Private jet categories
The business jet market is split into several families based on cabin size, range and speed. These are generally classed as very light jets (VLJ, e.g. Cirrus Vision Jet, Embraer Phenom 100), light jets (Cessna Citation CJ, Embraer Phenom 300, HondaJet), midsize jets (Citation Latitude, Learjet 75, Citation XLS+) and long-range / heavy jets (Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global, Dassault Falcon). Each category serves a different purpose: short, fast trips for a VLJ, transcontinental or even transatlantic crossings for a long-range jet.
This segmentation strongly influences the price: a larger category aircraft carries more fuel, has more complex avionics and more powerful engines, which directly affects both the purchase price and operating costs.
Average prices by category in 2026
The ranges below apply to used aircraft in good condition, with a tracked maintenance history. Prices vary significantly depending on age, flight hours, installed avionics and the country of sale.
| Category | Examples | Used price range |
|---|---|---|
| Very light jet (VLJ) | Cirrus Vision Jet, Embraer Phenom 100 | 1.5 to 3 M€ |
| Light jet | Citation CJ3/CJ4, Phenom 300, HondaJet | 3 to 8 M€ |
| Midsize jet | Citation Latitude, Learjet 75, Citation XLS+ | 6 to 15 M€ |
| Long-range / heavy jet | Falcon 2000/900, Challenger 350/650, Global 6000 | 15 to 40 M€ and above |
What affects the price
Several criteria weigh far more heavily than the year of manufacture when valuing a used private jet:
- Total flight hours and hours remaining before a major overhaul — an engine close to its TBO/TSO limit significantly impacts value, as the overhaul often costs several hundred thousand euros.
- Maintenance history and tracked programme — an aircraft tracked under a manufacturer programme (e.g. an hourly engine contract) is reassuring and resells more easily.
- Avionics and cabin — satellite connectivity, entertainment systems, and a recent interior noticeably increase the perceived value.
- Number of previous owners and country of registration — a clear history with few transfers is a strong resale argument.
Operating costs to anticipate
The purchase price is only part of the budget: owning a private jet involves fixed costs (hangar, insurance, pilot training if operated owner-flown, management) and variable costs (fuel, scheduled maintenance, landing and navigation fees). As a general rule, the annual operating costs of a light jet represent a significant fraction of the aircraft's purchase price, and rise further for a midsize or long-range jet due to higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
| Cost item | Nature |
|---|---|
| Hangar and parking | Fixed cost, varies by airport |
| Insurance | Fixed cost, based on insured value and pilot experience |
| Fuel | Variable cost, proportional to flight hours |
| Scheduled maintenance | Variable cost, often smoothed via an hourly contract |
| Crew (if applicable) | Fixed cost, salaries and recurrent training |
New or used: what budget?
A new jet generally costs 30 to 50% more than an equivalent recent used model, but comes with a full manufacturer warranty and the latest-generation avionics. Buying used allows access to a higher category for a given budget: a used midsize jet can sometimes cost less than a new light jet. This is a common trade-off for buyers who prioritise cabin space and range over the aircraft's novelty.
Advice before buying
Before committing to a private jet, it is recommended to have a complete pre-purchase inspection carried out by an approved centre independent of the seller, to check the maintenance logbooks in full, and to have the projected operating costs precisely quoted by a manager or aircraft management company. Financing (finance lease, bank loan, fractional ownership) is also worth considering upfront, as the ownership structure can significantly change the real cost of ownership.