Why Choose a Light Jet?
Light jets represent the most accessible entry point into private aviation. These versatile aircraft combine efficiency, speed, and comfort for business travelers and leisure flyers who need to cover distances of up to 3,700 km without the overhead of larger cabin jets.
With the ability to operate from shorter runways and smaller regional airports, light jets open up thousands of airfields inaccessible to commercial airlines. This means closer departures to your origin, less ground transfer time, and direct access to destinations like Ibiza, Nice, Mykonos, and countless business hubs across Europe.
Advantages of Light Jets
Cost-Effective
Lowest hourly charter rates in the jet category. Operating costs 40-60% lower than midsize jets, making private aviation accessible for shorter trips and smaller groups.
Small Airport Access
Operate from runways as short as 900 m. Access over 5,000 airports across Europe, including city-center airfields like London City, Cannes Mandelieu, and Lugano.
Speed & Efficiency
Cruise at 700-850 km/h — nearly as fast as midsize jets. Reach any destination within Europe in under 4 hours, with fuel efficiency that keeps costs manageable.
Comfortable Cabins
Modern light jets feature stand-up cabins, enclosed lavatories, refreshment centers, and power outlets. Club seating configurations allow face-to-face meetings in flight.
Available Light Jet Models
Cessna Citation CJ2+
Passengers: 7
Range: 2,780 km
Speed: 774 km/h
Charter: from €3,500/h
Reliable entry-level light jet with proven performance and low operating costs.
Cessna Citation CJ3+
Passengers: 8
Range: 3,335 km
Speed: 778 km/h
Charter: from €3,800/h
Enhanced range and Garmin G3000 avionics. Single-pilot certified for added flexibility.
Cessna Citation CJ4
Passengers: 10
Range: 3,700 km
Speed: 830 km/h
Charter: from €4,500/h
Top of the CJ line. Fastest and longest-range light jet from Cessna.
Cessna Citation Mustang
Passengers: 5
Range: 2,130 km
Speed: 630 km/h
Charter: from €2,800/h
Entry-level very light jet. Ideal for short hops and owner-flown operations.
Learjet 40XR
Passengers: 7
Range: 3,241 km
Speed: 834 km/h
Charter: from €4,000/h
Legendary Learjet speed and performance. Flat-floor cabin and excellent climb rate.
Learjet 45XR
Passengers: 9
Range: 3,611 km
Speed: 846 km/h
Charter: from €4,200/h
Extended-range Learjet with wider cabin and improved hot-and-high performance.
Embraer Phenom 300E
Passengers: 10
Range: 3,724 km
Speed: 839 km/h
Charter: from €4,200/h
Best-selling light jet in the world. Class-leading speed, range, and cabin comfort.
Embraer Phenom 100EV
Passengers: 6
Range: 2,182 km
Speed: 749 km/h
Charter: from €3,000/h
Compact entry-level jet with exceptional cabin design by BMW Designworks.
HondaJet Elite S
Passengers: 6
Range: 2,661 km
Speed: 782 km/h
Charter: from €3,200/h
Revolutionary over-the-wing engine mount. Largest cabin and baggage in its class.
Pilatus PC-24
Passengers: 8
Range: 3,610 km
Speed: 815 km/h
Charter: from €4,000/h
Super Versatile Jet with cargo door. Operates from paved and unpaved runways.
Typical Light Jet Routes
Light jets are perfectly suited for intra-European travel and short international hops. Popular routes include:
- London — Paris: 1h 10min (vs. 4h+ commercial door-to-door)
- Geneva — Nice: 45 min
- Milan — Ibiza: 1h 40min
- Munich — London: 1h 50min
- Paris — Barcelona: 1h 35min
- Zurich — Rome: 1h 25min
- Vienna — Mykonos: 2h 30min
- Frankfurt — Moscow: 3h 15min
Light Jet Comparison Table
| Model | Passengers | Range (km) | Speed (km/h) | Charter/h | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation Mustang | 5 | 2,130 | 630 | €2,800 | from $3M |
| Phenom 100EV | 6 | 2,182 | 749 | €3,000 | from $4.5M |
| HondaJet Elite S | 6 | 2,661 | 782 | €3,200 | from $5.4M |
| Citation CJ2+ | 7 | 2,780 | 774 | €3,500 | from $5M |
| Citation CJ3+ | 8 | 3,335 | 778 | €3,800 | from $8.3M |
| Learjet 40XR | 7 | 3,241 | 834 | €4,000 | from $4M* |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 8 | 3,610 | 815 | €4,000 | from $10.7M |
| Learjet 45XR | 9 | 3,611 | 846 | €4,200 | from $4.5M* |
| Phenom 300E | 10 | 3,724 | 839 | €4,200 | from $10.5M |
| Citation CJ4 | 10 | 3,700 | 830 | €4,500 | from $9M |
* Pre-owned market pricing. Learjet production ended in 2021.
Charter Pricing Guide
Light jet charter rates typically range from €2,800 to €4,500 per flight hour, depending on the specific aircraft, route, and availability. Key pricing factors include:
- Aircraft type: VLJs (Mustang, Phenom 100) start lower; top-of-class (CJ4, Phenom 300E) command premium rates
- Empty legs: Save 25-75% on one-way repositioning flights
- Seasonal demand: Summer Mediterranean routes and winter ski destinations see higher pricing
- Positioning: Flights departing from major hubs typically offer better availability and pricing
Charter or Purchase — We Handle Both
Plane Selection by Plane Selection offers comprehensive light jet services including on-demand charter, aircraft sales and acquisitions, fleet management, and fractional ownership programs. Whether you fly 50 or 500 hours per year, we tailor solutions to optimize your cost per flight hour.
Our advisory team provides detailed cost-of-ownership analysis comparing charter, fractional, and full ownership — so you make the right decision for your travel profile.
