When Should You Charter a Mid-Size Jet?

What is a mid-size jet?

Mid-size jets are the happy medium between very light jets and VIP airliners. So what makes an airplane a mid-size jet? Three factors characterize these types of planes: the range or the distance the private plane can travel (2,900 miles on average), its maximum take-off weight (20,000 to 41,000 pounds), and passenger capacity (mid-size jets typically accommodate between nine and 11 passengers).

Super-mid-size jets like the Bombardier Challenger 300, Cessna Citation X, and Dassault Falcon 50 are now included in the mid-size category and combine a transatlantic range of 3,900 miles on average, with the speed of a wide-body, high-altitude airplane (up to 490 miles an hour) that can comfortably accommodate up to 11 passengers.

Even though you have a wide choice of aircraft when you choose to charter, your pick of private plane will heavily impact the charter cost. This is calculated according to the aircraft you’ve chosen and the route you’re flying — not per passenger. A mid-size private plane rental flying a longer route will take more fuel than a lighter aircraft, and landing fees charged at airports are calculated on the size and weight of your aircraft.

But don’t be tempted to opt for a light jet to save on costs. High-end, luxury light jets can be as expensive to charter as mid-size jets. Chartering a smaller plane over a greater distance can end up making your journey more expensive. Smaller jets covering long distances will need to stop to refuel and this will increase the private jet charter cost of landing, refueling and the extra time added to your journey.

Choosing a mid-size jet for distance

To give you an idea of the range capabilities of mid-size jets – if you want to fly the 2,450-mile route from New York to Los Angeles, a mid-size jet will get you there in less than five hours without having to stop to refuel. But keep in mind that the distance an aircraft can fly depends on a number of factors like the jet charter payload which includes the number of passengers and baggage onboard as well as the amount of fuel carried and wind and weather conditions.

The Gulfstream G150 with its high-thrust, fuel-efficient engines is one of the world’s fastest mid-size business jets with a range that allows nonstop flight between most American cities. The Cessna Citation Excel and XLS are extremely popular aircraft worldwide thanks in part to their impressive range of 5,100 miles that can easily cover the 4,430 miles between Miami and London. You’ll get there in the greatest comfort if you opt for Cessna’s latest XLS+ model that has a stand-up cabin with one of the largest luggage compartments in its class.

Another private jet rental favorite is the Embraer Legacy 500 that boasts an impressive range of 3,448 miles as well as an increase in cabin length. Offering impressive performance and luxury interior trimmings, the Legacy 500 is a solid private plane rental choice for any medium-haul journey.

The Bombardier Challenger 350’s increased payload and fuel capacity widen your range of flight up to 3,680 miles and seven hours of flight time at a cruise speed of 548 mph, making this a versatile and fast-paced private plane charter. The Challenger 350 has all the quality and technology of larger private jets and just the right amount of space to accommodate up to six passengers in luxury and comfort.

If you would like to book a private jet rental on the Bombardier Challenger 350 or any of our other mid-size or super-mid-size aircraft, contact our charter experts. Or you can visit our private jet charter page to find out more about how a private plane charter can turn your point-A to point-B into an experience of ultimate comfort and convenience.

Choosing a mid-size jet for space

Space is the other reason you’d want to opt for a mid-size jet charter. They’re a great choice if you need to optimize the productivity of key personnel while in transit, or if you travel with specialty baggage like golf clubs, skis, and bikes. Keep in mind that the more baggage you take on board, the shorter your travel range will be. Look out for aircraft that have generous height measurements like the Beechcraft Hawker 4000, the Dassault Falcon 2000 series, Gulfstream G200/280, the Cessna Citation Latitude, and Embraer Legacy 450/500. All have a cabin height of six feet or more.

Toilet facilities are another consideration for flights longer than two hours. Smaller planes have a curtain that separates the toilet from the rest of the cabin or no toilet at all, while mid-size private planes typically have an enclosed rear washroom.

