News & Blog

What Types of Aircraft Are Available for Private Jet Charters?

There are few ways to travel that are more comfortable and luxurious than private jet charters. The choice of aircraft for these types of flights usually depends on a number of factors – from the amount of passengers to how far you’re traveling to a multitude of other personal preferences. Selecting the right aircraft can greatly enhance the overall experience of flying privately, and getting the right amenities and comfort are also crucial.

Because of these ever-changing needs and preferences, most private jet charter companies will have a fleet of jets to meet a variety of clients. These different aircraft obviously come with separate sets of pros and cons, and they all will impact your budget differently. The larger the plane the farther it can generally fly, and you’ll want to check as many boxes as you can to ensure a comfortable experience while traveling privately. Understanding the different types of aircraft that are available can help ensure you get the right flight to fit your specific needs.

Turbo Prop Planes

Turbo prop planes are small aircraft that are powered by a gas turbine engine that drives a propeller. These planes are very fuel efficient, meaning lower operating costs compared to jet aircraft. This results in less expensive charter prices, making it more accessible. These planes are also very versatile, making them great for short to medium-haul flights. They also operate on shorter runways, allowing them better access to remote locations or places not served by commercial airlines. They’re also very reliable, and have fewer maintenance issues when compared to other charter jets – meaning fewer delays due to mechanical issues.

Some of the drawbacks to turbo prop planes also comes from their more compact size. They are generally slower than jet aircraft, meaning longer flight times. They also have a limited range, meaning additional stops on longer journeys – which can also increase travel times. The cabins on turbo prop planes are typically smaller than other charter aircraft, and may feel more cramped. However, they can still offer comfortable seating and offer plenty of amenities, and are a great choice for traveling on a budget, going short distances, or to out of the way places.

Light Jets

These are a step up in size and performance from turbo prop planes, and are very suitable for mid-range trips. They offer a lot of flexibility in terms of departure times and destinations, as they can usually depart on short notice and get you to smaller airports closer to your destination. They also provide great privacy and comfort, especially when compared to commercial flights. They can also be customized by the private jet charter company to meet your needs and preferences. Things can be shifted to provide more luggage space and the operators can accommodate requests for other onboard amenities.

Light jets can be more expensive than commercial flights, and they have limited passenger capacity. They have smaller cabins compared to other private jets, and you may need to upgrade if you have a larger group with you. While they don’t have the same range limitations as a turbo prop plane, they still can’t go on long haul flights without fuel stops. This can add to your travel time and make logistics a bit more difficult. They are still a great mid-range option for groups of less than 10 travelers, making light jets a great choice with a lot of versatility.

Mid-Size Jets

Mid-size jets offer more cabin space and the capability to travel longer ranges, making them a great option for longer trips with a larger group of people. These jets are known for their comfort, as they generally have a lot of cabin space and other amenities available compared to smaller aircraft. They can deliver non-stop flights over greater distances, making them suitable for some international flights. They are faster than commercial airliners, and also have access to smaller airports. This can reduce travel time while offering privacy and flexible flight scheduling.

While less expensive than larger charter jets, mid-sized private jets can still be expensive when compared to commercial flights. They also have limited passenger capacity, and may not be suitable for large groups that go over 10 passengers. These are also very popular options, so there might be limited availability during peak travel times. This may require them to be booked well in advance, but they’re still a great option for the private traveler. Their comfort, convenience, and flexibility makes them one of the best options for a private charter experience.

Super Mid-Size Jets

These jets are known for the large cabins and enhanced comfort for the traveler. Super mid-size jets offer ample cabin space, allowing the passengers to move around comfortably in the cabin during the flight. They generally feature plush seat and entertainment systems, and offer amenities like on-board WiFi and even satellite phones. These jets are also equipped with advanced technologies to reduce sound – providing a quieter in-flight experience. Passengers won’t ‘hear the annoying noise and turbulence that is common with most flights. They also have a high level of privacy while giving the passenger a customized travel experience.

One of the biggest drawbacks of these jets is the cost. It can be significantly more expensive than flying even in smaller private jets. They are also harder to find than some of the other options, which could impact availability. Super mid-size jets also have a longer range capability, but they might not be able to fly non-stop on ultra-long-haul routes. However, there are few options that can match the comfort, privacy, and convenience of these aircraft, making them a great option for long flights with a larger group.

Large Cabin Jets

The biggest benefit of this type of aircraft comes right in the name. These offer spacious cabins with plenty of amenities. These plush additions come in the form of full-standing headroom, separate sleeping areas, and large rest rooms. They can easily handle transcontinental flights, and can accommodate more than 10 passengers. This makes them a great option for larger flights with bigger groups. They’re also very luxurious, with comfortable seating, meaning the whole group will be comfortable for the entirety of the flight. Add in more flexible scheduling, and passengers can tailor their itinerary much easier than when flying commercially.

This is one of the more expensive options when dealing with private jets, especially for those on a tight budget. All private jet charters are subject various regulatory requirements and safety standards, and some of these may become an issue if you’re traveling between countries. Large cabin jets may have access to a wide range of airports, but they may be restricted from landing at smaller airports with shorter runways. This may impact the overall travel distance and travel time. There are a lot of advantages to large cabin jets, but it’s important to understand that it may come with a higher price tag.

Other Options

The options listed above are some of the most common choices for private charter travel, but there are a few other sizes, as well. Very Light Jets (VLJs) are the smallest and most economical of private jets, typically seating small groups around five people. Because of their smaller size, VSJs typically are more affordable, and have access to the more remote airports, but they have very limited range compared to other options. They also have very tight weight and baggage restrictions, meaning your group might not be able to bring everything they want on the trip with these aircraft.

On the other end of the spectrum are ultra long-range jets and even VIP airliners. These aircraft are generally in very short supply, if they’re offered by the private charter service in the first place. These are considered the top of the line for the longest range and most luxurious amenities. They can work for intercontinental flights, and accommodate large groups of passengers. VIP airliners have even more space and amenities, and often have a huge array of customization options. They are very expensive and aren’t for everybody, but can deliver the most luxurious travel experience. These rarer options may not be readily accessible like some of the other choices listed here, but might worth inquiring about when you are determining your travel arrangements.

Most Important Considerations

When traveling on a private charter jet, the two most important thing to consider is the size of your group and how far you’ll be traveling. If you’re making a short trip with just a few friends, the convenience and affordability of the smaller options will likely be your best choice. Of course, if you have more flexibility in your budget and want some more luxury and space, discuss the other options with the private charter jet company.

The amenities are also important, and it might be worth bumping up to a larger jet if you want to include some of the higher-end luxuries. This all depends on your group and what you want out of the experiences, so don’t hesitate to talk to the private charter company to make sure all of your boxes are checked to get the most out of the experience. For more information, reach out to the experts at International Jet today.