Light Jet
Charter.
Jet speed, pressurized cabins, and regional to mid-range range. The right aircraft for most private charter missions on the East Coast and beyond.
Request a QuoteThe most requested category in private aviation.
Light jets are the workhorse of private charter. They cover 1,300 to 2,100 nautical miles nonstop, carry 5 to 10 passengers, and operate from most regional airports. For the majority of domestic private charter missions, a light jet is the answer.
The category splits into two groups. Super light jets are the smaller end: Citation CJ1, CJ2, Beechjet 400, and the older Learjet 31 and 35 series. These carry 5 to 7 passengers and work best on hops under 2 hours. Light jets proper include the Citation CJ3, CJ4, Citation V, Ultra, Bravo, Phenom 300, and the Learjet 40 through 75 series. These carry 6 to 10 passengers and handle routes up to 4 hours nonstop.
The Phenom 300 and Learjet 75 sit at the top of the category in speed and comfort, often compared to entry midsize jets. The CJ series represents the efficient lower end. Your advisor recommends the right model based on your route, group size, and what you want the cabin to feel like.
At a Glance
Citation Family
Seven Citation models across two generations. The CJ series for efficient regional missions. The 500 series for more cabin space and longer range.
Super Light Jet
Citation CJ1
Entry-level CJ series. Compact, efficient, and ideal for small groups on short to regional routes. Carries 5 to 6 passengers with a quiet pressurized cabin and Williams FJ44 engines.
Super Light Jet
Citation CJ2
A step up from the CJ1 in range and capacity. Carries 6 to 7 passengers to 1,500 nm with the same efficient CJ platform. A natural choice for the NY to Miami or Miami to Caribbean corridor.
Light Jet
Citation CJ3
The sweet spot of the CJ series. 7 to 8 passengers, 2,000 nm range, and a cabin that works for both business and leisure. Covers New York to Caribbean, Miami to Denver, and similar mid-range corridors nonstop.
Light Jet
Citation CJ4
Top of the CJ line. Up to 10 passengers, 2,100 nm range, and a wider cabin than any other CJ model. Near-midsize performance at light jet economics. One of the most capable aircraft in this category.
Light Jet
Citation V
Spacious cabin for a light jet with wide reclining seats and a flat floor throughout. Carries 7 to 8 passengers to 1,800 nm. Consistently outclasses competing light jets in passenger comfort on regional routes.
Light Jet
Citation Ultra
Premium evolution of the Citation V. Adds an enclosed lavatory, upgraded seating, and nearly 2,000 nm range to an already spacious cabin. The top light jet choice for travelers who want genuine luxury without moving to midsize pricing.
Light Jet
Citation Bravo
Executive club seating and an enclosed lavatory on a light jet platform. Carries 7 passengers with a quiet cabin designed for business travel. Midsize amenities at light jet operating costs on short to mid-range routes.
Beechjet 400
The Beechjet 400 brings Japanese-built precision and Mitsubishi roots to the light jet category. A reliable, efficient platform for small groups on regional missions.
Phenom 300
The Phenom 300 is one of the most awarded light jets produced. Brazilian engineering, modern avionics, and a cabin that consistently outperforms expectations for the category.
Learjet Series
Five generations of Learjet light jets. The 31 and 35 represent the classic era, the 40 through 70 the modern platform, and the 75 the pinnacle of the Learjet line before production ended in 2022.
Light Jet
Learjet 31
Classic Learjet design with the proven winglet configuration. Carries 6 to 8 passengers at high cruise speeds on regional routes up to 1,880 nm. A reliable platform for business travel where speed matters more than cabin size.
Light Jet
Learjet 35
Longest-ranged Learjet in the classic series at 2,125 nm. Carries 6 to 8 passengers with the distinctive Learjet twin-engine efficiency. Covers the full East Coast corridor and most Caribbean routes nonstop.
Light Jet
Learjet 40
Modern Learjet platform with updated avionics and a wider cabin than the 35 series. Carries 6 to 7 passengers to 1,800 nm on Honeywell TFE731 engines. A reliable mid-generation Learjet for regional and mid-range missions.
Light Jet
Learjet 45
Wider and taller cabin than older Learjet models. Carries 8 passengers to 1,970 nm with a flat floor and an enclosed lavatory. Brings light jet economics to a cabin that starts to feel midsize on longer legs.
Light Jet
Learjet 70
Updated Honeywell engines and advanced avionics on the proven Learjet 45 airframe. Carries 6 passengers to 2,000 nm with improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor. A modern efficient Learjet for pairs and small executive groups.
Light Jet
Learjet 75
The final and most capable Learjet. Carries 8 to 9 passengers to 2,040 nm with a flat floor, enclosed lavatory, and the highest cruise speed in the light jet category. The last Learjet produced before Bombardier ended the line. A collector-quality aircraft that delivers genuine near-midsize performance.
