Types of Private Jets: Key Differences

Discover the difference between each private jet size class from very light jets to midsize jets and VIP airliners.

Private jet travel offers unmatched luxury, but choosing the right jet matters. This guide breaks down key jet categories — from light and midsize to large and ultra-long-range — highlighting differences in size, range, and capacity.

Quickly find answers to questions like:

• What are the most common jet types?
• Which jets are best for short trips or global flights?
• Which jets are better for individuals vs larger groups?

Whether you need a compact jet for regional travel or an ultra-long-range or VIP airliner for large groups traveling internationally, this overview makes selecting the right private jet simple and efficient. Save time and streamline your next charter decision.

Types of Private Jets: Key Differences by Category

There’s nothing quite like flying privately. The convenience, luxury, and comfort are unparalleled. But not every private jet is the same. The difference between flying a Gulfstream G650 and a Cessna Citation Mustang, for instance, is profound.

Not only is the flight experience different depending on the type of business jet you choose, but important factors like travel range and passenger capacity are also important.

Wondering what the most common types of passenger jets are along with their unique characteristics and capabilities? We have answers. Here’s what you need to know about each different type of jet.

What Are the Main Types of Private Jets?

While the answer to this question might initially seem simple, not all brokers and private jet companies categorize jets in the same way.

Some carriers group the types of jets into four categories, including very light jets, light jets, midsize jets, and heavy jets. Others group them into five categories, including light, midsize, super-midsize, large cabin, and ultra-long-range.

At Paramount Business Jets, we strive for full transparency in all that we do. Accordingly, we group the jets we charter out to customers into nine different categories, providing you a more accurate estimate of important factors such as estimated cost, flight range, and passenger capacity, depending on the model you choose.

Here’s more information about all nine types of jet categories, with some examples of planes that fall into each.

1. Turboprop Aircraft

Think of a private aircraft and a turboprop isn’t probably what immediately comes to mind. And yet, there are many benefits to this type of plane. Maybe the biggest one is the ability to take off and land at almost any airport due to the shorter runway distance required compared to jet planes. Turboprop aircraft may also carry more passengers than similarly-priced or even more expensive very light or light jets. Models like the Beechcraft 1900D can accommodate up to 19 passengers (this is an outlier).

• Passenger Capacity: 6-8 passengers
• Flight Range: 700-1,900 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $1,850-$2,300 per hour
• Common Examples: King Air 100, Pilatus PC-12, King Air 350

2. Very Light Jets

Very light jets represent the smallest and most affordable types of private jets. They’re popular amongst single passengers looking to fly short to medium distances, but they can accommodate up to five people in some cases. Due to the use of jet engines, they fly a lot faster than turboprop planes.

• Passenger Capacity: 2-4 passengers
• Flight Range: 700-1,400 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $2,750-$3,500 per hour
• Common Examples: Citation Mustang, Eclipse 500, Phenom 100, HondaJet

3. Light Jets

While some carriers group light jets and very light jets together, this type of private jet is a little larger and generally provides room for more passengers than a very light jet, making it helpful to make the distinction.

• Passenger Capacity: 6-7 passengers
• Flight Range: 1,100-1,900 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $2,900-$3,500 per hour
• Common Examples: Citation CJ1+, Beechjet 400, Hawker 400XP, Learjet 40

4. Super-Light Jets

Super-Light jets are a step up from both light and very light jets in terms of interior space and comfort. While their passenger capacity might be similar on paper, their cabins are also much more comfortable for slightly longer trips and they’re better equipped to handle additional cargo needs.

• Passenger Capacity: 7-8 passengers
• Flight Range: 1,700-1,900 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $4,000-$4,300 per hour
• Common Examples: Learjet 45, Learjet 75, Phenom 300, Phenom 300E

5. Midsize Jets

If you need to fly more than 2,000 nautical miles or carry around 8 people, then a midsize jet could be ideal. Keep in mind that some models have a range closer to a super light jet, including most Citation models. On the other hand, planes like the Hawker 800XP can travel 2,540 nautical miles, with models like the Hawker 900XP going as far as 2,818 miles.

What’s more, many midsize planes are a lot quieter and smoother to fly in than their smaller counterparts. Plus, they often have not just internal luggage storage, but also external storage, making carrying oversized items like skis or golf bags easier. Full private lavatories are also a standard feature in midsize jets.

• Passenger Capacity: 8-9 passengers
• Flight Range: 1,300-3,000 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $4,300-$4,750 per hour
• Common Examples: Citation Excel, Gulfstream G100 & G150, Learjet 60, Hawker 900XP

6. Super Midsize Jets

From trips well into the 3,000-mile range or those with upwards of 8 people, a super midsize jet is usually a solid choice. Super midsize jets also always come standard with fully enclosed lavatories like midsize jets. They’re a good choice for those who need more space for golf bags, speed, and range without the need for a large aircraft.

• Passenger Capacity: 8-10 passengers
• Flight Range: 2,400-4,000 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $5,100-$6,500 per hour
• Common Examples: Challenger 300, Citation Latitude, Falcon 2000, Legacy 500

7. Large Jets

Large jets offer more amenities, a smoother ride, and a more luxurious experience overall compared to midsize and light jets.

Speeds average around 530 MPH, with the average range falling in the 4,000 nautical mile mark. While they may be able to navigate airports not navigable by major airlines, options are more limited compared to midsize and light jets.

In the U.S. whereas small and midsize private jets don’t usually have onboard flight attendants, large jets do by law.

• Passenger Capacity: 10-16 passengers
• Flight Range: 3,600-6,000 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $6,800-$9,500 per hour
• Common Examples: Challenger 650, Falcon 900EX, Gulfstream G400

8. Ultra Long-Range Jets

Representing the pinnacle of space, luxury, and range, ultra-long-range jets are the best choice for travelers looking to fly transatlantic. Baggage compartments often hold up to 20 suitcases, meaning there’s also plenty of space for everyone’s stuff. Long-range jets also often include full bars, and sometimes, even private rooms. Catering services are also common.

• Passenger Capacity: 12-16 passengers
• Flight Range: 2,500-6,700 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $10,000-$14,000 per hour
• Common Examples: Falcon 7X, Global 7500, Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G650ER

9. VIP Airliners

VIP airliners are used to transport much larger groups over much longer distances. While luxurious, due to their high costs to operate, they are often second to ultra-long-range jets in terms of preference. They are by far the private jets that offer the most space and range.

• Passenger Capacity: 16-50 passengers
• Flight Range: 3,800-6,100 nautical miles
• Price to Charter: $16,000-$23,000 per hour
• Common Examples: Most VIP airliners are converted commercial airliners Air Force 1 is an example of a VIP airliner.

Compare Private Aircraft to Find the Right Choice

If you’re still wondering what kind of private plane might be best for your unique needs, we invite you to use our aircraft comparison tool. Just input models you’re interested in, and you’ll get information about the passenger capacity, speed, range, average net price, and more.

Meanwhile, we invite you to explore private jet rental costs here to see how much your next charter flight could cost depending on the category of plane you choose.