Private charter — Light jets
Light jets for Private Charter
A light jet is a popular and versatile category covering most intra-European and short domestic US routes with a comfortable cabin.
Aircraft category
What is a light jet?
Light jets are the workhorse of the private charter market. They carry six to seven passengers with more baggage space and cabin comfort than a very light jet, while still cruising at 400 to 450 knots and climbing to a service ceiling of 41,000 to 45,000 feet. Twin turbofan engines and a balanced field length of around 3,200 to 3,600 feet mean they can use most regional business aviation airports, making them a flexible choice for one and two hour sectors.
Light jets such as the Embraer Phenom 300 and Cessna Citation CJ4 are the most booked category for intra-European charter, covering routes like London to Nice or Geneva in well under two hours.
- Engines
- 2 turbofan engines
- Runway needed
- 3,200-3,600 ft
- Cruise speed
- 400-450 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.50 m
Why choose this category
Why choose light jets for your trip
A light jet is a popular and versatile category covering most intra-European and short domestic US routes with a comfortable cabin.
Up to 7 passengers
Most light jets seat between 6-7 passengers in comfort.
Range from 1,500
Cruise range of 1,500-2,000 nm covers the typical sectors for this category.
Efficient cabin at 1.50 m
Comfortable seating designed for shorter to medium sectors.
Cruise speed 400-450 kts
Fast transit with jet-smooth performance on every sector.
Intra-European routes such as London to Nice or Geneva.
Light jets are a popular choice for these missions across Europe and beyond.
Who charters this category
Typical missions for a light jet
A light jet is the aircraft most frequently booked for intra-European charter, covering routes such as London to Nice, Geneva or Milan in under two hours with room for six or seven passengers and their luggage. It is equally common on short domestic US sectors where speed and flexibility matter more than ultimate range.
Expect a more refined cabin than a very light jet, with enough baggage space for a long weekend or short ski trip, while operating costs remain well below a midsize jet.
Fleet
Popular light jets models
Representative aircraft in this category. Specifications vary by configuration and operator.
Popular model
Embraer
Embraer Phenom 300
The best-selling light jet for years running, combining range, speed and a refined cabin that makes it a charter favourite.
Cessna
Cessna Citation CJ4
A capable single-pilot light jet with strong range and a comfortable cabin for short to medium trips.
Specifications
Light jets specification summary
Typical figures for this category. Individual aircraft vary — check with operators for exact specs.
Typical figures for this category. Individual aircraft vary — check with operators for exact specs.
| Specification | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Typical passengers | 6-7 |
| Typical range | 1,500-2,000 nm |
| Cruise speed | 400-450 kts |
| Cabin height | 1.50 m |
| Engines | 2 turbofan engines |
| Runway needed | 3,200-3,600 ft |
| Best for | Intra-European routes such as London to Nice or Geneva. |
Aircraft options
Light jets vs Midsize jets
How light jets compare to the next category up.
- Passengers
- 6-7
- Range
- 1,500-2,000 nm
- Cruise speed
- 400-450 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.50 m
- Best for
- Intra-European routes such as London to Nice or Geneva.
- Passengers
- 7-9
- Range
- 2,000-3,000 nm
- Cruise speed
- 430-470 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.70 m
- Best for
- Longer European routes and transcontinental US flights.
Popular routes
Routes that typically use light jets
Charter routes where light jets are a common choice for the distance and group size.
London to Nice
United Kingdom
London to Geneva
United Kingdom
London to Paris
United Kingdom
London to Milan
United Kingdom
London to Zurich
United Kingdom
London to Munich
United Kingdom
Paris to Geneva
Europe
Paris to Nice
Europe
Geneva to Nice
Europe
Nice to Ibiza
Europe
Zurich to Nice
Europe
Operators
Operators with light jets in their fleet
Providers operating aircraft in this category. Send one enquiry and they respond directly.
Elevate Aviation Group
Light to midsize charter across the UK and Europe
An air operator offering a managed fleet of light and midsize jets, focused on short-notice charter from London's business airports.
Azure Sky Jets
Mediterranean summer charter
A seasonal operator concentrating on summer demand across the western Mediterranean and Balearic islands.
Compare
Other aircraft categories
Compare this category against the rest of the fleet to find the right fit for your trip.
Turboprops
A turboprop is a propeller aircraft that is efficient over short sectors and can use shorter runways than jets, opening up smaller regional airfields.
Very light jets
A very light jet is the smallest jet category, ideal for short trips with a handful of passengers at the lowest jet hourly rates.
Midsize jets
A midsize jet offers more cabin space and range than a light jet, with stand-up cabins on many models and the ability to fly longer sectors non-stop.
Super-midsize jets
A super-midsize jet is a fast, wide-cabin aircraft that combines transcontinental range with stand-up comfort, bridging midsize and heavy jets.
Heavy jets
A heavy jet is a large-cabin aircraft with separate cabin zones, generous baggage and the range to cross the Atlantic non-stop.
Ultra long-range jets
An ultra long-range jet is a flagship of business aviation, able to connect almost any two cities non-stop with full bedrooms and dining areas.
Light jets FAQs
Have a question? We have answers. If you cannot find what you are looking for, get in touch.
Intra-European routes such as London to Nice or Geneva.
Considering light jets for your trip?
Tell us your route, group size and dates. Relevant operators and brokers will respond with suitable aircraft options. No card details required.