Very light jets (VLJs) are the entry-level tier of business aviation—small, agile aircraft that can whisk you up to 1,200 nautical miles (about two to three hours airborne) without a refuel. Seating four to eight passengers and certified for single-pilot operation, they bridge the gap between turboprops and traditional small jets, letting you fly city-centre to city-centre on your own schedule.
Monarch Air Group offers a wide range of VLJs that balance economy with comfort. Because these aircraft sip fuel and can use shorter runways, charter rates stay low while you still enjoy an executive-class cabin and access to smaller airports that cut total travel time.
How much does a very light private jet cost?
Very Light Jets
Honda Jet Elite
- Capacity: up to 6 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.8 ft / 5.0 ft
- Cruise Speed: 422 knots (485 mph / 780 km/h)
- Range: 1,437 nm
Cirrus Vision Jet
- Capacity: up to 5 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.1 ft / 5.1 ft
- Cruise Speed: 311 knots (357 mph / 575 km/h)
- Range: 1,275 nm
Eclipse 500
- Capacity: up to 4 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.2 ft / 4.6 ft
- Cruise Speed: 370 knots (425 mph / 685 km/h)
- Range: 1,125 nm
Citation M2
- Capacity: up to 6 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.8 ft / 4.9 ft
- Cruise Speed: 404 knots (465 mph / 748 km/h)
- Range: 1,550 nm
Phenom 100
- Capacity: up to 5 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.9 ft / 5.1 ft
- Cruise Speed: 390 knots (449 mph / 723 km/h)
- Range: 1,178 nm
Citation Mustang
- Capacity: up to 6 pax
- Cabin Size (H/W): 4.8 ft / 4.9 ft
- Cruise Speed: 404 knots (465 mph / 748 km/h)
- Range: 1,550 nm
What is a very light jet?
A VLJ is a pressurised small business jet under 10,000 lb (4,540 kg) maximum take-off weight, designed for four-to-eight seats, and optimised for hops of 800–1,200 nm. Popular models include the HondaJet HA-420, Embraer Phenom 100, Eclipse 550, and Cirrus Vision Jet.
Typical very light jet performance
- Cabin height averaging 4 ft 6 in;
- Optional enclosed lavatory and compact refreshment centre;
- Seats 4 – 6 passengers in club-style comfort;
- Up to 3 hours cruise range;
- Cruise speed 350 – 430 mph.
Very light jet amenities
Club-configuration seats swivel, track, and recline, creating an intimate lounge or micro-conference room in flight. Low cabin noise lets you converse or work without headsets, and wrap-around windows flood the interior with light. Despite the compact footprint, smart baggage holds swallow multiple carry-ons, a set of skis, or golf clubs. Connectivity options—Wi-Fi, USB-C power, and sat-phone—keep you productive above the clouds.
Most VLJs feature a refreshment console for snacks and beverages and a belted lavatory (some models offer a fully enclosed option). New-generation designs add blended winglets and advanced composites for better aerodynamics and fuel burn.
How many people does a very light jet seat?
Small jets have cabin seats 4-6 travellers; certain high-density layouts bump capacity to eight, though six yields the best comfort-to-range balance.
What is the speed of a very light private jet?
VLJs cruise between 350 mph and 430 mph. The single-engine Cirrus Vision Jet cruises around 345 mph, while twin-engine stalwarts like the Phenom 100 push the upper 400s.
How much runway does a very light jet require?
At sea level a VLJ can operate comfortably from about 3,000 ft of paved runway—and many models manage even shorter strips under favourable weight and weather. As elevation rises, add roughly 1,000 ft of runway for every 2,000 ft of altitude to stay within performance margins.
Book a very light private jet at Monarch Air Group
Whether you’re hopping from New York to Nantucket or Paris to Geneva, Monarch Air Group tailors VLJ charters that maximise your time and budget. Enjoy streamlined check-in, bespoke catering, and the freedom to choose secondary airports closer to your final address.
Our flight-support team can even organise ground transfers and special-diet menus, ensuring every leg of your journey feels effortless. Rent very light jet today and discover how small can feel exceptionally big in private aviation.