10 of the Most Affordable Private Jets

The phrases “cheap private jet” and “private jet” are rarely used in the same sentence by anyone. The notion of a private jet conjures up an excessive and lavish way of living because these expensive toys are only accessible to those with significant income. However, an increasing trend among owners of private aircraft is to use their jets as a tool to save time or money, similar to how we use our cars. This is a trend that is expected to continue.

In response, aircraft manufacturers have developed a class of light or personal private jets to cater to the desires of individuals looking for flexibility and affordability when hiring or purchasing private jets. These jets can seat one to four passengers and range in price from $200,000 to under $1 million.

Therefore, what exactly do we mean when we talk about the cheapest private jets?

Private aircraft with reduced price tags are known as affordable private jets. These planes are typically classified as Very Light Jets (VLJ) or Light Jets. This aircraft range from single-pilot planes (often referred to as “pilot/owner operated”) with seating for four to seven people and a maximum take-off weight MTOW of less than 10,000 pounds to light business jets with a larger cabin, higher take-off weight, and improved range. Single-pilot planes typically have a maximum take-off weight MTOW of less than 10,000 pounds.

The lower initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs of economical private jets, whether they are new or pre-owned, are the key draw for owners and operators of such aircraft. Even companies that specialise in the production of private jets, including as Cessna, HondaJet, Embraer, and Cirrus, have taken note of this development.

This article provides a rundown of the ten distinct private aircraft that are available for the lowest possible price. Even though the possibilities for affordable business jets presented here varies in both price and class, they give you a decent sense of the costs that can be found on the market for the most affordable private planes, whether they are brand new or previously purchased.

The Finest Private Jets Available for Less Than 2 Million Dollars

1. The price range for the Cirrus Vision SF50 Jet is $1,764,000 to $2,156,000

The price of one flight hour is $661.53.

• Cirrus Aircraft is the aircraft’s manufacturer; the Very Light Jet role it fulfils was introduced in 2014;

• There is room for one crew member

• There is space for six passengers

• Top speed of 358 miles per hour (576 kph, 311 kn)

• The width of the cabin is 5.1 feet, while the height is 4.1 feet (1.56 metres).

• Weighs 3,550 pounds when empty (1,610 kg)

• Max payload: 1,328 lb (602 kg)

• Range: 690-1,381 mi (1,100-2,222 km, 600-1,200 nmi)

• The upper limit of service is 31,000 feet (9,400 m)

• Number Built: 245 (March 2021)

Owning a Cirrus Vision SF50 Jet is the best way to break into the world of executive jet ownership, as there is no other option that comes close. With a price tag of approximately one million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, this is one of the more affordable private aircraft. It is propelled by a single turbofan engine that is located in the back and is manufactured by Williams International and delivers 1,800 pounds of torque. One of the most reliable and cost-effective private jets now available is the SF50, which is the culmination of a development process that spanned the course of ten years.

The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has given the SF50 a rating for operations with a single pilot. Using the airplane’s cutting-edge Garmin G1000 electronic flight instrument system, owners who are also qualified pilots may take off and land the aircraft with ease (EFIS). The cabin of the Cirrus Vision plane is roomy and of good quality, and it has enough seating for around seven passengers. A traditional rudder has been replaced by a V-tail assembly in this aircraft, which is one of the aircraft’s distinctive design elements. The engine pod is situated in the rear of the aircraft.

The SF50 may be one of the least expensive private jets available, but it comes with a comprehensive safety package that is not standard on more expensive private jets. These include the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which is a whole-plane ballistic parachute recovery system developed by Cirrus Aircraft, as well as the Garmins Emergency Autoland System, which is capable of landing the plane automatically in the event that the pilot is rendered unable to do so.

A mood lighting system, USB charging ports, an in-flight entertainment system, and Gogo Inflight WiFi are some of the additional conveniences and luxuries offered by the SF50. The aircraft also boasts a wraparound cockpit panoramic window that provides exceptional pilot view.

When compared to other aircraft in its price range, the Cirrus Vision Jet provides exceptional value and versatility, in addition to minimal operating costs. At the moment, it is one of the private jets that costs less than $5 million that is in the highest demand among clients who are searching for business jets that are quick, secure, and inexpensive for personal use or for use in air taxi services.

