Types of Private Jets
Looking forward to experiencing a smooth flight on a private jet? Before chartering aircrafts, you need to decide on a specific type of aircraft from among Very Light, Midsize, Super Midsize and Heavy jets. All categories are explicitly distinguished by the maximum number of passengers eligible to board the aircraft, their luggage capacities and their range of flight.
Reviewed by Kevin Singh, Founder · Fact-checked against Icarus Jet charter and operations data · Last updated 12 September 2026
The guide
What are the different types of private jets I can charter?
Very Light Jets (VLJs) are usually rented by business clients to reach locations deprived of commercial airline services. Weighing enough to seat a range of 4 to 8 passengers, VLJs are even ideal for honeymoon or family excursions. The clientele is majorly made up of corporate employees so work desk and tables are a common feature in these jets. Some of them even provide on board lavatories but may not have enough room for cabin crew. Their baggage capacity is normally under 80 ft2 and they can fly up to a maximum of 2000 nautical miles. The Hawker 400 XP, Bombardier Lear 35A and the Cessna Citation CJ2 are some sweet models in this category.
Midsize Cabin Jets are great for trans-continental travel because they support an average of five hours of uninterrupted air travel. For clients with constant internet connection needs, these are the perfect choice because of their essential power outlets and Wi-Fi services. What’s more is that they’re large enough to host a single cabin attendant. With a maximum capacity for 10 passengers, these jets suit a party of people. The Cessna Citation Latitude can hold more than 120 ft2 of luggage while most Midsize Cabins carry less than that. The Gulfstream G150 is equipped with an entire TV system to entertain its passengers.
Super Midsize Cabin Jets provide a comfortable flight for an average of more than 3000 nautical miles. Owing to advancing avionics, they significantly reduce the noise pollution in private jets to ensure a relaxing ride for the passengers. Seating may vary from 8 to 12 passengers with a definite over 100 ft2 capacity for luggage. The Cessna Citation Sovereign is equipped with a personal closet while the Bombardier Challenger 350 has its very own refreshment area.
Heavy Jets are the epitome of luxury, mostly preferred by elite customers. They are spacious enough to house bedding facilities, entertainment areas and private washrooms. With a mean range of 4000 miles, they may hover in air for nine consecutive hours. Gulfstream 350 has a capacity for carrying around 170 ft2 of luggage while the Dassault Falcon 900 can accommodate up to 19 passengers on board. Dripping with elegance, book a heavy jet with Icarus Jet if you want to fly in style with guaranteed peak comfort.
Where the very light jet came from
The smallest category exists because of an observation about how business jets were actually used. Most business charters carry one or two passengers, and executives were regularly flying aircraft with seven empty seats. Manufacturers built a class to fit that reality rather than the brochure.
The Eclipse 500 from Eclipse Aviation was the first to reach the market, followed by the Cessna Citation Mustang and the Embraer Phenom 100, which is the most capable of the three. All are designed to be flown single pilot, which is part of how the operating cost comes down.
The result is a category built for short, time-critical trips where the lowest charter rate is what justifies flying privately at all. If the party is two people and the sector is under a couple of hours, this is the class to ask about before anything larger.
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Questions
Category questions the desk gets
What are the private jet categories?
Very light, light, midsize, super midsize and heavy. Each step up adds range, cabin and payload while costing more per hour. Most charters are served by the three in the middle, because very light jets are limited on range and heavy jets are more aircraft than a typical trip needs.
What is a very light jet?
The smallest category, built for short sectors with one or two passengers and designed to be flown single pilot, which is part of how the operating cost comes down. The Eclipse 500 reached the market first, followed by the Citation Mustang and the Embraer Phenom 100.
Which category suits a family of four?
A light jet for a short sector, midsize once the luggage is real or the flight is more than a couple of hours. The deciding factor is usually the bags rather than the seats, which is why the desk asks for weights rather than a bag count.
How far can each category fly?
Very light jets manage short hops, light jets up to roughly 1,700 miles, midsize and super midsize cover most continental sectors non-stop, and heavy jets cross oceans. Headline range assumes a light load; a full cabin reduces it.
Do smaller jets use smaller airports?
Yes, and it is one of their real advantages. Shorter runway requirements open fields that larger cabins cannot use, which often puts you closer to where you are actually going. It is also why a light jet can beat a larger one door to door on a short trip.
Is a turboprop worth considering?
On short sectors and into short or unpaved strips, frequently. Turboprops cost less per hour, handle rougher fields and carry a useful load, at the cost of speed and cabin noise. On safari and island work they are often the only aircraft that can do the job.
Where this sits
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Talk to the desk
Pricing a real trip?
Send the dates, the passengers and the stops. You get a named aircraft, itemised pricing, the operator checks done and a number you can hold us to.
Contact UsPrefer to talk? Call +1 888 277 7203 or email charter@icarusjet.com. The desk is staffed 24/7.