Not every private jet buyer needs a large-cabin intercontinental aircraft. For many UK owners, a smaller jet or turboprop offers the perfect balance of capability, operating cost, and practicality. Smaller aircraft are easier to hangar, less expensive to maintain, and can often access airports that larger jets cannot.
Very Light Jets (VLJs)
Cirrus Vision Jet SF50
The Vision Jet is the world’s first single-engine jet certified for private use. It seats five to seven passengers, cruises at 300 knots, and has a range of 1,200nm. Its standout feature is the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which provides a whole-aircraft recovery capability unique in the jet market.
Pre-owned prices start from approximately £1.5 million. The Vision Jet is popular with UK owner-pilots transitioning from piston or turboprop aircraft who want jet speed without the complexity of a twin-engine aircraft.
Eclipse 550
The Eclipse 550 is a twin-engine VLJ seating four passengers in its cabin plus one in the co-pilot seat. It is one of the most affordable jets to operate, with variable costs of approximately £700 per hour. Pre-owned examples are available from around £1.2 million.
Light Jets
Embraer Phenom 100EV
The Phenom 100EV is a purpose-built light jet seating four to six passengers. It offers a range of 1,178nm, a maximum cruise speed of 406 knots, and Prodigy Touch avionics. Its cabin, while compact, is well designed with premium materials and good natural light.
Pre-owned Phenom 100 aircraft are available from approximately £1.8 million, making them one of the most accessible true jets on the market.
Cessna Citation M2 Gen2
The Citation M2 seats seven passengers and offers a range of 1,550nm. It is single-pilot certified with Garmin G3000 avionics. Pre-owned M2 aircraft start from approximately £2.5 million.
HondaJet Elite S
The HondaJet features a distinctive over-the-wing engine mount design that maximises cabin space and reduces noise. It seats five to six passengers with a range of 1,437nm and is one of the most fuel-efficient light jets available. Pre-owned examples start from approximately £3 million.
Turboprops as an Alternative
For buyers who prioritise operating economy and versatility over speed, a turboprop offers compelling advantages:
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX seats up to nine passengers and can operate from short, unpaved runways. Operating costs are approximately 40% lower than an equivalent light jet, and its range of 1,803nm exceeds many jets in the light category.
The Daher TBM 960 is the fastest single-engine turboprop in production, cruising at 330 knots with a range of 1,730nm. It seats six passengers and offers operating costs similar to the PC-12.
Key Considerations for Small Aircraft
- Cabin height: Smaller jets typically have cabin heights of 1.2m to 1.5m, meaning passengers cannot stand upright. This is a trade-off for lower operating costs.
- Baggage capacity: Smaller aircraft have limited baggage space. Check that the aircraft can accommodate your typical luggage requirements.
- Range with full payload: Quoted ranges are often with reduced passenger loads. Verify the range at your typical operating weight.
- Single-pilot certification: Most VLJs and light jets are single-pilot certified, which significantly reduces crew costs.
Browse our current inventory of light jets and turboprops for sale, or contact Aviator Aircraft Sales for guidance on finding the right small aircraft for your needs.