2. Eclipse Aerospace EA500

Price: $700,000 – $1,00,000

The price of one flight hour is $1,030.

Manufacturer: Eclipse Aviation/Eclipse Aerospace

• Function: Very Light Jet

• Inception year: 2006

• Crew: One or two pilots

• Passenger capacity: Four to five passengers

• Maximum speed: 425 miles per hour

• (685 kph, 370 kn)

• Maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds

• Cabin width and height of 4.8 feet and 4.2 feet (1.46 metres and 1.28 metres)

• Empty weight of 3,550 pounds (1,610 kg) (2,721 kg)

• Range:1,295 mi (2,084 km,1,125 nmi)

• The upper limit of service is 41,000 feet (12,500 m)

• Number Built: 260

The Eclipse Aerospace EA500, which is also known as the Eclipse 500, is the very first private jet ever to be constructed, marketed, and delivered in accordance with the newly established criteria for the category of Very Light Jet or personal jet. Vern Raburn, the founder of Eclipse Aviation and its former chief executive officer, had the idea for this revolutionary sort of economical business jet, which would have a beginning price tag of less than one million dollars.

In contrast to the Cirrus Vision SF50 VLJ, which only has a single engine, the EA500 can accommodate a maximum of six passengers. In addition, its propulsion is provided by a pair of lightweight Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines that are positioned on either side of the aircraft’s rear fuselage.

When pilots come inside the Eclipse 500 cockpit, they can be excused if the all-glass cockpit intimidates them with an integrated Avio NG avionics system. This is because the system is designed to be user-friendly. This revolutionary electronic flight instrument system allows pilots to monitor all of the aircraft’s performance parameters while it is in flight. Additionally, it offers high-resolution displays for the CNS system, enhanced digital audio communications, and upgrading capabilities for the avionics systems of the next generation.

The EA500 has a roomy cabin that is on par with the cabins of more contemporary VLJs. However, the focus of the aircraft is on providing high-quality facilities in a private jet package that is still within a reasonable price range. Conveniences such as bathrooms are removed from the cabin of the aeroplane despite major public uproar over the decision because it is believed that they are not necessary for the purpose of the aircraft.

3. Beechcraft Premier I The price range is from $1,440,000 to $1,760,000

The price per flying hour is $1,716.93.

• Raytheon/Hawker Beechcraft was the manufacturer

• Light Business Jet was its role

• 1995 was the year it was first introduced

• One person on the crew

• Capacity for between six and seven passengers

• Top speed of 523 miles per hour (841 kilometres per hour, 454 knots)

• The width of the cabin is 1.68 metres and the height is 1.65 metres.

• Weight when empty: 8,600 pounds (3,901 kg)

The maximum allowable weight for takeoff is 12,500 pounds (5,670 kg)

• Range: 950 mi (1,530 km, 830 nmi)

• The upper limit of service is 41,000 feet (12,500 m)

• Number Built: 292

The Beechcraft Premier 1 is a single-pilot, twin-engine aircraft that is one of the most affordably priced business jets with a starting price of $7 million. During its launch in 2001, the aircraft was marketed as the “Little Big Jet,” and the name stuck. One of the most cost-effective private jets available on the market today is the pre-owned Premier 1, which can be purchased for less than two million dollars.

In order to increase both the aircraft’s range and its fuel efficiency, the fuselage of the aircraft is made out of high-strength composites and features a weight-saving epoxy honeycomb construction. Each of the two Williams International FJ44-2A engines that were installed in the aircraft’s rear produced 2,300 pounds (10.23 kN) of thrust individually. One of the most impressive ranges available in its category is that of the Premier 1 private jet. The Cessna Citation CJ2+, which is its direct competitor, is able to complete multi-city itineraries with a higher cost of operation per mile than this aircraft can.

