Best Light Jets for Sale: A Buyer’s Comparison
Light jets represent the fastest growing segment of the pre owned business aviation market. They offer the speed, range, and pressurised comfort of jet travel at a fraction of the cost of midsize and large cabin alternatives. For buyers considering their first jet or stepping up from a turboprop, this comparison covers the models that dominate the current market.
What Defines a Light Jet
Light jets typically seat six to eight passengers, cruise between 380 and 460 knots, and offer a range of 1,200 to 2,100 nautical miles. They are designed for domestic and short international missions, often operating from shorter runways that larger jets cannot access. Most light jets are certified for single pilot operation, though many owners choose to fly with two crew members.
Embraer Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300 series has been the world's best selling light jet for over a decade. The 300E variant, introduced in 2020, brought a redesigned cabin, increased range, and improved avionics.
Key specifications: Maximum range 2,010 nm. Maximum cruise speed 464 ktas. Cabin seats up to 10 in standard configuration. Flat floor cabin with 5 foot 1 inch standing height. Garmin G3000 avionics with synthetic vision.
The Phenom 300E's strengths are its range and speed, which push it into the top of the light jet category and overlap with some midsize jets. The cabin is wider than most competitors, and the type has a strong residual value history. Pre owned examples currently list from approximately USD 7 million to USD 12 million depending on year and configuration. Browse Embraer jets for sale.
Cessna Citation CJ4
The CJ4 sits at the top of Cessna's light jet line and offers genuine transcontinental capability from a light jet platform. Its Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and spacious cabin make it popular with owner pilots and corporate flight departments alike.
Key specifications: Maximum range 2,165 nm. Maximum cruise speed 451 ktas. Cabin seats up to 10. Williams International FJ44-4A engines. Trailing link landing gear for smooth landings.
The CJ4's range exceeds most light jets and its operating economics are competitive. The type benefits from Cessna's extensive global service network. Pre owned CJ4s typically list between USD 5 million and USD 9 million. The earlier CJ3 and CJ2 models offer similar quality at lower price points for buyers with shorter range requirements. Browse Cessna jets for sale.
HondaJet Elite S
The HondaJet introduced a distinctive over the wing engine mount design that reduces cabin noise, eliminates the need for a traditional engine pylon, and creates more cabin and baggage space than competing light jets. The Elite S is the latest production variant.
Key specifications: Maximum range 1,547 nm. Maximum cruise speed 422 ktas. Cabin seats up to 6. GE Honda HF120 engines. Garmin G3000 avionics. Externally accessible baggage compartment plus in cabin storage.
The HondaJet excels in fuel efficiency and cabin comfort relative to its size. Its shorter range makes it best suited for regional missions of 1,000 nm or less. The type is newer to the market, so the pre owned supply is limited. Expect prices from USD 4 million to USD 6 million. Browse HondaJet aircraft for sale.
Pilatus PC 24
The PC 24 occupies a unique position: a light jet certified for unpaved runway operations. This capability, inherited from Pilatus's turboprop heritage, makes it the most operationally versatile jet in the light category.
Key specifications: Maximum range 2,000 nm. Maximum cruise speed 440 ktas. Cabin seats up to 10. Williams International FJ44-4A-QPM engines. Flat floor cabin with large cargo door. Unpaved runway certified.
The PC 24's cargo door and flat floor cabin allow configurations that no other light jet can match, including air ambulance and freight operations alongside executive transport. Pre owned examples are rare due to limited production; prices start around USD 8 million. Browse Pilatus PC 24 for sale.
How They Compare
Each of these light jets serves a different buyer profile:
The Phenom 300E is the all rounder with the best combination of speed, range, and cabin space. It suits buyers who want light jet economics with near midsize capability.
The CJ4 offers the longest range and the security of Cessna's service network. It appeals to buyers who value proven reliability and global support.
The HondaJet Elite S delivers the lowest operating costs and best fuel efficiency. It is ideal for owner pilots flying frequent short to medium range trips.
The PC 24 is for buyers who need operational flexibility above all else. Access to short and unpaved runways, plus the cargo door, make it a genuine multi role aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest light jet to operate?
The HondaJet Elite has the lowest direct operating costs among current production light jets, typically running USD 1,100 to USD 1,400 per flight hour including fuel and maintenance reserves.
Can light jets fly transatlantic?
Not directly. Most light jets lack the range for a nonstop Atlantic crossing. However, the CJ4 and Phenom 300E can make the crossing with a single fuel stop in Iceland or the Azores.
Where can I compare light jets for sale?
AeroClassifieds lists light jets from brokers and dealers worldwide. Filter by make and model to compare available aircraft side by side.
