Whether you’re a millionaire with money to splurge on a luxury jet or simply someone who loves to daydream about that, the question remains — which private jets are the most popular and why?
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It’s the second part of that question that makes the first so meaningful. After all, it’s one thing to tally up numbers and see which planes are rented and sold the most. It’s quite another to see which jets resonate with buyers and establish an identity.
This is a microcosm of capitalism at its best. When capitalism works, as has been stated by figures as different as Adam Smith and Oscar Wilde, it’s about free choice, individualism, and letting people carve out identities for themselves.
That’s what all of the best brands do and that’s a big factor in which private jets are the most popular.
At the same time, for as much as personality and brand recognition as a plane may have, it doesn’t count for anything if the amenities on board aren’t up to snuff.
So which popular private jets have the most potent mixture of style and substance?
1. Nextant 400XTi
Among those who have a need for speed, this offering from Nextant is a popular choice with this jet capable of reaching speeds of 514 miles per hour. This compares favorably with similar private jets in its class on this list, such as the Cessna Citation CJ3.
In order to achieve that speed, the 400XTi has 3050-pound-thrust Williams FJ44-3AP Full Authority Digital Engine Controls Turbofan engines that are able to produce 3052 pounds worth of thrust. This allows the 400XTi to enjoy a range of roughly 2300 miles.
This jet is popular for trans-European flights. A trip from London to Paris or Barcelona can cost anywhere from €4500 to €9000. The 400XTi is popular with flight services in Europe and they use the model for trans-European flights.
2. Cessna Citation XLS
This is a jet that is popular with businesses and businesspeople. It’s on the larger side, capable of carrying nine passengers while being piloted by a crew of two people.
Another reason why it is so popular with businesses is the fact that those interiors tend to be quite luxurious. The seats are fashioned from cushioned leather and the interiors are available in six color schemes.
Of course, if there’s anything that is bound to make something popular with businesses, it’s an affordable price. While $12.28 million may not be “affordable” for most of us, it may seem to be a bargain for large corporations.
The Citation XLS features two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C Turbofans that can reach 507 miles per hour and can cover a range of 2100 miles, enough to cover the distance from Phoenix to Philadelphia.
3. Embraer Legacy 600
Here we have another jet that owes its popularity in part to the fact that it’s inexpensive for a business jet. While many such jets can cost $25 million or more, the Embraer Legacy 600 “only” costs $10 million.
Another reason why this jet is so popular with businesses is the fact that it’s among the most spacious jets on this list with a large luxury interior and room for up to fourteen people.
The Legacy 600 is fast as well, able to reach cruising speeds of 528 miles per hour. This helps businesspeople jet around the world to get to and from meetings quickly. To that end, the craft has a huge range, up to 3400 miles, which is more than enough for trans-Atlantic flights.
4. Cessna Citation CJ2
One of the biggest names on the market, Cessna has several entries on this list with its C series being among their most popular private jets. It is designed for private use while also being hired out by professional transportation companies for trans-European flights.
The craft itself can be piloted by one or two people and can carry up to nine passengers. While it features advanced Garmin G3000 avionics for the control panels in the cockpit, the interior of the plane is quite similar to the Citation 500.
This model is no longer in production but it is still used by some companies for trans-European flights with one-way trips such as London to Malaga costing as much as €13,000.
5. Cessna Citation Mustang
This double-engine jet is popular in part because it is a great entry point to the world of private jets. It is sleek, compact, “affordable” as far as million-dollar private jets go, and can help let pilots see what owning a jet is like.
The craft may be piloted by one or two people and can take up to five passengers. The craft is compact without being minuscule, measuring 40.7 feet long with a wingspan of just over 43 feet.
This private jet won’t be beating many of the others on this list in terms of speed with a maximum cruising speed of 390. That said, this may be due in part to its place as an entry-level craft. It does still have a respectable operational range of 1343 miles.
6. Embraer Phenom 100
Once again we come to a jet that garners its popularity in part from its comparatively economic price. The Phenom 100 is a luxury jet and while many vehicles in its class can cost $10 million or more, Embraer’s stylish option is available for $9.5 million.
The plane’s specs contribute to its popularity. It boasts two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E turbofan engines that are capable of speeds of up to 470 miles per hour and can cover a range of 2180 miles.
This allows the plane to fly from the tip of the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans and back again in record time, making it a popular choice for clients looking for quick European flights. Flight paths such as London to Zurich are set at around €18,000.
7. Embraer Phenom 300
Part of the popularity of this craft stems from the fact that it has many of the advantages of the Phenom 100 while being larger, allowing fans of that aircraft to upgrade to a bigger plane while attracting new private jet aficionados as well.
This aircraft can be piloted by one or two people and is capable of carrying six passengers comfortably. However, it can be expanded to carry as many as ten passengers, though one of those “seats” is adapted from the lavatory toilet.
As for the private jet itself, it is certainly on the larger side, measuring just over 52 feet long. It boasts two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E Turbofan engines that are instrumental in powering the craft to a maximum speed of roughly 534 miles per hour. For luxury private jet operators in Europe, a trip equivalent to a one-way journey from London to Paris can cost €6900.
8. Cessna Citation Bravo
This private jet is especially popular among those looking for luxury jets for travelling across the U.S. It has a nice, luxurious interior and a price of “just” over a million dollars a year in terms of operational and upkeep costs.
The jet is piloted by two pilots and can carry between six to eight passengers. It is average size for its class, measuring just over 47 feet long with a wingspan of just over 52 feet.
The Citation Bravo is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4B turbofan engines that are able to power the craft to a maximum cruising speed of 464 miles per hour and give the craft a total range of roughly 2300 miles.
That is more than enough to fly from LA to Chicago in comfort and style.
9. Cessna Citation CJ3
This is a popular jet with athletes, golfers and celebrities such as NASCAR driver Kevin Harwick. Another reason why it’s so popular? Despite its sleek build, it is one of the cheaper jets here at “only” $7 million.
It is a variant of the Citation 525 model produced by Cessna and in its updated form can be flown by a single pilot and has enough room to carry seven passengers.
In terms of performance, the CJ3 is capable of reaching maximum cruising speeds of 480 miles per hour while being able to boast an operational range of a little more than 2000 miles.
10. Cessna Citation X
Sometimes popularity is a byproduct of longevity. That’s one factor working in the Citation X’s favor popularity-wise, as it has enjoyed almost a quarter century of active service and shows no signs of slowing down.
It is a midsize jet that is capable of carrying up to twelve people. When it was first built, it was one of the fastest commercial aircraft available for civilians and it remains a top choice, able to reach speeds of up to 607 miles per hour.
Another factor in that enduring popularity is the Citation X’s vast range. At 3900 miles, you can fly from New York to London with ease, making it greatly popular with companies with business on both sides of the Atlantic.
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