The 11 Most Popular Private Jets for 2024

Before we begin, it’s important to note that there’s no one “best” private jet. When evaluating available options, there’s plenty of room for subjectivity; the right aircraft for one buyer may be entirely different from that of another. Therefore, prospective buyers shouldn’t ask “What’s the best private jet?”, but rather “What’s the best private jet based on my particular requirements?”

Other considerations to factor in before beginning your search include:

• Product Design: One of the primary ways OEMs differentiate their aircraft is through niche product designs. Some private aircraft are designed with specific use cases in mind — for example, an aircraft may have a comparatively larger cabin or baggage compartment space or may be well-suited for accessing smaller private airports with shorter — and perhaps unimproved — runways and smaller hangar facilities. Certain OEMs cater to certain applications, enabling them to stand out in the market for their niche designs
• Performance: Performance — which for private jets often refers to non-stop range and ability to safely fly in and out of smaller non-commercial airports — is another competitive differentiator for OEMs. Certain aircraft models offer non-stop long-range and even ultra-long-range capabilities, which can be a strong selling point for buyers who need to travel long distances, giving these aircraft an edge over other models. Likewise, short-field performance may be a priority for buyers looking to access a wider range of smaller airports and arrive closer to their final destination. Some aircraft models can even offer both long-range and impressive short-field performance capabilities.
• Quality: The production processes for manufacturers in the private aviation industry are subject to strict regulations and certification requirements, all of which are meant to ensure all aircraft meet or exceed safety design standards. As a result, there should be little difference in terms of the presumed safety and basic quality of one manufacturer’s aircraft versus that of another.No matter which aircraft make or model you choose, you can expect that the manufacturer followed stringent certification processes. However, it’s important to note that there may be variations between some models in technology, quality of fit and finish, interior design and craftsmanship, which may influence your decision.
• Equipment: Many OEMs source major components from common third-party providers, including avionics equipment, engines, auxiliary power units, cabin management systems and even entertainment systems. While this leads to some overlap when comparing aircraft models, there are still plenty of variations to consider and evaluate.

Other factors that can influence a private aircraft’s popularity include acquisition and operating costs, cabin size, amenities and operating efficiency.

To determine what’s the best private jet for you, you’ll need to begin by defining your travel requirements, expectations and preferences; these will serve as your search criteria. Here are some questions you can work through to get started:

• Are you interested in pre-owned aircraft and, if so, what age of an aircraft would you find acceptable?
• What are your primary destinations? Which airports serve those locations?
• Do your flights tend to be relatively short in duration (two to three hours), or longer?
• For long-distance flights, would you be open to the idea of a fuel stop, or is it more important that you be able to make long-range trips without stopping?
• How many passengers will you typically fly with?
• How much baggage space will you and your guests typically require?
• What type of cabin seating arrangement do you require? For example, do you need or prefer conference-style seating arrangements with “office in the sky” capabilities?
• What amenities are you looking for? For example, do you require dedicated sleeping accommodations? Would you prefer a full-size galley or a full-size lavatory?
• Do you intend to charter your aircraft? If so, purchasing an aircraft model that’s known to be in high demand within the charter market might be a priority.

In addition to answering these questions, prospective buyers should consider undergoing a full needs analysis with a qualified aviation consultant to get a complete understanding of all options, particularly one without bias toward any one brand or model.

Schedule a No-Cost, No-Obligation Analysis Today >>

*All average purchase prices based on Conklin & De Decker data

Presented in no particular order, here are some highlights of the most popular private jets of 2024:

Pilatus PC-24

Pilatus Aircraft’s very first light jet, the Pilatus PC-24, is a twin-engine business jet capable of accessing a wide range of airports, making it popular for both professional and personal use.

• Maximum range of 1,800 nm (3,334 km)
• Maximum cruise speed of 440 KTAs (815 km/h)
• Capacity for 10 passengers
• Features two Williams FJ44-4A turbofan engines
• Able to operate on both paved and unimproved runways
• Average new build purchase price is $11.5M

Embraer Phenom 300

The Embraer Phenom 300 is a light jet with impressive speed and range capabilities. Manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, the Phenom 300 is certified for single-pilot operation.

