Light Jets for Sale

Browse Pre-Owned Light Jets — Efficient, Capable, Owner-Pilot Friendly

Light jets represent the entry point into private jet ownership without compromise on capability. These aircraft cover short domestic routes and regional hops with low operating costs, straightforward maintenance requirements, and — in most cases — suitability for owner-pilot operation. At Aviator Aircraft Sales, we source and list pre-owned light jets from the most trusted manufacturers in the segment: Cessna Citation and Embraer Phenom. Whether you are stepping into jet ownership for the first time or replacing an ageing piston with a turbine platform, this page covers what defines the category and what aircraft are currently available.

What Defines a Light Jet

Light jets are typically defined by a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of between 10,000 lb and 20,000 lb, a cabin that accommodates four to nine passengers, and a range broadly between 1,000 and 2,200 nautical miles. They are powered by two small-to-medium turbofan engines and are certificated under FAR Part 25 (transport category) or FAR Part 23 (normal category), depending on the specific aircraft.

What sets them apart from very light jets (VLJs) is meaningful stand-up headroom in some cases, a proper enclosed lavatory in the larger examples, and range sufficient for meaningful domestic business travel. They are not intercontinental platforms — that is not what they are designed for — but for a two-to-three-hour sector with a handful of passengers and luggage, they are highly competitive on cost per nautical mile.

Operating costs vary by airframe and engine type but typically fall in the range of $1,500 to $2,800 per flight hour for variable costs alone. Fixed costs — hangarage, insurance, crew (where applicable), and scheduled maintenance — add to that figure, but remain substantially lower than midsize or large cabin aircraft. This is the primary reason owner-operators and small flight departments tend to gravitate towards light jets.

Typical Use Cases

• Short domestic and regional business travel (under 1,500nm sectors)
• Owner-pilot operations where single-pilot certification is a priority
• Time-sensitive cargo or personnel transfer within a country or region
• Secondary aircraft within a multi-aircraft flight department
• First-time jet buyers transitioning from turboprop ownership
• European intra-continental routing where range is not the primary constraint

Key Specifications Range — Light Jets

Light Jets Listed by Aviator Aircraft Sales

Cessna Citation Jet (CitationJet / M2)

The original CitationJet, introduced in 1993, established a formula that Cessna refined across multiple generations. The aircraft seats four to six passengers in a modest but functional cabin, is single-pilot certified under FAR Part 23, and is powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines. Its low direct operating costs and straightforward avionics make it a practical choice for owner-pilots. The M2 variant, which succeeded it, brought Garmin G3000 avionics and improved performance. Pre-owned examples of the original CitationJet are available at the accessible end of the market, making them a realistic entry point for buyers transitioning from pistons or turboprops. Read our full Cessna Citation Jet buyers guide for an in-depth assessment.

Cessna Citation CJ1 and CJ1+

The CJ1 was the first step up from the original CitationJet, incorporating a stretched cabin and marginally improved range. The CJ1+ added the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and improved Williams FJ44-1AP engines. Maximum passengers stand at six, range is approximately 1,300 nautical miles, and the aircraft remains single-pilot certified. The CJ1 series is a well-understood platform with a large operator base, strong parts availability, and straightforward maintenance scheduling. Pre-owned examples are among the more accessible light jets on the market. See our Cessna Citation CJ1 aircraft review for a detailed technical breakdown.

Cessna Citation CJ4 and CJ4 Gen2

The CJ4 sits at the top of the CJ family and represents the most capable light jet Cessna produces. With a range of approximately 2,165 nautical miles, accommodation for nine passengers, and the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 advanced avionics suite, it occupies the upper boundary of the light jet category. The Gen2 variant introduced aerodynamic improvements and a revised interior. The CJ4 is single-pilot certified and is operated both by owner-pilots and small charter operators. Its cabin is wider and taller than the CJ1, and it carries meaningfully more baggage. Buyers considering the CJ4 should read our Cessna Citation CJ4 aircraft review.

