kitchen or a flight attendant. Small Cabin Jets are typically the most economical choice among private jets.
Cost: The hourly charter rates for light jets start at around $3,500
This category includes jets like:
- HondaJet HA-420
- Phenom 300
- Learjet 70/75
- Hawker 400XP
HondaJet HA-420
The Honda Aircraft Company manufactures the HondaJet HA 420, which was first launched in 2012, and was soon FAA-approved. Designed with Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM), it is equipped to fly with 1 or 2 pilots and features a Honda-customized Garmin G-3000 on the flight decks.
The cabin of HondaJet HA-420 is built focusing on comfort and functionality. It has ample legroom for passenger comfort and sufficient baggage capacity making it an ideal choice for business travel.
- Top cruise speed: 420 knots (483 mph)
- Range: 1,180 nautical miles
- Passengers: From 6 to 7
- Cruise height: 43,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed aft lavatory, Nuance Vision System, minibar for in-flight refreshments
With the Nuance Vision System, an electronic window lighting system optimized to reduce light, glare, and heat, the HondaJet HA-420 elevates the comfort for passengers even further.
Phenom 100
The Phenom 100 is manufactured by Embraer, the Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer, and is one of the popular jets in the very light aircraft categories. It was first introduced in 2011 in the US and has seen many upgrades.
The Phenom 100 has many features and functionalities that break the notion of very light jets comprising speed & power due to the size. Two Pratt and Whitney PW617F-E engines power it, and features a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Electrical Control) system for efficient operation. A single or dual pilot can crew it and has a crew alerting system and dual-channel digital flight control, among others.
- Top cruise speed: 400 knots
- Range: 1,178 nautical miles
- Passengers: From 5 to 7
- Baggage capacity: 60 cubic meters
- Cruise height: 37,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed lavatory, USB charging ports
Beechjet 400A / Nextant 400XTI
The Beechjet 400A is an extension of the Beechjet 400 series. Reconfigured and refurbished as the Nextant 400 XTI, these jets are remade for the modern age. Initially, the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond significantly influenced the Beechjet 400A’s design, becoming Beechcraft’s first two-engine light jet.
- Top cruise speed: 465 knots (535 mph)
- Range: Up to 1,800 nautical miles (which amounts to about three and a half hours of flight time)
- Passengers: From 6 to 7
- Maximum payload capacity: 2,085 lbs
- Baggage capacity: 33 lbs
- Cruise height: 45,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed Lavatory
The Beechjet 400A has long been a contender for entry-level light jets and continues to impress with its enhanced cargo, cabin space, and flight range.
Citation Bravo
The Cessna Citation Bravo, designed by one of the world’s most famous aircraft manufacturers, is spacious, agile, and has a great touch of luxury. It can carry six or seven passengers and take off on runways as short as 3,600 feet without hassle.
The Citation Bravo operates comfortably at above-the-weather altitudes up to 43,000 feet. Inside are amenities you’d expect on a much larger private jet charter, including a complete aft lavatory.
The Bravo’s storage compartments are very generous and roughly comparable to twice the space in many large SUVs. Bravo’s advanced soundproofing and communication technology make it a perfect option for business-related travel-when you are busy prepping for the next important meeting or brainstorming a business strategy.
- Top cruise speed: 405 knots
- Range: 1,290 nautical miles
- Passengers: 6 or 7
- Baggage capacity: 74 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 43,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed Lavatory
In addition, it is also competent for long-distance travel. Save time and avoid the airport crowds at Los Angeles, Portland, Dallas , or Chicago.
Learjet 70 / 75
The Learjet series is top-rated among passengers for both business and leisure travel. Some prominent models in the series are 70, 31A, 35, etc. The Bombardier Learjet 70 entered production in 2013.
- Top cruise speed: 575 mph
- Range: 2,000 nautical miles
- Passengers: From 6 to 7
- Baggage capacity: 65 cubic meters
- Cruise height: 51000 ft
- Maximum payload capacity: 2,285 lbs
- Facilities: Enclosed lavatory
Produced by Bombardier Aerospace, the Learjet 70 features Honeywell TFE731-40BR engines and a Garmin G5000 vision flight deck.
Hawker 400XP
Trusted by the US Air Force for advanced pilot training, the Hawker 400XP is a favorite in the light jets category. The Hawker Beechcraft Corporation first created the Hawker line of jets manufactured until 2012. This was until the following year when Textron Aviation purchased Hawker Beechcraft. Textron introduced the upgraded 400 variants, including the XPR / XTI series, which received flight certification in 2014.
- Top cruise speed: 458 knots
- Range: 1,728 nautical miles
- Passengers: 6 to 9
- Baggage capacity: 56 cubic meters
- Cruise height: 37,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed lavatory
The Hawker 400XP has a unique swept-wing design and a ‘squared oval’, making the journey comfortable for the guests. Additionally, it comes with advanced features such as a fail-safe design, a swept two-spar wing structure, a bonded double-skin pressure vessel, and an unlimited airframe life making it a robust aircraft.