All 15 models compared.
| Aircraft | Manufacturer | Pax | Range | Flat Floor | Lavatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ1 | Cessna | 5 to 6 | ~1,300 nm | Yes | Partial |
| Citation CJ2 | Cessna | 6 to 7 | ~1,500 nm | Yes | Partial |
| Beechjet 400 | Beechcraft | 6 to 7 | ~1,500 nm | No | Partial |
| Learjet 31 | Bombardier | 6 to 8 | ~1,880 nm | No | Partial |
| Citation V | Cessna | 7 to 8 | ~1,800 nm | Yes | Partial |
| Citation Bravo | Cessna | 7 | ~1,730 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Learjet 40 | Bombardier | 6 to 7 | ~1,800 nm | No | Partial |
| Learjet 35 | Bombardier | 6 to 8 | ~2,125 nm | No | Partial |
| Citation Ultra | Cessna | 7 to 8 | ~1,960 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Learjet 45 | Bombardier | 8 | ~1,970 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Citation CJ3 | Cessna | 7 to 8 | ~2,000 nm | Yes | Partial |
| Learjet 70 | Bombardier | 6 | ~2,000 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Phenom 300 | Embraer | 6 to 8 | ~2,010 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Learjet 75 | Bombardier | 8 to 9 | ~2,040 nm | Yes | Enclosed |
| Citation CJ4 | Cessna | 8 to 10 | ~2,100 nm | Yes | Partial |
Looking for a different aircraft class?
Light jet charter FAQ.
What is the difference between a light jet and a super light jet?
Super light jets are the smaller and lighter end of the category. They typically carry 5 to 7 passengers, have slightly less range, and have lower operating costs. Models like the Citation CJ1, CJ2, and Beechjet 400 fall here. Light jets proper, including the Citation CJ3, CJ4, Phenom 300, and Learjet 45 and 75, carry more passengers, have longer range, and deliver more cabin comfort at a somewhat higher operating cost.
Which light jet has the most range?
The Learjet 35 leads the category at roughly 2,125 nautical miles. The Citation CJ4 follows at around 2,100 nm, and the Learjet 75 at about 2,040 nm. The Phenom 300 and Citation CJ3 are close behind at just over 2,000 nm each. All of these cover the full East Coast and most Caribbean routes nonstop.
Do light jets have a lavatory?
Most light jets have a lavatory, but not all are fully enclosed. The Citation Bravo, Citation Ultra, Phenom 300, Learjet 45, Learjet 70, and Learjet 75 all have enclosed lavatories. The CJ series and the older Learjet 31 and 35 have partial or open lavatory configurations. If an enclosed lavatory matters for your flight, your advisor will filter accordingly.
Can I stand up in a light jet?
No. Light jets do not have stand-up cabin height. Most models have a cabin height between 4.5 and 5.8 feet. You move through the cabin in a crouch. For passengers who need to stand in the aisle or walk to the lavatory without ducking, a midsize or larger jet is the right category. Your advisor will note this clearly when recommending aircraft for longer flights.
How many passengers can a light jet carry?
It depends on the model. The Citation CJ1 carries 5 to 6. Most mid-range light jets carry 6 to 8. The Learjet 45 and 75 carry 8 and 8 to 9 respectively. The Citation CJ4 tops the category at up to 10 passengers. If your group is larger than 9, a midsize jet is usually the better fit for both comfort and luggage capacity.
What routes are light jets best for?
Light jets cover most East Coast corridors very well. New York to Miami, Miami to Caribbean islands, Washington DC to the Bahamas, Boston to Chicago, and similar routes all fall comfortably within light jet range. The Phenom 300, Learjet 75, and Citation CJ4 extend into slightly longer routes. For coast-to-coast nonstop, a midsize or super midsize jet is the right category.
Which light jet is the fastest?
The Learjet 75 and Learjet 70 lead the category in cruise speed, operating at Mach 0.81, which translates to around 535 mph. The Phenom 300 is close behind at about Mach 0.80. The Citation CJ series and older models operate at lower cruise speeds, around Mach 0.72 to 0.75. On a 2-hour flight the speed difference is roughly 10 to 15 minutes, which matters on longer routes.
When should I upgrade from a light jet to a midsize?
Consider moving to a midsize jet when your group is 9 or more passengers, when the flight is over 3.5 hours and stand-up headroom matters, when you need significant baggage capacity for gear or equipment, or when the route is longer than 2,100 nm nonstop. The midsize category adds stand-up cabins, full galleys, and enclosed lavatories as standard, which changes the experience on longer missions.
Not sure which light jet fits your trip?
Tell your advisor the route, how many passengers, and whether the lavatory matters. They will match the right aircraft from 15 models and confirm availability for your dates.
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