Light Jets Overview
Light jets carry 6–9 passengers with ranges typically between 1,500 and 2,500 NM. They balance speed, cabin comfort, and operating economics — the most popular category in the charter market for domestic flights.
The Jet Finder's aircraft directory currently tracks 16 light jet models with a combined 911 registered aircraft in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Cruise speeds across this category range from 375 to 475 knots, with ranges spanning 1,500 to 2,360 nautical miles.
Typical charter rates for light jet aircraft range from $3,500–$5,500/hr per flight hour. Cross-country domestic flights (3–4 hours), executive shuttle between regional offices, weekend getaways, time-sensitive business travel where airlines don't connect well.
Typical Missions
Coast-to-coast positioning, East Coast shuttles, Florida to Northeast corridor. Whether you are evaluating a charter flight or considering an acquisition, understanding the performance envelope of the light jet category is essential for matching the right aircraft to your mission profile.
Who Flies Light Jets and Why
The Domestic Road Warrior
Executives flying 3–5 hour domestic legs weekly. New York to Chicago, Dallas to Denver, Atlanta to Miami. Light jets cover these routes nonstop with stand-up cabins and enclosed lavatories that VLJs lack.
The Weekend Traveler
Families of 4–6 heading to vacation destinations within 1,500 nm. Light jets offer enough cabin for comfort without paying heavy-jet rates. The math works on routes where airlines require connections.
The Charter Regular
Repeat charter clients who have graduated from VLJs and need more range, more baggage, or more cabin. Light jets are the most-chartered category in the US market by volume.
Need more range or passengers? See the next category.
Performance and Mission Profile
Light Jets cruise at 375–475 knots with ranges of 1,500–2,360 nm. Service ceilings typically reach FL410–FL450. The table below shows how these numbers translate to real missions.
| Mission | Example City Pair | Feasibility |
|---|---|---|
| Short domestic | New York → Washington DC | Quick nonstop, 45 min |
| Mid domestic | Chicago → Miami | Comfortable nonstop |
| Coast-to-coast | New York → Los Angeles | Nonstop on select models |
| International | Miami → Cancun | Nonstop, within range |
Cost to Operate and to Charter
Operating cost is what an owner pays per flight hour to fly the aircraft: fuel, maintenance reserves, crew prorate. Charter rate is what a charter client pays for the aircraft on a specific trip, including the operator's overhead, profit, and positioning.
| Cost Line | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly operating cost | $2,500 | $3,200 | $4,000 |
| Hourly charter rate | $3,800 | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| Annual fixed cost (owner) | $500K | $700K | $950K |
Charter rates exceed operating costs because they include positioning flights, crew scheduling, insurance, and the 7.5% Federal Excise Tax (FET) on domestic charters. Prospective aircraft buyers should budget annual fixed costs separately from per-hour operating costs.
Browse 16 Light Jets Models
Each model page includes detailed specifications, performance data, and a complete fleet registry linking to individual tail number pages with FAA registration data.
Embraer Phenom 300
Best-selling light jet in the world for over a decade. The 300E variant pushed range past 2,000 nm.
Cessna Citation CJ3
The CJ3+ is the benchmark light jet. Reliable, efficient, and available at scale in the charter market.
Hawker 400XP
Learjet 45
Learjet 35
Cessna Citation CJ2
Cessna Citation II
Bombardier Learjet 31
Bombardier Learjet 75
Cessna Citation CJ4
Straddles the line between light and midsize. Single-pilot certified with midsize range.
Pilatus PC-24
The only light jet certified for unpaved runways. Cargo door accepts full-size pallets.
Bombardier Learjet 40
Showing top 12 of 16 models. See the full comparison table below.
Routes Commonly Flown on Light Jets
A light jet route typically stays under 2,000 nm, connecting major metros to business or leisure destinations. These routes are drawn from our route directory.
Sample Aircraft from the Registry
911 light jet aircraft in the FAA registry. Below is a sample. Each links to the full tail-number page with specs, ownership, and history.
