Very light jet: compact for short hops
Very light jets are the smallest jets in business aviation. They typically seat four to five passengers and have a range of around 2,000 to 2,400 kilometres, which suits flights of one to two hours within central Europe. The cabin is compact, without stand-up height, and luggage space is limited.
- Example models: Cessna Citation Mustang, Embraer Phenom 100.
Light jet: the all-rounder for Europe
Light jets typically seat six to eight passengers with a range of around 3,000 to 3,700 kilometres. Many European routes, such as Munich to Mallorca or Frankfurt to London, are possible nonstop. They offer more luggage space than very light jets and often a lavatory, and they are among the categories most frequently offered as empty legs.
- Example models: Cessna Citation CJ3, Embraer Phenom 300.
Midsize jet: more cabin for longer flights
Midsize jets typically seat seven to nine passengers with a range of around 3,400 to 4,500 kilometres. The cabin is taller and wider, on many models close to stand-up height, which makes flights of three to four hours noticeably more comfortable.
- Example models: Cessna Citation XLS, Learjet 60.
Super midsize jet: comfort and range
Super midsize jets typically seat eight to ten passengers with a range of around 5,000 to 6,500 kilometres. The cabin usually has stand-up height and a flat floor, and routes that would need a fuel stop in a smaller jet, such as flights to the Middle East or North Africa, are possible nonstop.
- Example models: Bombardier Challenger 350, Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Legacy 500 (sometimes listed as midsize).
Heavy jet: large cabin, intercontinental depending on model
Heavy jets typically seat ten to sixteen passengers with a range of around 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres. The wide cabin offers stand-up height and separate zones. Depending on model and conditions, transatlantic flights from western Europe to the US East Coast are possible.
- Example models: Bombardier Challenger 605 and 650, Gulfstream G450.
Ultra long range jet: nonstop between continents
Ultra long range jets typically offer ranges above 11,000 kilometres and seat around 13 to 19 passengers depending on configuration. Europe to Asia or the US West Coast is possible without a stop. Empty legs in this category are less common, as these aircraft are often committed to long routes.
- Example models: Bombardier Global 6000, Bombardier Global 7500.
Turboprop: economical and suited to small airfields
Turboprops use a gas turbine to drive a propeller. The Pilatus PC-12 is a widely used example, typically seating six to nine passengers with a range of around 3,000 kilometres. Turboprops are slower than jets but need shorter runways, and on routes of up to about two hours the time difference is often small.
- Example model: Pilatus PC-12.
Choosing the right category
All figures are rough, typical industry ranges. Actual range depends on payload, wind, temperature, airport and required reserves; seat count depends on cabin layout. The data for the specific aircraft always takes precedence.
- Passengers: on longer trips, avoid filling every seat for extra comfort.
- Luggage: skis or golf bags point towards a larger category.
- Route: check whether the flight is possible without a fuel stop, especially with winter headwinds.
- Airport: short runways or demanding approaches limit the aircraft types that can operate.
- Budget: the smallest category that fits is usually the most economical.
FAQ
What private jet categories are there?
The usual categories are very light jet, light jet, midsize jet, super midsize jet, heavy jet and ultra long range jet, plus turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12.
How many people fit in a private jet?
It depends on the category. Very light jets typically seat four to five passengers, heavy jets ten to sixteen and ultra long range jets around 13 to 19, depending on configuration.
Which category suits flights within Europe?
Light jets or midsize jets cover most European routes. For very long sectors or more comfort, a super midsize jet is worth considering.
Can a private jet fly across the Atlantic?
Yes, depending on the model. Heavy jets can typically fly from western Europe to the US East Coast, and ultra long range jets manage much longer nonstop routes.
Updated 13 September 2026