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Aircraft Guide · March 2026
Light Jet vs Midsize Jet – Which Is Right for Your Trip?
For most European private jet charters, the choice comes down to light jet or midsize jet. Here is how to decide which category is right for your mission.
The short answer
A light jet is right for most European trips up to around 1,500 NM with 4–6 passengers and typical baggage. A midsize jet makes sense when you have 7 or more passengers, significant luggage, a longer sector, or when cabin comfort matters more than minimising cost. The price difference is typically €5,000–€15,000 per leg.
Light jets — what they are and when they work
Light jets are the most commonly chartered aircraft category in Europe. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation CJ3+, and Learjet 75 seat 6–7 passengers in a compact but well-appointed cabin. They cruise at around 450–480 knots and have a practical range of 1,500–2,000 NM — enough to cover Paris to Ibiza, London to Geneva, or Zurich to Helsinki nonstop.
Light jet — best for
Trips under 2.5 hours
Groups of 4–6 passengers
Standard luggage requirements
Cost-conscious charters
Most intra-European routes
Midsize jets — what they offer
Midsize jets such as the Citation XLS+, Praetor 500, and Hawker 900XP represent a meaningful step up in cabin experience. The defining difference is a stand-up cabin — passengers can move around, use the lavatory more comfortably, and stretch on longer flights. Seating capacity increases to 7–9 passengers, and the baggage hold is substantially larger.
Midsize jet — best for
Trips of 2.5–4 hours
Groups of 7–9 passengers
Heavy or specialist luggage
Longer range requirements
When cabin comfort is a priority
Side by side comparison
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