The Benefits of Very Light Jets – Versatile, Efficient, Time-Saving
In the past 20 years very light jets (VLJ) have become a popular option, not just for corporate executives and VIPs, but anyone for whom time is more important than money. They’re perfect for short trips or those who need to travel quickly and efficiently. Their luxury cabins can accommodate up to six passengers and have amenities like WiFi, a private lavatory, and comfortable seating with plenty of legroom.
VLJs are also becoming more economical as the technology and design develop. In the past, corporate executives and VIPs have typically relied on larger jets for shorter trips, but aircraft in the very light jet category are now able to compete on price while still offering the same level of luxury and comfort.
Flying in private jets used to be preserve of the super rich but this new class of very light jets, with their unique design and low maximum take of weight, can be the personal jet of a single pilot. With excellent performance capabilities and all the frills of their larger cousins, an entry level jet can be highly economical to operate.
A Convenient Solution When Time Is Everything
Imagine you need to fly somewhere but you don’t have the time to waste. You are faced with the whole rigmarole of:
- Getting to a major airport. This alone can be time consuming.
- Going through the check-in, bag drop, and security procedures.
- Waiting in the lounge or at the gate for boarding.
- Waiting for push-back and taxi (assuming there are no delays and your aircraft doesn’t miss its slot).
- On arrival, you might have access to fast track passport control but you still have to wait for your luggage.
- Finally, you transit from the major airport to your destination.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to get from point A to Point B, then a VLJ (or perhaps an empty leg flight) could be it. As well as saving time at larger and busier airports, small jets are able to operate from regional airports and airfields, even on grass runways if the conditions are right. This cuts down the transit time from arrival airport to eventual destination.
Private jets of this type are designed, built, maintained, and operated to the same high safety standards as all commercial aircraft. Some of them have a single engine and one pilot while other jets are twin engine models. Whatever the size of the aircraft and crew you can be sure of the same attention to detail.
As the aviation industry recovers from the 2020-2021 pandemic and the demand for VLJs grows, so does the need for qualified pilots. Operators of VLJs must have a commercial license as well as a type rating for the specific aircraft they’re flying. Instead of a crew consisting of a flight attendant, first officer, and captain, your VLJ might have just a single pilot, thus reducting operating costs, and with low MTOW (maximum take off weight) in comparison to larger jets they are able to operate from a wider range of airfields.
3 Benefits of using Very Light Jets
- They are more fuel-efficient and therefore less expensive to operate.
- They can operate from smaller regional airports and airfields.
- They also have a smaller carbon footprint.
FAQ About Very Light Jets
- What is the cost of a flight in a very light jet?
- Is flying a private plane cheaper than flying commercially?
- How much does it cost to charter a light jet by the hour?
- How long will it take to fly from London to New York in a very light jet?
- Does insurance cover all risks associated with flying a private jet?
- Is it more dangerous to fly in light jets than in a commercial airliner?
What is the cost of a flight in a very light jet?
The cost of flying in a very light jet will vary depending on the length of the flight, the destination, and the aircraft. Generally speaking, the cost of a flight in a very light jet is more expensive than flying on a standard commercial flight aboard an airliner. However, chartering a very light jet by the hour can be cheaper than flying a commercial.
How much does it cost to charter a very light jet by the hour?
The cost to charter a very light jet by the hour varies depending on the aircraft. However, on average, it costs between $1,200 and $2,000 per hour to charter a very light jet.
Does my travel insurance cover all risks associated with traveling in a very light jet?
Check with your provider. It may be necessary to add a supplement to your policy.
Is it more dangerous to fly in a very light jet than in a commercial airliner?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors. However, in general, flying in a very light jet is slightly less safe than flying in a commercial airliner, but the differences are very minor. It’s still safer than being in a road vehicle on your way to the airfield!
Short History of Civilian Light Jets
Small jet-powered civil aircraft are a class of aircraft that typically have one or more jet engines and are used for transporting passengers or cargo. They typically have a range of about 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Small jet-powered civil aircraft have been in existence since the early 1950s but it wasn’t until the 21st Century that this market saw significant growth.
Today, small jet-powered civil aircraft are manufactured by several companies, including Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Aviation, Eclipse Aviation, and Gulfstream Aerospace. These aircraft are used by a variety of customers, including corporations, governments, and private individuals.
