Only some private jet owners want something as massive as the Boeing 747 quadjet for personal travel. When it comes to size, smaller private jets have the advantage of having higher accessibility to smaller airports and remote destinations without compromising comfort or any other private jet amenities.
With the demand for private aviation on the rise, the need for light business jets has also soared. According to Allied Market Research, the global very light jet market was valued at $4.4 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $10.4 million by 2030. So, let’s take a look at the smallest private jets across the world.
10
Cessna Citation CJ4
The Cessna Citation CJ4 has established a highly profitable reputation within the light jet market. Its introduction was announced in 2006, and it officially commenced operations in 2010. With a length of 16 meters, this model stands as the largest within the CJ family while remaining one of the smallest jets in the industry overall.
The avionics suite of the Citation CJ4 represents a significant leap forward compared to its predecessors, the CJ1, CJ2, and CJ3 models. With a seating capacity of up to nine passengers, the aircraft can be operated by either one or two pilots. By 2017, a total of 2,000 units across all variants of the Citation series had been delivered.
9
Embraer Phenom 300
Renowned as one of the best-selling light jets worldwide, the Embraer Phenom 300 secures its place among the top smallest private jets globally. Notably, this remarkable aircraft represents a larger variant of Embraer’s initial success, the Phenom 100EV jet.
The 15.8-meter length Phenom 300 can accommodate 11 occupants and has a maximum speed of 464 knots (859 km/h). Furthermore, it boasts a range of up to 2,010 nautical miles (3,722 kilometers), allowing for extensive travel capabilities. It is worth noting that the upgraded version of the Phenom 300, the Phenom 300E maintains the same length as its predecessor.
8
Bombardier Learjet 36A
Perhaps, the oldest on the list, the Bombardier Learjet 36A is a light jet manufactured by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer between 1976 and 1984. The Learjet 36A is one of the smallest private jets around, measuring 15 meters in length.
The aircraft can accommodate a total of four passengers and two flight crew members. The Learjet 36A has an impressive maximum range of 2,425 nautical miles (4,491 kilometers) and can reach a top cruising speed of 470 knots (870 km/h).
7
Beechcraft Premier IA
Destined to compete against the Cessna CitationJet family, the Beechcraft Premier IA light business jet was developed by the Beechcraft division of Hawker Beechcraft. The aircraft is considered one of the smallest in the industry, with an external length of just 14 meters.
Within the cabin, you’ll find six adjustable seats arranged in a club configuration. Additionally, if the cockpit is set up for single-pilot operation, a seventh passenger can accompany the pilot.
The aircraft was one of the first private aircraft that used the pot-bellied design. The design allows the aircraft’s main cabin to be competitive with mid-sized aircraft while remaining in the light jet category. The Premier IA production ended in 2012, with more than 290 units built.
6
Honda Ha-420 HondaJet
When Honda comes to mind, aircraft is probably not the first thing that pops into your head. However, it may surprise you to know that the Japanese company began exploring the realm of small-sized business jets as early as the 1980s. The initial concepts for its HondaJet took shape in 1997 and were ultimately finalized by 1999. Subsequently, the HondaJet completed its maiden flight in 2003, but only 12 years later obtained its FAA-type certificate.
Featuring a composite fuselage and an aluminum wing, the 13-meter length aircraft accommodates around seven to eight seats. Its propulsion comes from two GE Honda HF120 turbofans mounted on pylons positioned above the wing. It can fly as far as 1,223 nautical miles (2,264 kilometers) and reach a maximum speed of 421 knots (781 km/h). Having received multiple aeronautic design and innovation accolades, the HondaJet aircraft stands out as a staple light business jet for the industry.
5
Embraer Phenom 100EV
Manufactured by Embraer, the prominent Brazilian aircraft company, their Phenom 100EV is an ultra-light executive jet designed from scratch. The aircraft was awarded FAA certification in 2008, just three years after the plane was launched.
The Phenom 100EV can fly as far as 1,178 nautical miles (2,182 kilometers) and reach a high cruise speed of 406 knots (740 km/h). Featuring a standard seating capacity for four passengers and two crew members, the Phenom 100EV measures 12.8 meters in length. Embraer has delivered more than 390 Phenom 100EVs to customers. Notably, the production of this aircraft continues, emphasizing its enduring popularity in the market.
4
Stratos 716x
Launched in 2018, the six-seat 716X is a longer and broader version of Stratos Aircraft’s first experimental jet, the 714. The jet, measuring 11.5 meters in length, is currently undergoing development and is approaching the end of its flight test campaign. Priced at $3 million, the single-engine jet is designed to cruise at 400 knots (740 km/h) and have a maximum range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 kilometers).
3
Eclipse 500
The Eclipse 500, developed by Eclipse Aviation (later merged into One Aviation), is one of the smallest private jets around, with an external length of ten meters. Despite its production being limited to just two years and halted in 2008 due to funding challenges, the manufacturer successfully constructed over 260 Eclipse 500 jets.
Based on the Williams V-Jet II testbed, the Eclipse 500 features a six-seat layout and boasts a maximum range of 1,125 nautical miles (2,083 kilometers). To this day, many Eclipse 500s are active.
2
Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet
Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet is a single-engine, light, nine-meter length jet designed by American manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft. Developed to cater to a small private jet market, the Cirrus Vision Jet can fly as far as 2,360 kilometers and accommodate a total of seven passengers, including a pilot.
The Cirrus Vision Jet costs approximately $3-3.5 million. Notably, compared to other jets, such as the Embraer Phenom 300, which has an estimated cost of around $10 million, Vision Jet stands out as one of the most affordable private jets in the industry. Since its certification in 2016, the aircraft manufacturer has delivered more than 450 Vision Jets to customers, proving the type’s popularity across the private jet sector.
1
Flaris LAR 1
Once certified, the Flaris LAR 1 will become the world’s smallest private jet, measuring eight meters long. Developed in Poland, this jet is not widely recognized compared to others on the list. Furthermore, it boasts an impressively low height of only 2.4 meters. The aircraft is so small that it has detachable wings, making it easier to store in a garage instead of a hangar.
Having a maximum range of 3,200 kilometers, the aircraft is designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot. However, the Flaris LAR 1 is still under development and awaits its planned certification in 2024.
