Light Jets: Models, Range and Charter Prices per Hour

Light jets at a glance

Five aircraft make up the current offer. The useful difference is not range but baggage hold.

The Phenom 300, a light jet punching above its category

The Phenom 300 is often described as a super light jet, and the figures back it up. Its 2.40 m3 hold exceeds the Citation CJ family by 30 %, and its cabin gains five centimetres of height.

That difference shows above all on trips with seasonal baggage, ski or golf equipment, or a week-long stay with seven passengers. On a same-day business return the gap disappears and the CJ3 becomes the more economical choice.

Its dominance is measured, not assumed. On GAMA figures, the general aviation manufacturers' association, the Phenom 300 series has been the most delivered light jet in the world for fourteen consecutive years. Embraer delivered 72 in 2025, its highest annual total of the decade, and it is also the most delivered twin-engine jet across all categories for six years running.

The fleet exceeds 900 aircraft in service across 70 countries, with more than 2.9 million flight hours accumulated. That critical mass translates directly for you: on a forty-eight hour request, the odds of finding one available stay higher than for any other model in the category.

The PC-24, the only jet certified for unpaved runways

Here is the fact that genuinely sets this category apart, and that no comparison site mentions: the Pilatus PC-24 is certified to operate from grass, gravel and dirt runways. No other business jet is.

Certification came in two stages. In 2018 Pilatus obtained approval for dry sand and gravel. In 2020, after a test campaign flown in England, France, the Czech Republic and from snow-covered gravel runways at Kuujjuaq in Quebec, certification extended to grass, wet earth and snow-covered surfaces. Pilatus is the first business aviation manufacturer to secure rough field certification.

The manufacturer calls it a Super Versatile Jet, and the figure it quotes is telling: the PC-24 reaches almost twice as many airports worldwide as other business jets on the market. In practice that opens Africa, islands and mountain fields even a very light jet has to rule out.

Its hold is also the largest in the category at 2.55 m3, with a cargo door sized for bulky equipment. In exchange, it seats only six passengers.

What four hours of range makes possible

Four hours of flying covers Paris to or from Athens, Geneva to or from Marrakesh, London to or from Palma. In other words, most of the European and Mediterranean basin is a light jet job.

The limit appears in three cases: sectors towards Dubai and the Gulf, which need a midsize aircraft at minimum, groups above eight passengers, and flights where full cabin service is expected. There is no flight attendant on board a light jet.

Light jet price: from 4,000 euros per hour

Allow from around 4,000 euros per hour, including aircraft, crew, fuel, ground handling and charges. It is the best capacity-to-cost ratio in European business aviation, which explains the category's dominance.

In this bracket, availability weighs heavily on the final rate. An aircraft already positioned at your departure airport avoids a chargeable positioning flight. The full grid is on our private jet rental cost page.

When to stay very light, when to move to midsize

Under two hours of flying with four passengers and little baggage, a very light jet from 3,500 euros per hour is enough and costs less.

Beyond four and a half hours, or as soon as standing up in the cabin matters, you move to a midsize jet from 4,800 euros per hour. The Citation XLS remains the reference at that level. Our guide on range by aircraft category sets out the thresholds.

Chartering a light jet with IBC Aviation

As an independent broker we compare the real availability of several operators against your request and verify the aircraft's compatibility with the intended airport before confirming. In this heavily demanded category, that work is often what separates a flight at the right time from a compromise. Every model is listed on our light jets page.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and organise your trip to or from your destination. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 92 372 4680
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

How much does a light jet cost per hour?

From around 4,000 euros per flying hour, including aircraft, crew, fuel, ground handling and charges. It offers the best capacity-to-cost ratio for European sectors, which explains the strong demand on this category.

Which light jet has the largest baggage hold?

The PC-24 at 2.55 m3, ahead of the Phenom 300 at 2.40 m3. The Citation CJ family tops out at 1.84 m3. The gap becomes decisive with ski or golf equipment or week-long baggage.

Can a light jet land on a grass runway?

Yes, but only the PC-24. Pilatus was the first business aviation manufacturer certified for rough fields, in 2018 for gravel then in 2020 for grass, wet earth and snow. The manufacturer quotes access to almost twice as many airports as other business jets.

Is there a flight attendant on board?

No, the category does not carry cabin crew. Service by a flight attendant requires moving up to a midsize aircraft or above. Refreshments and catering remain available on a self-service basis.