Private flight options have revolutionized how individuals and businesses use air travel to meet their transportation needs. In addition to increased comfort, flying private grants you greater flexibility, more privacy, faster flights, and none of the hassles that come with traveling with hundreds of other passengers. By knowing about the options available, you’ll have a better idea regarding the questions to ask and features to seek when looking into charter aircraft options. This will ultimately allow you to make an educated decision about the private jet you choose.
About Charter Services
Aircraft charter services are best for those who travel often or have varying travel needs. Seek a provider that operates and maintains its aircraft to the highest standards in the industry, as the interests of the company is more likely to align with yours. A good charter service only flies its aircraft when safety conditions are optimal, and has a backup plan in the event that the original aircraft undergoes unexpected repairs. The best pilots should have a first-class medical certificate, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and hold an FAA rating as a captain.
Charter Aircraft Choices
Turboprop
- Examples:
- King Air 200
- King Air 350i
- Cabin size: Up to 4.8 feet high, 4.5 feet wide, 19.2 feet long
- Average cruising speed: 330 miles per hour
- Range: Up to 1,700 miles
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers
- Special notes: These smaller aircraft are great for short flights. They generally have more baggage capacity than other small planes, as well as small galleys and semi-private lavatories.
King Air 350i
Light Jet
- Examples:
- Phenom 300
- Learjet 40XR
- Learjet 45XR
- Cabin size: Up to 4.7 feet high, 5.1 feet wide, 20 feet long
- Average cruising speed: 545 miles per hour
- Range: Up to 2,450 miles
- Seating: 6 to 8 passengers
- Special notes: These aircraft often have a fully enclosed lavatory and partial galley.
Learjet 45XR
Mid-Cabin and Super-Mid-Cabin Jets
- Examples:
- Citation Excel XLS
- Citation X
- Gulfstream G280
- Challenger 300
- Hawker 800XPi
- Cabin size: Up to 6.25feet high, 7.1 feet wide, 25.9 feet long
- Average cruising speed: 540 miles per hour
- Range: Up to 3,600 miles
- Seating: 5 to 9 passengers
- Special note: These aircraft offer the perfect blend of economy and luxury. The Gulfstream G280 has the largest cabin, but the Citation X is the fastest.
Citation X
Large-Cabin Jets
- Examples:
- Global Express
- Global Express XRS
- Challenger 601
- Challenger 604
- Challenger 850
- Embraer Legacy
- Falcon 900 B
- Falcon 2000
- Falcon 2000LXS
- Gulfstream 450
- Gulfstream GIV-SP
- Gulfstream G550
- Gulfstream G650
- Cabin size: Up to 6.4 feet high, 8.5 feet wide, 46.8 feet long
- Average cruising speed: 530 miles per hour
- Range: Up to 8,055 miles
- Seating: 9 to 16 passengers
- Special notes: These aircraft are great for long-range flights. They have taller cabins, private lavatories, full galleys and plenty of space for luggage. The larger cabin sizes accommodate passengers who want to comfortably recline and sleep.
Falcon 2000LXS
Need another aircraft not listed?
Contact Solairus’ Charter Sales Department to help you find the perfect aircraft for your needs. Email charters@solairus.aero or call us today at 800.359.7861