Private Jets and Charter Aircraft

Capable of carrying small groups of people (generally 2-4), very light jets (VLJs) are specifically suited and designed for short haul to medium range flights. The wide variety of VLJs available encompass diverse performance characteristics and payloads although their maximum takeoff weight is under 10,000 pounds. While most VLJs are designed for small groups of people, some larger VLJs can accommodate more baggage than others and/or might include a semi-private lavatory. All VLJs are powered by jet engines (normally two) and feature pressurized passenger cabins for added comfort, safety and performance. In comparison to turbo-prop aircraft however, VLJs offer significant time savings by utilizing jet engines, yet offer the same cost savings due to reduced operational costs. VLJs are generally configured in a VIP format to cater to executives and to maximize passenger capacity.

Aircraft Type: Cessna Citation Mustang, Eclipse 500, Embraer Phenom 100

Common Routes: Daytona Beach to Miami, San Francisco to Los Angeles, London to Paris

As the basic entry-level jet in the charter industry, light jets are the most economical choice for short to mid-range trips. Light jets can travel faster and further than non-jet aircraft, getting you to your destination quicker, with average cruising speeds of 440 mph and an average nonstop range of about 1,500 miles. In addition light jets are still compact enough to operate out of airports not accessible by many major airlines. For added comfort, performance and safety most light jet aircraft have pressurized passenger cabins and often have a semi-private lavatory. Baggage capacity and luggage storage space is may be limited and light jets often cannot accommodate skis or large golf bags.

Aircraft Type: Learjet 35, Citation II, Beechjet 400

Common Routes: Los Angeles to San Francisco, Dallas to Chicago, Boston to Atlanta

Midsize Jet aircraft provide the optimum blend of comfort, performance and economy for medium length flights. Midsize jets can travel faster and further than light jet aircraft, getting you to your destination quicker, with average cruising speeds of 500 mph and an average nonstop range of about 2,100 miles. In addition midsize jets are still compact enough to operate out of airports not accessible by many major airlines. Most midsize jet aircraft have external baggage storage and can accommodate a reasonable amount of baggage. Despite this, baggage capacity and luggage storage space may be limited on certain aircraft such as the Hawker line of jets, as they only have internal storage. This can pose problems for skis or other oversized items. However, unlike light jet aircraft, most midsize jets offer a full private lavatory.

Aircraft Type: Falcon 20, Learjet 55, Hawker 800, Citation VII

Common Routes: New York to Miami, Seattle to Vail, London to Milan

Super midsize aircraft such as the Falcon 50 offer a wide variety of route options and amenities to the private jet seeker. Comparable to large jet aircraft, these jets are outfitted with a number of luxurious amenities for passenger comfort and convenience. Typically seating more around 5-9 passengers, super midsize aircraft enjoy a longer range than most midsize aircraft, and are powered by two jet engines. With average cruising speeds exceeding 500mph, these aircraft are fast, efficient and normally quieter than smaller comparable corporate jets. These aircraft have plenty of room for external baggage, oversized items and more and most if not all have fully enclosed lavatories for convenience and privacy. To learn more about super-midsize aircraft charter.

Aircraft Type: Falcon 50, Citation X, Hawker 1000

Common Routes: New York to Los Angeles, Atlanta to Toronto, New York to Caribbean

Large jets are the most comfortable executive aircraft available and offer optimum performance and luxurious amenities for long-range flights. Large jets can travel faster and further than mid-size jet aircraft, getting you to your destination quicker, with average cruising speeds of 530 mph and an average nonstop range of about 4,000 miles. In addition large jets are still compact enough to operate out of airports not accessible by many major airlines and provide you with higher standards of luxury services than could be found on smaller aircraft. Amenities onboard large jets often include a full private lavatory, external baggage compartments, stereo DVD, satellite phone, fax, and a full galley. In addition flight attendants can enhance your in-flight experience, with added comfort and safety and can also assist with gourmet catering and entertainment.