The Premier 1 private jet has a long list of standard equipment, luxury amenities, avionics, and safety systems that include a glass cockpit with an integrated electronic flight instrument system (EFIS), an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (TAWS) with Wind Shear Warning Capability, a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II), Engine Indicating System (EIS), a weather radar system, and a premium entertainment system in addition to having the largest cabin in the light jet class

The Finest Private Jets Available for Less Than $4 Million

1. Stratos 716X Price: $2.500,000 – $3,500,000

• Stratos Aircraft was the original manufacturer.

• Function: Very Light Jet • Debut Year: 2020 • Date of Development:

• Passenger capacity: three to four passengers • Maximum speed: 462 miles per hour • There is one crew member (744 kph, 402kn)

• The width of the cabin is 1.46 metres and the height is 1.40 metres.

• Weight when empty: 5,035 pounds (2,284 kg)

The maximum allowable weight for takeoff is 8,421 pounds (3,820 kg)

• Range:1,356 mi (2,182 km,1,178 nmi)

• The upper limit of service is 41,000 feet (12,500 m)

• Number Built: 1

The single-engine private jet known as the Stratos 716X is the result of an aircraft development project that became mired in an unending cycle of financial difficulties. And after devoting ten years to the research and development of the projected 714 VLJ. After extending the length of the prototype’s fuselage by 31 inches (77.5 centimetres) in order to make room for six adults and their luggage, its designers rechristened the aircraft the 716X and began searching for a Cirrus Vision SF50.

The Stratos 716X is on track to become one of the most cost-effective private jets on the market today. However, before it can be certified as an aircraft by the FAA, it will only be sold in pre-built kit form and be available for purchase in that form. The airframe of this aircraft is constructed from cutting-edge carbon fibre composites, and it comes equipped with a Garmin avionics system to make flying operations simple and uncomplicated. The aircraft’s outstanding specifications include:

It is anticipated that three kits will be produced annually, each of which will need approximately 2,500 hours to assemble in its entirety. People who are intimidated by the idea of constructing a jet aircraft on their own will have access to the assistance of the factory-aided build help procedure provided by Stratos for the entirety of the assembly time.

2. The price range for the Cessna Citation Mustang is between $2,900,000 and $3,100,000.

The cost per flight hour is between $1,000 and $1,100.

• Cessna/Textron Aviation was the manufacturer • Very Light Jet was the role • 2006 was the year it was introduced

• Maximum speed of 483 miles per hour (777 kilometers per hour, 420 knots)

• Passenger capacity of four to five people

• Cabin width and height of 4.6 feet by 4.5 feet (1.46 meters by 1.37 metres)

• Maximum speed of 483 miles per hour (777 kilometers per hour, 420 knots)

• Weight when empty: 5,600 pounds (2,540 kg)

The maximum allowable weight for takeoff is 8,645 pounds (3,930 kg)

• Range:1,343 mi (2,161 km, 1,167 nmi)

• The upper limit of service is 41,000 feet (12,500 m)

• Number Built: 479

The Cessna Citation Mustang is evidence that despite their size, one may nonetheless pack a powerful punch. This very adaptable twin-engine Very Light Jet has exceptional performance qualities, including the ability to land and take off within a short distance, even when icy conditions are present. The Cessna Citation Mustang is one of the most reasonably priced business jets available, and it is able to make short business trips as well as transport up to five people along with their luggage to a luxurious vacation spot. This is accomplished without sacrificing comfort, performance, or fuel economy.

Each of the two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F turbofans that are installed in the Cessna Citation Mustang contributes 1,460 pounds (6.5 kN) of thrust to the overall thrust of the aircraft. A three-spar, low-wing cantilever with a swept-wing design and a T-tail assembly are key design aspects of the Cessna Citation Mustang. Other key design features include: The airframe of this aircraft, in contrast to the majority of VLjs, is constructed out of aluminium alloy, which provides increased structural rigidity.

The plush leather upholstery and stitching are found throughout the roomy interior, which is brimming with high-end conveniences. The feeling of openness and airiness that permeates the cabin is contributed to by a sunken aisle and six oval windows. In the cabin of the standard Cessna Mustang, there are four passenger seats plus a semi-enclosed seat designated for use as a toilet. The cockpit area is home to two pilot seats.

