Quantcast

Very light jets remain popular among new private aviation buyers

Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
Very light jets remain popular among new private aviation buyers
Policy
Webp received 888377726558952
HondaJet Elite II | HondaJet Website

Flying privately offers travelers flexibility and convenience, contributing to the growth of the private aviation industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, private jet operations increased significantly as business executives and affluent travelers sought to maintain travel while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Though many returned to commercial flights post-pandemic, a substantial number continued flying privately.

Private jet flight operations have generally maintained or exceeded pre-pandemic levels globally. This sustained interest is due to several factors: private fliers can choose their departure times and routes, bypassing larger connecting airports where commercial airlines often operate. Business jets are smaller than commercial airliners, allowing them to use shorter runways at smaller airports worldwide.

Various types of business jets are available for private travelers, including very light jets, which often serve as an entry point for new operators and owners. These jets typically cost around $5 million and accommodate six to seven passengers with a maximum takeoff weight under 12,500 pounds.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The HondaJet Elite is one popular choice in this category. Introduced in August 2018 by Honda Aircraft Company, it features a composite airframe and engines mounted on wings instead of the tailcone. The aircraft has been updated with improved flight controls and an auxiliary fuel tank for extended range.

Cessna's Citation M2 is another option for those seeking a very light jet. Launched in September 2011 as part of the CitationJet series, it uses Garmin G3000 avionics and upgraded Williams FJ44 engines. It became the fastest in its class until surpassed by the HondaJet Elite.

Embraer's Phenom 100 entered the market in December 2008 as Embraer's first step into business aviation. With a conventional design powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617 engines, it has seen upgrades like enhanced avionics and cabin improvements since its introduction.

The Cirrus Vision Jet stands out as the smallest current production business jet, introduced in December 2016 after overcoming financial hurdles during development. Its single-engine design limits speed and range but remains competitive due to its carbon fiber construction and safety features like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

Finally, the Eclipse 500 was one of the pioneers in very light jets when launched by Eclipse Aviation in December 2006. Despite facing bankruptcy in November 2008, over 250 units were produced featuring an aluminum airframe and glass cockpit.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025