What is the best private jet in the world?

Here’s a tricky question: what is the best private jet in the world?

There is no definitive answer to this complex subject. It will come down to individual preferences and tastes, but also to objective functional criteria of the private jet or aircraft. Indeed, the best private jet is the one that best suits your needs and the needs of the operation. In order to access short, high or isolated runways, the best private jet will not necessarily be the largest or the fastest, but the one that will take you there safely and efficiently, taking into account of course the comfort on board.

It is interesting to ask yourself which is the best private jet in each category, so that you can compare them on objective criteria. Whether in business or private aviation, these criteria can be different and more or less decisive depending on the category. Indeed, a very light jet (the smallest category of private jets) will be judged on its efficiency and its price per flight hour, whereas the predominant criteria for a heavy jet (the largest private jets) will be range, distance covered and comfort on board.

Thus, although it is difficult to define with certainty which is the best private jet in the world, we can consider that the best private jets in each category are the most recent models, the most comfortable, the most efficient in terms of fuel consumption, range and average speed, and also those that are the most appreciated by passengers during their private flights.

Here is a selection of the most popular private jets and private aircraft for our clients:

• Turboprops (propeller engines)

• • The Pilatus PC12

This single engine turboprop aircraft is produced in Switzerland by the manufacturer Pilatus. Particularly appreciated by passengers for its comfort, the size of its cabin and its low cost per hour of flight, it is also capable of taking off and landing on short runways, at altitude and with variable surfaces (grass, gravel, asphalt…).

With a capacity of 9 passengers and their luggage, it is the ideal companion for short distance trips to access the nearest airfields and airports to your final destination. Saint Barthélemy, Courchevel, Saint Tropez, the Pilatus PC12 is an efficient aircraft for travelling in comfort and safety to land directly on these types of airfields that are not accessible with larger aircraft.

Other notable aircraft in the same category: Beechcraft King Air 350i, Piaggio Avanti, King Air 90

• • Very Light Jets

The “Very Light Jet” category is the smallest of the jet-powered private jets. Practical, reliable and particularly economical, very light jets are the current market trend. In addition, the low weight of these aircraft limits the cost of taxes and fuel consumption.

• • Embraer Phenom 100

Produced by the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, this modern 4-seater aircraft stands out from its competitors, particularly in terms of on-board comfort! Despite its modest size, the Phenom 100 offers surprisingly high levels of on-board comfort, with 4 real passenger seats and a separate toilet area. Very fuel efficient, the Phenom 100 is the ideal taxi plane for trips of 1 to 2 hours. Popular for short business trips, the Phenom 100 is a wise option for itineraries involving several flights in one day (site or factory visits, financial roadshows, visits to strategic clients or suppliers, etc.).

Other aircraft in the same category : Citation Mustang, HondaJet, Citation M2

• Light Jets (private light jets)
  • Cessna Citation CJ4+

The Cessna Citation CJ4+ is the latest generation of the largest private jet from the American manufacturer Cessna. Reliable, modern and fast, the Citation CJ4+ is an enlarged version of the CJ3. This modern version of the Citation CJ can carry up to 7 passengers over a maximum distance of 3500 kilometres at an average speed of 830 km/h. The latest addition to the best-selling Cessna Citation Jet family, the CJ4+ represents the renewal of the Cessna brand with new technologies and on-board features.

Other aircraft in the same category: Embraer Phenom 300, Beechcraft Jet 400A, Learjet 45

• Midsize Jets
  • Cessna Citation XLS+

In the Midsize jet category, the Cessna Citation XLS+ is the benchmark. A recent, efficient and comfortable aircraft, equipped with 8 real seats and separate toilets, it is often the ideal solution for business or leisure travel, being able to access many airports and airfields thanks to its efficiency on short runways. As the Cessna Citation XLS is a popular private jet throughout the world, it is relatively easy to find one available for hire at low rates. In addition, the Citation XLS is fuel-efficient, resulting in a very low total rental cost.

Other aircraft in the same category: Cessna Citation Latitude, Bombardier Challenger 300, Gulfstream G-280

• Heavy Jets (private jets)
  • Dassault Falcon 900LX

The latest model derived from the Falcon 900 by French manufacturer Dassault, the Falcon 900LX is the world’s benchmark heavy private jet. Equipped with three engines and state-of-the-art on-board technology, this private jet is capable of flying an average of more than 7,800 kilometres, carrying up to 13 passengers and reaching an average speed of 850 km/h. A popular long-haul business jet, it is ideal for a non-stop transatlantic flight between Paris and New York or Paris and Atlanta. The Falcon 900LX is a symbol of French quality and reliability, much appreciated by passengers for its comfort on board (spacious cabin) as well as the Wifi which generally equips this aircraft.

Others in the same category : Dassault Falcon 2000, Bombardier Challenger 850, Embraer Legacy 650

• Ultra Long Range Jets (long-haul private jets)
  • Bombardier Global 7500

The latest aircraft to be introduced by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier, the Global 7500 is probably the best private jet for direct long haul and intercontinental flights. Its current list price is $65 million. Capable of flying from Paris to Santiago, this aircraft stands out as the business jet with the longest range on the market, with over 14,260 kilometres of non-stop travel. Its large, luxurious cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers and is made up of four different living areas, including a private suite with bedroom. There is a dedicated crew area, so that each pilot can take turns to rest during long flights. This latest generation aircraft represents the best of what is currently available in terms of comfort and flight performance.

Others in the same category : Bombardier Global Express, Gulstream G550, Gulfstream G650ER, Bombardier Global 6000

• VIP Airliners (Private VIP airliners)

• • Airbus A320 ACJ

Airbus Corporate Jet is a subsidiary of the European manufacturer Airbus. These aircraft are based on a classic airliner, the Airbus A320, and are configured as “full VIP”, offering an unparalleled level of comfort on board. It is not uncommon to find in these hundred million dollar flying palaces a meeting room, a bedroom with a real bed, a bathroom, a lounge with a sofa… This type of aircraft simply offers the best possible level of comfort on board, with large spaces available for passengers who wish to work in meetings or rest. In general, Airbus ACJs are equipped with 18 to 50 seats depending on the configuration.

Others in the same category : Boeing 737 BBJ, Embraer Lineage 1000

• Bonus: the “most” private jets in the world

As a gift for those who love aeronautical anecdotes, here are some examples of exceptional private jets that stand out from the rest thanks to their comfort, their price and their performance.

The fastest: Cessna Citation X+.

With an average cruising speed of Mach 0.94 (approximately 1160km/h), the Cessna Citation X is the fastest private jet in the world.

Most expensive: Airbus A380 VIP

This totally revamped and refurbished version of the Airbus A380 is the most expensive private jet in the world, with a total price tag of $500 million (before negotiations).

The longest: Boeing 777 BBJ

Like the Airbus mentioned above, this luxurious adaptation of the Boeing 777 is quite simply the longest private jet in the world.

Thus, all these aircraft represent the best in their respective categories. However, the best private jet in the world is not necessarily the most expensive or the largest, but the one that best meets the expectations of the passengers.

We offer all of these private jets for hire, try our online quote tool to get an idea of the cost of hiring a private jet!