The aircraft has one of the lowest operating costs for a private jet, coming in at $5.81 per mile or approximately $448,000 for 200 flight hours, making it one of the most affordable private jets available for less than $5 million.

3. HondaJet HA-420

The price was $2,500,000 (used).

The price of one flight hour is $1,400.

• Produced by Honda Aircraft Company

• Light Business Jet

• Role

• Year of Introduction: 2013

• Crew: One or two pilots

• Passenger capacity: Five passengers

• Maximum speed: 486 mph (782 kph, 422 kn)

• Cabin WidthHeight: 5.00ft4.83ft (1.52 m1.47 m)

• Passenger capacity: Five passengers

• Maximum speed: 486 mph (782 kph, 4

• Weight when empty: 7,203 pounds (3267.2 kg)

The maximum allowable weight for takeoff is 10,701 pounds (4,854 kg)

• Range:1,653 mi (2,661 km, 1,437 nmi)

• Maximum altitude for service: 43,000 feet (13,000 m)

• Number Built: 200

You are most likely correct. If, upon first glance, you believed the HondaJet HA-420 was shaped like a shoe, you are not alone. According to aircraft designer Michimasa Fujino, a significant design component of the HondaJet HA-420 was inspired by Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoes, resulting in a stylish light business jet that caused a sensation all over the world when it was first introduced.

The groundbreaking over-the-wing engine pods that the HondaJet sported in order to optimise passenger space and achieve minimal wave drag when travelling at high speeds pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in aircraft design. Two GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each producing 2,050 pounds (9.1 kilonewtons), are responsible for the vehicle’s thrust. Because it combines a composite fuselage with an aluminium wing, the HondaJet is able to achieve unrivalled levels of both fuel efficiency and structural stiffness, making it an unbeatable aircraft.

A touchscreen, three-display version of the Garmin G3000 glass cockpit avionics system is installed in the HondaJet HA-420 aircraft. Its opulent cabin is upholstered in leather and features a belted potty in addition to seating for four people. The price of a brand new HondaJet HA-420 was $3.4 million, and today you can purchase a certified pre-owned plane for approximately $2.5 million; therefore, the HondaJet HA-420 is one of the least expensive private jets that costs less than $5 million.

4. The price of a used Hawker 400 Jet ranges from $2,000,000 to $2,420,000

The price of one flight hour is $1,930.

• Manufacturer: Hawker Beechcraft

• Function: Light Business Jet • Debut Year: 1993 • Year of Development:

• Capacity for passengers: four to eight people, with two pilots on board • Crew: two pilots

• Top speed of 539 miles per hour (866 kph, 468 kn)

• The width of the cabin is 4.75 feet and the height is 1.50 metres.

• Weight when empty: 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg)

The maximum allowable weight for takeoff is 16,300 pounds (7,394 kg)

• Range: 2,490 mi (4,000 km, 2,160 nmi) • Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m)

• Number Built: 951

The fact that the Hawker 400 is one of the most reasonably priced private jets has allowed it to endure numerous revisions, redesigns, and improvements over the years, making it one of the most successful private jet platforms in terms of sales. Initially, Mitsubishi was the company that was responsible for manufacturing and marketing the Hawker 400 under the names Mitsubishi Diamond and Mitsubishi Diamond II. Significant upgrades were made to the aircraft after the type rights were purchased by the Beech Aircraft business. These improvements included an expanded range, a higher maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), an updated cabin, and the inclusion of an all-glass cockpit.

The Hawker 400 and its variations, including the Beechjet 400/400A, Hawker 400XP, and the military variant T-1 Jayhawk offer relaxing and pleasant high altitude cruising for short business or leisure excursions. Its all-metal, low-winged structure provides structural integrity and a large cabin for four or eight passengers configurations.

The Hawker 400 incorporates a pressurised cabin and sound deadening to minimise engine noise, short take-off, landing performance, and low operational expenses making the aircraft one of the most popular inexpensive business jets.

You can pick yourself a pre-owned Hawker 400 private jet in great condition for roughly $2,500,000.

