Frequently asked questions

What routes and tasks suit very light jets?

The VLJ is built for short business flights for 1–3 people: London–Paris, Geneva–Nice, Milan–Rome. The optimal leg is 800–2,000 km, i.e. 1.5–2.5 hours' flight. The aircraft are single-pilot certified and use short strips from 1,000 m, so they fly into small airports closer to the destination — Courchevel or St. Moritz instead of a major hub. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

What range and how many passengers do very light jets have?

The class standard is 4–6 passenger seats and 2,000–2,900 km of range: the Phenom 100EX 2,180 km, the Cirrus Vision Jet about 2,300 km, the Citation M2 Gen 2 2,880 km, the HondaJet Elite II 2,865 km. Cruise speed is 630–780 km/h. With a full cabin, real range drops to about 1,500–2,000 km. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

How does a very light jet differ from neighbouring classes?

A light jet (Phenom 300E, CJ4) carries 7–10 passengers over 3,700–4,000 km; a VLJ carries 4–6 over 2,000–2,900 km. Light jets have a roomier cabin with a full lavatory and a bigger hold, and higher speed. But a VLJ is 30–40% cheaper to charter and buy. The rule is simple: up to four passengers and 2,000 km — a VLJ is enough; more — you need a light jet. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

Which very light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?

Four models: the Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 — a classic with the longest range in the set (2,880 km); the HondaJet Elite II — the fastest (782 km/h) with a separate lavatory and a 1.87 m³ hold; the Embraer Phenom 100EX with a BMW Designworks cabin; and the Cirrus Vision Jet G2 — the only one with a CAPS airframe parachute and Safe Return auto-landing. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?

Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?

A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

Which aircraft class should you choose for your routes and passengers?

Turboprops — up to 1,500 km, 4–9 seats; light jets — up to 4,000 km; midsize — a stand-up cabin and 4–6 hours; super-midsize and large — 6,300–7,400 km, 8–12 people; long-range — up to 14,800 km nonstop. Helicopters cover door-to-door legs up to 800 km. We'll match the class to your task. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

How much does it cost to own an aircraft per year?

The bulk of costs are fixed — hangar, crew, maintenance, insurance — and independent of hours flown. At 300–400 h/year a guide: turboprop $0.6–0.9M, light jet ~$1.6M, midsize $2–2.4M, large $2.8–3M, long-range $3.8–4.7M. We calculate the exact figure for a specific model and your hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

What drives the cost of a flight hour when you own an aircraft?

Three cost groups: direct (fuel, hourly reserves for engines and airframe), crew (salaries, training, hotels) and fixed (insurance, hangar, management), spread across hours flown. The more you fly, the lower the hour. A guide at 400 h/year runs from $1,500 on a turboprop to $10,000+ on a long-range jet. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.

How well does an aircraft hold its value and what matters for resale?

Liquidity depends on the model, fleet size, engine time and interior freshness. High-volume models (Phenom 300, Challenger 650, PC-12, G650ER) hold value better and sell in 60–120 days. When buying, look at residual value and demand — it protects your investment. We'll advise which models are most liquid in your budget. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.