Light Jet, Midsize, Heavy — Which Aircraft Do You Actually Need?

Not Every Trip Needs a Global Express

One of the most common questions we get: “Which aircraft should I book?” The answer depends on four things — route distance, passenger count, luggage, and budget.

Here’s a clear breakdown.

Light Jets

Seats: 4–7 Range: Up to 2,500 km Examples: Citation CJ3, Phenom 300, Learjet 45

The workhorses of European charter. Light jets are ideal for short hops — Munich to London, Zurich to Nice, Milan to Ibiza. Compact cabins, but comfortable enough for flights under two hours.

Best for: 2–4 passengers, intra-European routes, day trips Luggage: Limited. Think carry-on and one larger bag per person. Cost: Starting from approximately €4,000–6,000 per flight hour

If your route is under 2,000 km and your group is small, a light jet is almost always the right call. Fast, efficient, no wasted cabin space.

Midsize Jets

Seats: 6–9 Range: Up to 4,500 km Examples: Citation XLS, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60

The sweet spot. Midsize jets offer a full stand-up cabin, more luggage space, and enough range to cover all of Europe comfortably — plus North Africa and the Middle East.

Best for: 4–7 passengers, longer European routes, client-facing travel Luggage: Generous. Full-size suitcases, golf bags, ski equipment. Cost: Starting from approximately €5,000–8,000 per flight hour

Midsize is the category most business travellers end up in. Enough space to work, enough range to reach most European destinations nonstop.

Heavy Jets

Seats: 10–16 Range: Up to 10,000+ km Examples: Challenger 604, Global Express, Falcon 7X

Long-range capability and large cabins. Heavy jets are built for intercontinental routes — Europe to the US, Middle East, or Sub-Saharan Africa — or for groups that need space.

Best for: 8+ passengers, transatlantic routes, overnight flights, VIP delegations Luggage: Extensive. Multiple large bags per passenger, plus oversized items. Cost: Starting from approximately €8,000–14,000 per flight hour

If you’re crossing the Atlantic or flying a group of ten, this is your category. Many heavy jets include a full galley, separate sleeping area, and satellite connectivity.

The Quick Decision Matrix

• Under 2h, 2–4 pax → Light jet
• 2–4h, 4–7 pax → Midsize jet
• 4h+, or 8+ pax → Heavy jet
• Large group (20–50+) → Airliner charter (we handle these too)

A Note on Empty Legs

Sometimes a heavy jet repositioning empty costs less than booking a light jet outright. We always check for empty leg availability on your route. You might get an upgrade for less than you’d expect.

Still Not Sure?

Send us your route. We’ll recommend the right category — and explain why.