5. Learjet 60 Price (used): $1,400,000 – $3,495,000

Cost per flight hour: $2,760.03

• Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace \s• Role: Business Jet \s• Year of Introduction: 1993

• Crew: Two

• Passenger capacity: EIght passengers \s• Maximum speed: 536 mph (863 kph, 466kn) (863 kph, 466kn)

• Empty weight: 14,640 lb (6,641 kg) (6,641 kg)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 23,500 lb (10,659 kg) (10,659 kg)

• Range: 2,773 mi (4,463 km, 2,410 nmi) (4,463 km, 2,410 nmi)

• Maximum altitude for service: 51,000 feet (16,000 m)

• Number Built: 400

The Learjet 60 is a mid-size business jet powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofan engines providing a maximum of 4,600 pounds (20 kN) thrust each. Built to carry up to eight passengers, the price of a new Learjet 60 private was $13 million during its 20-year production run. However, used prices start from $1.4 million, making the Learjet 60 one of the cheapest private jets under $5 million.

The Best Private Jets Under $5 million

1. Embraer Phenom 100 \sPrice: $4,500,000

Cost per flight hour: $1,100

• Manufacturer: Embraer \s• Role: Very Light Jet \s• Year of Introduction: 2008

• Crew: One or two pilots

• Passenger capacity: Four to five passengers

• Maximum speed: 537.08 mph (864.2 kph) (864.2 kph)

• Cabin Width×Height: 5.1ft×4.11ft (1.55m×1.25 m)

• Empty weight: 3,275 kg (7,220 lb) (7,220 lb)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,800 kg (10,582 lb) (10,582 lb)

• Range:1,356 mi (2,182 km,1,178 nmi) (2,182 km,1,178 nmi)

• Service ceiling: 41,001 feet (12,497 m) (12,497 m)

• Number Built: 380

Embraer’s EMB-500 Phenom 100 is one of the cheapest private jets under $5 million in the inexpensive business jet category in the Very Light Jet category. It is also among the most popular personal private aircraft, with 380 units sold since its debut in 2008.

The Phenom 100 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617-F turbofan twin-engines are located aft of the fuselage, and each unit produces 1695 Ib (7.2 kN) at takeoff. Both engines are equipped with a dual full authority digital engine control system (FADEC) with an automated performance reserve (APR) capable of raising engine output to 1,777 Ib upon engine failure on take-off (EFTO) (EFTO).

Inside the roomy and well-appointed cabin is ample room for five guests and their belongings. Extra features include a restroom, an optional side-facing seat, and inflight entertainment.

2. Citation M2 Price: $4,600,00 – $4,800,000

Cost per hour: $1,300

• Manufacturer: Cessna

• Role: Light Business Jet \s• Year of Introduction: 2006

• Crew: One or two pilots

• Passenger capacity: Four to seven passengers

• Maximum speed: 518.8 mph (835 kph, 451 kn) (835 kph, 451 kn)

• Cabin Width×Height: 4.8ft×4.7ft (1.47m×1.45 m)

• Empty weight: 6,990 Ib (3,171 kg) (3,171 kg)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,700 lb (4,852 kg) (4,852 kg)

• Range:1,784 mi (2,871 km,1,550 nmi) \s• Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m) (12,500 m)

• Number Built: 2000

The Cessna Citation M2 is an entry-level private jet that gives pilots and customers control, speed, comfort, and range for charters, private, and cor[porate use. It is among the versatile and affordable private jets under $5 million capable of performance capabilities commonly attributed to large private jets.

The Cessna Citation M2 was developed from the Cessna CitationJet/CJ/CJ/CJ2/CJ3 model range. But significant differences include a pair of more powerful Williams FJ44-1AP-21 turbofan engines with 5% more hot and high thrust and 15% more cruise thrust. The Cessna M2 has a higher climb rate per minute and is 25.5 mph (41 kph) faster than other jets in the CJ model series.

The Cessna Citation M2 isn’t all about speed. The Cessna M2 spacious and luxurious cabin features enhanced cabin lighting and plush captain chairs wrapped in soft leather. The Cessna M2 has a cockpit with a GARMIN G3000 touch control electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) for single-pilot operations.