Aircraft hub
Every class of private aircraft, explained
Seats, range, speed and typical charter rates for each class, with the models we arrange most often. Not sure which fits? Try the Range Explorer.
Open the Range Explorer| Class | Seats | Range (nm) | Cruise | Typical rate / hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprops | 6–9 | 1,100–1,800 | 290 kt | $2,000–$3,400 |
| Very Light Jets | 4–6 | 1,100–1,550 | 390 kt | $3,000–$4,300 |
| Light Jets | 6–8 | 1,500–2,200 | 440 kt | $4,000–$5,900 |
| Midsize Jets | 7–9 | 1,800–2,900 | 445 kt | $5,000–$7,200 |
| Super Midsize Jets | 8–10 | 3,100–4,000 | 465 kt | $6,500–$9,800 |
| Heavy Jets | 10–16 | 3,400–6,000 | 470 kt | $8,500–$13,000 |
| Ultra Long Range Jets | 12–17 | 6,000–7,700 | 490 kt | $11,000–$17,500 |
| Helicopters | 4–8 | 250–450 | 145 kt | $3,500–$7,000 |
Rates are typical 2026 US on-demand ranges before taxes and fees. Actual quotes depend on operator, date, positioning and demand.
Size at a glance
From light jet to ultra long range
One representative jet from each class, drawn to the same scale.
Turboprops
→Propeller aircraft powered by jet turbines. Slower than jets but economical on short sectors, and able to use short or unpaved runways that jets cannot.
King Air 250 · Pilatus PC-12 NGX · King Air 350i
Very Light Jets
→The entry point to jet travel. Compact cabins for small parties on regional hops, with jet speed at close to turboprop cost.
Citation Mustang · Phenom 100EX · HondaJet Elite II · Citation M2 Gen2
Light Jets
→The most popular charter class in the US. Fast, efficient and able to reach many smaller airports close to your destination.
Hawker 400XP · Learjet 45XR · Phenom 300E · Citation CJ3+ · Citation CJ4 Gen2
Midsize Jets
→A stand-up cabin, a proper lavatory and more baggage room, with enough range for most domestic routes nonstop.
Citation Excel / XLS · Learjet 60XR · Hawker 800XP · Citation Latitude · Hawker 900XP · Gulfstream G150
Super Midsize Jets
→Large-cabin comfort without large-cabin cost. Coast-to-coast nonstop, flat-floor cabins and, on many models, Wi-Fi and a full galley.
Hawker 4000 · Challenger 300 / 350 · Citation Sovereign+ · Citation Longitude · Gulfstream G280 · Falcon 2000LXS · Praetor 600
Heavy Jets
→Large-cabin jets with separate seating zones, full galleys and room to sleep. Built for intercontinental travel and larger groups.
Legacy 600 / 650 · Challenger 605 / 650 · Gulfstream GIV-SP · Gulfstream G450 · Falcon 900LX · Falcon 7X
Ultra Long Range Jets
→The flagships of private aviation. Fly city pairs like New York to Tokyo or Los Angeles to Sydney nonstop, with private suites and multiple living areas.
Global 6000 · Falcon 8X · Gulfstream GV · Gulfstream G550 · Gulfstream G650ER · Global 7500
Helicopters
→Point-to-point transfers between airports, city heliports, resorts and events. Ideal for short distances where road traffic is the real obstacle.
Sikorsky S-76 · Bell 429
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What size private jet do I need?
Start with passengers and distance. Light jets suit up to 7 passengers on trips under about 3 hours; midsize jets add a stand-up cabin; super midsize jets fly coast to coast nonstop; heavy and ultra long range jets cover transatlantic and intercontinental trips and larger groups.
What is the difference between a light jet and a midsize jet?
Midsize jets have taller cabins (around 5.7 ft versus under 5 ft), more baggage space, an enclosed lavatory and roughly 500 to 900 nm more range. Light jets cost less per hour and can use more small airports.
Why does range on a charter differ from the brochure figure?
Published ranges assume light loads and calm winds. Full cabins, headwinds, cold-soaked fuel, alternate airport requirements and short runways all reduce practical range, so operators plan with a margin.
Class photos: Photo: Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Greg Goebel / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: N509FZ / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon / CC BY-SA 4.0
Charter desk · 24/7/365
Where do you need to be next?
Tell us the trip. A charter advisor will come back with vetted aircraft options and all-in pricing, usually within the hour.