The light jet market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for air travel and the need for efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions. Air charter companies are already seeing the value of having small jet aircraft on their fleet.
Examples of VLJs and Personal Jet Aircraft
Embraer Phenom 100
The Embraer Phenom 100 is a light jet aircraft that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It has a cruising speed of 437 mph and a range of 1,196 miles. The Phenom 100 has been praised for its superior performance and fuel efficiency. Its spacious interior and state-of-the-art features make it a popular choice for business travelers and families alike.
The Phenom 100 is part of Embraer’s successful line of private jets, which also includes the Legacy 600 and the Lineage 1000. The Phenom 100 was introduced in 2007 and has since become one of the most popular private jets on the market. Its combination of performance, comfort, and value makes it an excellent choice for those who want the best of all worlds.
Cessna Citation Mustang
The Cessna Citation Mustang is a light jet aircraft that seats up to six passengers. It’s perfect for short trips and offers a variety of features, including a pressurized cabin, air conditioning, and an onboard lavatory. The Citation Mustang is also fast, with a cruising speed of 439 mph, a top speed of 483 mph, and range of 1,381 miles. If you’re looking for a great way to travel in style, the Cessna Citation Mustang is a perfect choice. It’s comfortable, efficient, and affordable, making it the perfect option for business or leisure trips.
Eclipse 500
The Eclipse 500 is a twin-engine, low-wing jet that can fly up to 430 mph and has a range of 1,294 miles. With its luxurious leather interior, the Eclipse 500 offers passengers a comfortable flying experience.
The Eclipse 500 can seat up to four passengers and features a pressurized cabin that is comfortable for flying at high altitudes. The aircraft is also equipped with a glass cockpit containing a state-of-the-art avionics suite that includes a GPS navigation system, traffic collision avoidance system, and digital flight control system.
Cessna Citation M2
The Cessna Citation M2 was first produced in 2013 and continues to be in production. It is a twin-engine aircraft that can carry up to six passengers, or four if configured for full comfort.
This Citation jet has a max range of 1,550 nm and a max speed of 404 ktas. It is a great aircraft for short to medium-length flights. The Citation Jet is a great aircraft for those looking for a little more performance than what a traditional light jet can offer.
Honda HA-420 HondaJet
The Honda HA-420 Honda Jet is a light business jet aircraft manufactured by Honda Aircraft Company since 2015. The Honda HA-420 Honda Jet was designed to provide performance and comfort superior to that of other small business jets, with a maximum speed of 423 mph and a range of 1,388 miles.
Cirrus Vision SF50
The Cirrus Vision SF50 is a luxurious single-engineed jet that can seat up to five passengers. First available for purchase in 2016, it has a maximum speed of nearly 311 ktas and a range of 1,200 nautical miles. The Cirrus Vision Jet is perfect for business or leisure travel and offers unparalleled comfort and convenience.
With its state-of-the-art design and amenities, the Vision SF50 is sure to make any trip a memorable one.
More Questions & Answers
How much does a light jet cost?
Generally, a light jet starts at about $1 million but can cost anywhere from $2 million to $40 million, depending on the model and features. A light jet is the cheapest option for a private business or personal charter, which typically costs between $1 and 2 million. A chartered single-engine turboprop aircraft can cost around $10 thousand an hour (without demanding any other amenities).
Which is the best light jet?
Best for whom? Some would argue that the best light jet is the Cirrus Vision SF50. It has a maximum speed of nearly 400 mph and a range of 1,200 miles. It is perfect for business or leisure travel and offers unparalleled comfort and convenience. With its state-of-the-art design and amenities, the Cirrus Vision Jet is sure to make any trip a memorable one.
Conclusion
Single pilot operation in this range puts private jets within the reach of businesses and individuals who want total autonomy to operate aircraft for personal use. If that scenario is out of reach for you ask your local air charter broker if they operate aircraft in the very light jet category. New and secondhand light jets tend to sell well.
They have been adopted as the personal use aircraft for many that can afford the price points. As new models with increased range and enhanced safety features roll off the production line and reach the market , VLJs like the Cirrus Visionjet, the Eclipse 500, and the Eclipse 550 are being seen as the entry point to the jet world for confident and competent pilots.