Inflight technology should also find a spot on your checklist. Mid-size jets are often fitted with the latest inflight technology which allows you to make phone calls, check your emails, connect with colleagues and stay in touch with family.

Our pick of mid-size jets with generous cabin space and features starts with the sleek mid-size Learjet 60XR, synonymous with comfort, elegance, and efficiency. The six-passenger private plane's spacious cabin allows all but the tallest of passengers to stand and stretch, and its impressive range and speed make the private plane cost worth every penny.

The Citation VII continues to be a popular choice for private jet charter thanks to its cruise speed of 543 mph, superior take-off performance, and premium cabin with improved soundproofing. The Hawker Beechcraft 800XP and 850XP are both generous cabin choices. The 800XP is typically configured with eight seats: a four-person club section, a three-person divan, and one forward-facing seat. The seats are fully adjustable and can swivel 360 degrees for an especially comfortable flight. The 850XP is identical except it includes winglets that add an extra 100-mile range capability which means the airplane can comfortably complete journeys from New York to LA and Singapore to Beijing.

In the super-mid-size jet class, the Citation Sovereign offers impressive range, fuel efficiency, and exceptional runway performance, but its greatest asset is the size of its external baggage compartment (100 cubic feet) – by far the largest in its class. This makes the Sovereign the best private jet for skiing enthusiasts who visit popular European ski resorts with small runways like Altenrhein. With a fully stand-up cabin and ample room for up to nine passengers, the Citation Sovereign treats travelers to the best of private jet flight on longer journeys. 

If you’re after a mid-size jet to get you and your baggage to your destination in style, contact us to find out more about your various private jet charter options.

A bright future for mid-size jets

The rise in popularity of long-range business jets has led to a surge in the sale of new and pre-owned mid-size jets. Major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, Dassault Aviation, and Embraer Executive Jets are well aware of the year on year increase in private air travel and the private plane rental market. They’re hard at work pushing the boundaries with brand new airplane releases.

Bombardier’s $73 million Global 7500 is the largest and longest-range business jet ever made in the super-mid-size category. In October 2019 it took its first flight and broke the business jet record after a jaw-dropping 9,465-mile nonstop flight from Sydney, Australia to Detroit in the USA. It is also the only business jet in service with four luxurious living spaces, a full-size kitchen, and a dedicated crew suite. And when it comes to speed, the Global 7500 does not disappoint. GE Passport engines designed exclusively for the 7500, power the plane to a top speed of just over 700 mph – making it one of the fastest private jets on the market.

But hold onto your seat. The Global 7500 might be eclipsed by the Gulfstream G700 business jet that promises to deliver the most spacious, innovative and flexible cabin available to the private aviation industry when it enters service in 2022. Specifications promise a range of 8,600 miles when flying at 652 mph or 7,365 miles at 690 mph. Interior features include 20 panoramic oval windows, the largest in the industry, seats that convert into beds placed next to windows and cabin controls, and a master suite with an optional master bath and spa shower, two windows, and a closet.

The private jet charter experience allows you to shop around for your perfect fit

If you don’t have a clear favorite in the mid-size and super-mid-size jet category, private jet rental exposes you to various types of planes in the mid-size class. By chartering a different jet for each flight, you will be able to experience the comfort and performance of the various aircraft available to you on the market. An important piece of advice is to use the services of a professional private jet charter operator who will guide you through the process of selecting the best private jet that matches your requirements perfectly. As a jet charter customer you’re automatically treated to a VIP concierge service to ensure ultimate comfort and convenience on every mile of your journey.

If you would like to find out more about private jet charter, please speak to our team about the benefits of fast, agile, and personalized air travel. We’d also be happy to speak to you about your other options for flexible, cost-effective jet charter, like our short-haul air taxi service or our jet card that offers you a range of benefits unsurpassed by any other product on the private aviation market.