How Light Jets Compare
Light Jets sit between Very Light Jets and Midsize Jets. Most buyers in this zone are deciding based on mission profile, not preference.
| Spec | Very Light Jet | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical pax | 4–6 | 6–8 | 7–9 |
| Range (nm) | 1,000–1,400 | 1,500–2,000 | 2,500–3,500 |
| Cruise (kt) | 380–420 | 420–460 | 430–475 |
| Hourly charter | $2,800–$4,200 | $3,800–$5,500 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Best for | Short legs, owner-flown | Most regional, stand-up cabin | Coast-to-coast, larger groups |
A VLJ is the better choice when flying under 1,000 nm with 4 or fewer passengers. The hourly savings are significant, and VLJs access shorter runways that light jets may not reach.
A midsize jet makes sense when range exceeds 2,000 nm, when carrying 7+ passengers, or when flat-floor cabin height matters for longer flights. Midsize jets reach the Caribbean and Central America nonstop from most US cities.
All 16 Models — Specs Comparison
Click any model for full specs, fleet registry, and FAQ.
| Model | Speed | Range | Pax | Registered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer Phenom 300 | 453 kts | 2,010 NM | 10 | 213 |
| Cessna Citation CJ3 | 416 kts | 2,040 NM | 9 | 141 |
| Hawker 400XP | 450 kts | 1,500 NM | 8 | 104 |
| Learjet 45 | 465 kts | 2,120 NM | 9 | 98 |
| Learjet 35 | 452 kts | 2,060 NM | 8 | 76 |
| Cessna Citation CJ2 | 418 kts | 1,613 NM | 8 | 63 |
| Cessna Citation II | 375 kts | 1,580 NM | 8 | 41 |
| Bombardier Learjet 31 | 457 kts | 1,540 NM | 8 | 33 |
| Bombardier Learjet 75 | 465 kts | 2,040 NM | 9 | 31 |
| Cessna Citation CJ4 | 451 kts | 2,165 NM | 10 | 29 |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 440 kts | 2,000 NM | 10 | 21 |
| Bombardier Learjet 40 | 465 kts | 1,785 NM | 7 | 20 |
| Bombardier Learjet 36 | 452 kts | 2,360 NM | 6 | 18 |
| Dassault Falcon 10 | 475 kts | 1,800 NM | 7 | 12 |
| Nextant 400XTi | 460 kts | 2,000 NM | 8 | 7 |
| Bombardier Learjet 70 | 465 kts | 2,040 NM | 8 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Light Jets
12 questions answered about light jet aircraft
Light jets carry 6–9 passengers with ranges typically between 1,500 and 2,500 NM. They balance speed, cabin comfort, and operating economics — the most popular category in the charter market for domestic flights.
Most light jet aircraft seat 6–10 passengers, depending on the specific model and cabin configuration.
Range spans 1,500 to 2,360 nautical miles across the 16 models in this category.
Charter rates range from $3,800 to $5,500 per flight hour. The rate includes crew, fuel, positioning, and operator overhead. Request a charter quote.
Annual fixed costs range from $500K to $950K, covering hangar, insurance, crew, and maintenance reserves. Hourly operating cost adds $2,500–$4,000 per flight hour. Explore acquisitions.
The Dassault Falcon 10 at 475 knots cruise. View specs.
The Bombardier Learjet 36 at 2,360 nm. View specs.
The Embraer Phenom 300 has the most FAA-registered aircraft in this category with 213 active registrations. View the fleet.
Single-pilot certification varies by model. In this category, several models hold single-pilot type certificates, reducing crew costs for owner-operators.
Most light jet aircraft require 3,000–4,500 feet for takeoff at typical weights.
Strong range for coast-to-coast domestic. Enclosed lavatories on most models. Stand-up cabin on newer models. Competitive charter rates.
Not ideal for transatlantic missions. Baggage still limited vs. midsize. Cabin width narrower than midsize category Request a charter quote.
Find the Right Light Jet for Your Mission
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a light jet — our aviation advisors can match you with the right aircraft. Access to more than 15,000 aircraft worldwide.