Very Light Jets Charter
Very Light Jets is a more economical version of the small jet category and facilitates comfortable travel across thousands of small community airports throughout the United States. These small jets are approved for single-pilot operation and are regarded as the lightest business jets.
Cost: The hourly charter rates for light jets start at around $2,900.
This category includes jets like:
- Citation Mustang
- HondaJet HA-420
- Phenom 100
Citation Mustang
Manufactured in Independence, Kansas, the Cessna Citation Mustang is a highly sought-after light jet in the popular Citation series. It meets the standards set by Cessna and comes with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F turbofan engines mounted in pods on the aft fuselage and powering it to .59 Mach through 1,460 lbs. of thrust.
- Top cruise speed: 340 knots
- Range:1,150 nautical miles
- Passengers: 3 + 1 Pilot
- Cruise height: 41,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed Lavatory
The Cessna Citation Mustang is a low-wing cantilever-designed aircraft with a swept wing, T-tail, and standard but robust tricycle retractable landing gear. This small twin-engined jet is a fuel-efficient and economical choice for your travel.
Turbo Props Charter
If you want an economical private aircraft with a fuel-efficient option for covering similar distances, turboprops are the answer. It is a propeller aircraft with a small cabin powered by a turboprop engine that can cover distances similar to small jets but much more cost-effectively.
These aircraft mostly come without a stand-up cabin and have limitations regarding flight range & speed. Powerful engines make it an ideal choice for a flight time of around 2 hours.
Cost: Turboprop hourly charter rates start at around $2,400
Turboprops charter you can choose from are:
- Grand Caravan 208
- King Air 200, 350, 90
- Piaggio Avanti P180
Piaggio Avanti P180
The Piaggio P180 Avanti is made by the Italian aircraft company Piaggio Aero and is a twin-turboprop that is luxurious, comfortable, and super-efficient. It is the fastest plane in its category and is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engines.
The noise levels produced by Piaggio Avanti P180 are considerably lower than usual turboprop models, making the entire journey pleasant and fast.
- Top cruise speed: 462 knots
- Range: 1509 nautical miles
- Passengers: From 6 to 7
- Baggage capacity: 5 cubic feet, around 6 bags
- Cruise height: 41,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed lavatory, wardrobe
The Piaggio P180 received its certification for the first time in 1990 and has since manufactured more than 150 aircraft.
Grand Caravan 208
Cessna, a well-known jet manufacturer, manufactures the Grand Caravan 208. It is highly competent, cost-effective, and fuel-efficient, providing comfort without compromising performance. Apart from passenger travel, the jet also can carry freight. A cargo door allows for extra storage on board.
A single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine powers the Grand Caravan 208. The plane is certified across more than 100 countries and is used for fighter training, cargo commute, civilian air travel, and much more.
- Top cruise speed: 224 Knots
- Range: 831 nautical miles
- Passengers: 9 to 12
- Maximum payload capacity: 3,532 lbs
- Baggage capacity: 143 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 25,000 ft
- Facilities: Cargo + Passenger flights, full lavatory
King Air 350
The King Air 350 is manufactured by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, previously known as Beechcraft Corporation. It is a utility aircraft with retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin.
An ideal choice for business travel, this aircraft comes with many features & functionalities such as circular windows close to each passenger sear, polarized windshields, double club seating, worktables, designated baggage units, and on-flight refreshment centers.
With a well-designed and luxurious interior, the aircraft stands up to its name and offers a royal travel experience to passengers.
- Top cruise speed: 305 knots
- Range: 1,440 nautical miles
- Passengers: From 6 to 10
- Maximum payload capacity: 3,574 lbs
- Baggage capacity: 50 cubic feet, around ten bags
- Cruise height: 30,000 ft
- Facilities: Polarized wind shades, private aft lavatory, built-in refreshment units
The aircraft can also be used for freight travel, making it a fantastic cost and fuel-efficiency option.
With that, we wrap up the list of the best small private planes. Are you considering renting a jet for your next business trip or vacation? Let JetOptions locate your perfect aircraft.
Why JetOptions?
- ARGUS and Wyvern registered company.
- Book any aircraft, anytime, anywhere, often in 2-3 hours or less.
- Fly without worries on aircraft that are rated above FAA standards for safety and operation through ARGUS and Wyvern and carry $50,000,000 to $250,000,000 in insurance.
- Avail 24/7 Complimentary Concierge services such as Medical Staff Escorts, Security, Ground Transportation, and more.
- Access an Aviation Account Executive 24/7.
- Get optimum rates in the market without sacrificing the aircraft’s safety and premium condition.
- Fly in true one-way charters, and one-way rates are guaranteed. (Restricted to specific routes)
- Get a complimentary upgrade when available.
Get a quote for your next trip today!