Aircraft Type: Challenger 600, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V

Common Routes: Washington DC to Moscow, New York to Rome, Los Angeles to London

The ultimate in convenience, luxury and comfort, VIP Airliners such as the Boeing BBJ offers private jet clients with an unparalleled array of choices for in-flight comfort, convenience and luxury. Your home in the sky, super-large aircraft can carry anywhere from 15-30 passengers depending on the interior configuration and all have ample room for luggage, oversized items and even limited cargo. Comparable to most airliner charter aircraft, VIP Airliners can cover routes not able to be covered by their smaller counterparts and are frequently used for long-haul and international flights. They are not designed for shorter routes as their operating costs are considerably higher. Conveniences such as cabin attendants, sleeper beds, cabins, private suites and even showers are but a few of the luxuries these aircraft have to offer. To learn more about super-large aircraft charter.

Aircraft Type: Boeing Business Jet, Airbus A319CJ

Common Routes: New York to Dubai, Atlanta to London, Paris to Istanbul

Capable of carrying large groups of people or heavy loads of cargo, jet airliners are specifically suited to medium to long-range flights. The wide variety of jet airliner types available encompass diverse performance characteristics. Small jet airliners are designated "regional" airliners and are best suited for mid-range domestic transport, while larger jet airliners can carry hundreds of passengers over thousands of non-stop miles. Jet airliners are typically powered by two to four jet engines and feature pressurized passenger cabins for added comfort, safety and performance. Jet airliners can be configured in a variety of ways to cater to executives or to maximize passenger capacity. Executive configurations often feature multiple berths, lavatories, a gym, shower, meeting room or study, and other luxurious appointments, while economy-configured aircraft utilize a layout similar to a commercial airliner to maximize passenger capacity.

Aircraft Type: Boeing 727, Airbus 300, McDonnell-Douglas DC-9-30

Common Routes: New York to Tokyo, Moscow to Los Angeles, and Venice to Sydney

Combining the low-cost advantages of piston aircraft with the performance and cabin comfort advantages of light jets, turboprop aircraft can travel further, faster and offer more comfort than piston aircraft. Powered by turbine propeller engines, turboprop aircraft can reach average cruising speeds of over 300 mph and have an average nonstop range of around 1,000 miles. Popular for short to mid-range flights, a turboprop can access runways that are often too short for jet aircraft making it one of the most cost-effective aircraft for short-service flights. For added comfort, performance and safety most turboprop aircraft have pressurized passenger cabins and often have a semi-private lavatory. Baggage capacity and luggage storage space is limited.

Aircraft Type: Cessna Caravan I, King Air 100, Cheyenne III

Common Routes: New York to Boston, Los Angeles to San Diego, Geneva to Paris

Combining a larger passenger cabin with turboprop performance, turboprop airliners are very popular for short to mid-range flights, and can often land at airports with runways that are too short for jet aircraft, making them typically more cost effective than jet airliners as well. Powered by two to four turbine propeller engines they are more powerful than regular turboprop aircraft and have a longer nonstop range. Most turboprop airliners also feature pressurized passenger cabins for added comfort, safety and performance. Some turboprop airliners feature executive configurations luxurious services and amenities while others have commercial airliner configurations in order to maximize passenger capacity.

Aircraft Type: Swearingen Metro, Beech Commuter 1900, Jetstream 3100

Common Routes: Washington D.C. to New York, San Francisco to Seattle

Designed for smaller groups of people (anywhere from 3-15), helicopters are specifically suited and designed for short haul to medium range flights. There are a wide variety of helicopters and rotorcraft available in a variety of different configurations. While most helicopters are designed for small groups of people, some larger helicopters can accommodate more baggage and passengers than others and/or might include a semi-private lavatory. Due to their high operation costs, helicopters are generally not used for long-range flights but rather for inner city flights or short routes. Most rotorcraft are generally configured in a VIP format to cater to executives and to maximize passenger capacity yet they can also be configured for medical and evac flights, passenger configurations and cargo operations.

Helicopter Type: AW109 Power, Bell Jet Rangeer, Eurocopter EC120 Colibri

Common Routes: San Francisco to Los Angeles, Miami to Key West, Boston to New York