Frequently Asked Questions?
What routes and missions are very light jets suitable for?
The VLJ is designed for short business flights for 1-3 passengers: Almaty-Bishkek, Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod, and Istanbul-Antalya. The optimal flight distance is 800-2,000 km, or 1.5-2.5 hours. The aircraft are certified for single pilots and use short runways (at least 1,000 meters), so they fly to smaller airports closer to the destination, such as Courchevel or St. Moritz, instead of a major hub.
What is the range and passenger capacity of very light jets?
The standard class is 4–6 passenger seats and a range of 2,000–2,900 km: Phenom 100EX — 2,180 km, Cirrus Vision Jet — about 2,300 km, Citation M2 Gen 2 — 2,880 km, HondaJet Elite II — 2,865 km. Cruising speed is 630–780 km/h. With a full load of seats, the actual range is reduced to approximately 1,500–2,000 km.
What is the difference between a very light jet and a light jet?
A light jet (Phenom 300E, CJ4) carries 7-10 passengers 3,700-4,000 km, while a VLJ carries 4-6 passengers 2,000-2,900 km. Light jets have a more spacious cabin with a full lavatory and larger luggage compartments, and they have a higher speed. However, a VLJ with a 30-40% is cheaper to lease and purchase. The rule is simple: for up to four passengers and a range of 2,000 km, a VLJ is sufficient; for a range of more, a light jet is needed.
What very light jets are in the fleet and how are they different?
Four models: Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 — the classic with the longest range in the set (2,880 km); HondaJet Elite II — the fastest (782 km/h) with a separate toilet and a luggage compartment of 1.87 m³; Embraer Phenom 100EX with an interior from BMW Designworks; Cirrus Vision Jet G2 — the only one with a CAPS glider parachute and the Safe Return automatic landing system.
How to choose the right aircraft for your needs?
Start with two figures: the typical route length and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 passengers – a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km – a medium jet; nonstop intercontinental flights – a long-haul jet. Add adjustments for short runs, baggage volume, and berths. We'll select a model that matches your profile and calculate the economics of ownership. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the content, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
A new plane or a used one – which is more profitable to buy?
A new aircraft comes with a factory warranty and a 1-3 year waiting list, but the price is maximum. A used aircraft offers immediate delivery and a lower price for the 30-60%, but it's important to check the engine life and history. For most buyers, a new aircraft, 3-7 years old, is optimal: the main discount has already been applied, and the aircraft still has a long service life. We consider both options. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze the options for your needs.
Which aircraft class should I choose based on my route and number of passengers?
Turboprops: up to 1,500 km, 4-9 seats; light jets: up to 4,000 km; midsize: stand-up cabin, 4-6 hours; super-midsize and large: 6,300-7,400 km, 8-12 seats; long-haul: up to 14,800 km nonstop. Helicopters cover up to 800 km door-to-door. We'll find the right class for your needs. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
How much does it cost to own a plane per year?
The bulk of the costs are fixed—hangar, crew, maintenance, insurance—and are independent of flight hours. For 300–400 hours per year, the benchmark is: turboprop $ 0.6–0.9 million, light jet ~$ 1.6 million, midsize $ 2.4 million, large $ 2.8–3 million, long-haul $ 3.8–4.7 million. We calculate the exact figure based on the specific model and your flight hours. Send us a request—we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
What influences the cost per flight hour when purchasing an airplane?
There are three cost groups: direct (fuel, hourly reserves for engines and airframe), crew (salaries, training, hotels), and fixed (insurance, hangar, management), distributed over the flight time. The more you fly, the lower the hourly cost. A benchmark for 400 hours per year ranges from $1,500 for a turboprop to $10,000+ for a long-haul aircraft. Submit a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
How does an airplane maintain its value and what is important for future resale?
Liquidity depends on the model, fleet size, engine life, and interior condition. High-volume models (Phenom 300, Challenger 650, PC-12, G650ER) hold their price better and sell within 60-120 days. When purchasing, consider residual value and demand—this protects your investment. We'll advise you on which models are most liquid within your budget. Send us a request—we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the contents, and analyze options tailored to your needs.
