Very light jets are the smallest aircraft in the jet fleet, and for one to four people on a short sector they are usually the most cost-effective way to charter a private jet. They cruise at around 340 to 420 knots, climb above most weather and use shorter runways than larger jets, which opens up smaller airports closer to where you are going.
The trade is space. Cabins seat four or five in a club layout, baggage holds suit soft bags and a few cases rather than a family’s ski kit, and on longer sectors a fuel stop may be needed. If you are travelling light on a UK or near-European route, that trade is rarely noticed.
Best for
- One to four passengers travelling light
- UK city pairs and short cross-Channel sectors
- Day returns for business, where cost per hour matters
Very Light Jets compared
| Aircraft | Passengers | Cruise | Range | Cabin height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation Mustang | Up to 4 | 340 kt | 1,150 nm | 4’6” (1.37 m) |
| Citation M2 | Up to 5 | 404 kt | 1,550 nm | 4’9” (1.45 m) |
| Phenom 100 | Up to 4 | 390 kt | 1,178 nm | 4’11” (1.50 m) |
| HondaJet | Up to 5 | 420 kt | 1,223 nm | 4’10” (1.47 m) |
Type figures from the Charter-A fleet guides; individual aircraft vary.
Very Light Jets to charter
Cessna Citation Mustang
Cessna Citation M2
Embraer Phenom 100
HondaJet HA-420 & Elite S
Very Light Jet Charter: your questions answered
How many passengers do very light jets carry?
4–5 passengers, depending on the aircraft: Citation Mustang (up to 4), Citation M2 (up to 5), Phenom 100 (up to 4) and HondaJet (up to 5).
How far can very light jets fly?
Maximum range in this class runs from 1,150 to 1,550 nautical miles. Non-stop range on the day depends on passengers, baggage and winds.
Which very light jet should I charter?
It depends on how many are travelling, how much luggage you have and how far you are going. Tell Charter-A the trip and we will recommend the aircraft that fits it, with one fully inclusive price.
Other aircraft classes
- Light Jets5–9 passengers
- Midsize Jets6–9 passengers
- Super Midsize JetsUp to 9 passengers
- Heavy Jets11–14 passengers
- Ultra Long Range Jets9–19 passengers
- Turboprops6–8 passengers
Not sure which class you need? See which size of private jet do I need? and how much it costs to charter a private jet.