Embraer Phenom 100 and 100EV

Embraer’s entry into the light jet market with the Phenom 100, certificated in 2008, brought a different design philosophy to the segment. The aircraft features a wider, stand-up-compatible cabin relative to its class, Prodigy avionics (Garmin G1000-based), and a distinctive oval fuselage cross-section that maximises shoulder room. Powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW617F engines, the Phenom 100 carries up to four passengers with a range of approximately 1,178 nautical miles. The 100EV variant introduced more powerful PW617F1-E engines and improved hot-and-high performance. It is single-pilot certified. Full technical details are available in our Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft review.

Embraer Phenom 300, 300E, and 300EX

The Phenom 300 has been the world’s best-selling light jet for several consecutive years — a fact worth noting without embellishment. It seats up to nine passengers, offers a range of approximately 2,010 nautical miles in standard configuration, and cruises at up to 453 knots TAS. The 300E brought a refreshed cabin with Embraer’s Bossa Nova interior, improved avionics, and a 100nm range extension. The 300EX extended range further still to approximately 2,270nm. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW535E engines and is single-pilot certified. It is the strongest resale performer in the light jet segment, which is relevant to buyers considering future disposition. Read our Embraer Phenom 300 aircraft review for a full assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Light Jets

What is the difference between a light jet and a very light jet (VLJ)?

Very light jets — such as the Cessna Citation Mustang or Eclipse 500 — typically accommodate four to five passengers, have a range under 1,200nm, and carry lower price tags. Light jets, by contrast, offer larger cabins, meaningfully greater range, more baggage capacity, and in the upper examples (such as the CJ4 or Phenom 300) performance that approaches the lower end of the midsize category. The distinction matters for buyers deciding whether a VLJ genuinely meets their mission profile or whether the additional investment in a true light jet is warranted.

Can a light jet be flown single-pilot?

Most light jets in this category — including all Cessna CJ variants and both Embraer Phenom models — are certificated for single-pilot operation under FAR Part 61 and the relevant EASA equivalents, provided the pilot holds an appropriate type rating. This is one of the primary attractions of the segment: it removes the requirement and cost of maintaining a two-pilot crew, which is mandatory on heavier aircraft. That said, many operators of these aircraft still elect to fly with two crew members, particularly on instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) operations or longer sectors.

What does a pre-owned light jet cost to operate annually?

Annual operating costs depend heavily on utilisation, base location, crew arrangement, and maintenance status. A reasonable estimate for an owner-operated light jet flown 200 hours per year would be $350,000 to $600,000 in total annual costs — covering fuel, maintenance, insurance, hangarage, and crew or training costs. Variable costs (fuel, landing fees, handling) typically run $1,500 to $2,800 per flight hour. Pre-purchase inspection findings can significantly affect the first-year cost profile, which is why a thorough pre-buy is essential before completing any acquisition.

What should I look for when buying a pre-owned light jet?

The most important factors are maintenance programme enrolment (JSSI, TAP Blue, PowerAdvantage, or similar), engine hours on cycle (not just total time), avionics upgrade status, and the quality of the historical records. Aircraft that have been operated under a structured maintenance programme are significantly easier to insure and finance, and they carry lower risk at resale. Avionics state matters: an older aircraft with an upgraded Garmin or Collins avionics suite is a materially different proposition to one still running 1990s-era instruments. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent MRO — not one selected by the seller — is non-negotiable.

Which light jet holds its value best?

The Embraer Phenom 300 series has demonstrated consistently strong value retention relative to other light jets. Its ongoing production status, large operator base, and demand from charter operators underpin resale values. The Cessna CJ4 also holds value well relative to the broader CJ family. Older, out-of-production aircraft — particularly those requiring avionics upgrades or with lapsed maintenance programmes — depreciate faster and carry more market risk. Buyers with a defined holding period should factor residual value projections into their acquisition decision, not just purchase price.

Ready to Find Your Light Jet

Aviator Aircraft Sales operates as an independent aircraft broker, working on behalf of buyers and sellers across the pre-owned light jet market. We provide access to current inventory, carry out market valuations, coordinate pre-purchase inspections, and manage the acquisition process through to completion. If you have a specific aircraft type in mind — or if you need guidance on which platform best matches your mission profile — contact us directly. You can browse our current aircraft inventory, learn more about how we work on our broker services page, or get in touch to discuss your requirements.