• Maximum range of 1,970 nm (3,648 km)
• Maximum cruise speed of 529 KTAs (987 km/h)
• Capacity for seven passengers
• Features advanced avionics suite, including the Synthetic Vision System and the SurfaceWatch™ runway monitoring system
• Average new build purchase is $11.3M

Cessna Citation Latitude

Manufactured by Textron Aviation, the Cessna Citation Latitude is one of the best-selling midsize business jets on the market today for its impressive performance relative to passenger capacity.

• Maximum range of 2,700 nm (5000 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 446 KTAs (825 km/h)
• Capacity for nine passengers
• Twin Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 FADEC-controlled turbofan engines
• Average new build purchase is $19.5M

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2

The next generation of Textron Aviation’s popular Cessna Citation CJ4 model, the Gen2 improves upon its predecessor with a variety of new features and capabilities and is certified for single-pilot operation.

• Maximum range of 2,165 nm (4,009 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 451 KTAs (835 km/h)
• Capacity for 10 passengers
• Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics suite
• Single point refueling
• Externally serviceable lavatory
• Average new build purchase is $11.6M

Embraer Legacy 500

A midsize business jet well-suited to longer distance travel, the Embraer Legacy 500 ranks as one of the most popular private jets in its class on the market today.

• Maximum range of 3,125 nm (5,787 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 466 KTAs (863 km/h)
• Capacity for 12 passengers
• Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion flight deck
• Exclusive electronic fly-by-wire flight control system that uses digital commands to generate movement in the airplane’s ailerons, elevator, rudder and thrust levers
• Average new build purchase is $21M

Gulfstream 280

The Gulfstream 280 is a super-midsize business jet certified for steep-approach operations, making it an effective option for travelers who frequent high-altitude airports with short runways.

• Maximum range of 3,600 nm (6,667 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 566 KTAs (1,049 km)
• Capacity for 10 passengers
• Twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines
• Advanced cockpit technology, including Gulfstream’s signature PlaneView 280 flight deck, Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision Primary Flight Display with 3D graphics
• Aerodynamic wing design to reduce fuel burner and enhance fuel efficiency
• Average new build purchase is $22.5M

Dassault Falcon 2000LXS

Part of Dassault’s popular Falcon line, the Falcon 2000LXS is a super-midsize jet that combines the long-distance range of the 2000LX with the unique short-field performance of the 2000S.

• Maximum range of 4,000 nm (7,408 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 573 KTAs (1,061 km/h)
• Capacity for 10 passengers
• Highly advanced EASy II flight deck, developed by Dassault in partnership with Honeywell
• Average new build purchase is $34M

Gulfstream G650ER

The Gulfstream G650ER is an ultra-long-range aircraft, specifically designed to support long-distance travel. One of the most popular private jets in the ultra-long range category, the G650ER can easily manage long-haul flights and features a stylish cabin with multiple cabin configurations from which to choose.

• Maximum range of 7,500 nm (13,890 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 616 KTAs (1,140
• Capacity for 19 passengers
• Can sleep up to 10 passengers
• Average new build purchase is $60M–$62M

Dassault Falcon 8X

Another entry in the ultra-long-range category, the Dassault Falcon 8X’s spacious cabin offers multiple floor plan configurations for maximum comfort on long-haul flights.

• Maximum range of 6,450 nm (11,945 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 600 KTAs (1,111 km/h)
• Capacity for 16 passengers
• Features Dassault’s Digital Flight Control systems to enhance aerodynamics
• Leverage trijet engine configuration to enhance short-field performance
• Average new build purchase is $58M

Bombardier Global 7500

Bombardier’s flagship aircraft, the Global 7500 is an ultra-long-range business jet with one of the longest ranges in the private aviation industry, making it a popular option for buyers who need to routinely travel long distances without stopping to refuel.

• Maximum range of 7,700 nm (14,260 km)
• Maximum cruise speed 530 KTAs (982 km/h)
• Capacity for 19 passengers
• 54’-long cabin with four separate living spaces
• Excellent short-field performance
• Average new build purchase is $91M

While these private jet models are popular for 2024, there are several high-performance aircraft having just entered the market or soon to enter the market that will likely earn a spot on this list.

Essex Aviation’s objective isn’t to recommend the most popular private jet, but to help you identify the best private jet model based on your individual needs and specifications. Our team of qualified consultants will work closely with you to develop an understanding of your unique requirements and objectives and use that information to identify which candidate models could be the right option for you.

Start your search for the right aircraft today — download our buyer’s guide or contact us directly to speak to a consultant.