The Most Affordable Private Jets to Buy 

People all across the country look at the state of commercial air travel and decide that now is the time to buy a private jet. 

In 2024, sales of private jets rose 4.6% over the year prior. And industry experts believe 2025 will be even bigger for sales.

Do Affordable Private Jets Even Exist? 

A new private jet is much more expensive than a new car. For example, private jets cost an average of $2.5 million to $660 million in 2024. When we talk about “affordable” aircraft, we’re referring to jets at the lower end of this range. 

In general, larger jets are more expensive to purchase and maintain. More materials are required to make them, and they need more fuel and crew to get from one destination to another. 

However, smaller jets can be surprisingly affordable. They don’t carry as many people and can’t go as far, but they can save you money over both the long term and the short term.

Affordable Private Jet Types 

The jet market is vast, and manufacturers often place their products into classes to make shopping a little easier. Understanding those distinctions can help you as you shop. 

jet type	Price range (New)	guest capacity	range (miles)	cruise speed (MPH)
Turboprops	$2M – $7M	5-9	1,000 – 1,800	250 – 350
Very Light Jets (VLJs)	$2M – $6M	4-6	1,000 – 1,500	350 – 415
Light Jets	$4M – $11M	6-8	1,200 – 2,200	400 – 520
Midsize Jets	$9M – $20M	7-10	2,000 – 3,200	450 – 530

As this chart makes clear, very light jets (VLJs) tend to be the most affordable classification of aircraft. However, they can only go short distances and hold just a few passengers. 

Larger aircraft tend to be more expensive, but they tend to be more comfortable and capable of going longer distances. For some investors, they’re a good choice, as their trips won’t work with anything smaller.

Most Affordable Private Jets Models: Comparison Table 

We’ve explained that VLJs tend to be the most inexpensive form of aircraft, but the story can be a little more complicated. Some brands and models are the least expensive in their class.

This table explains some good choices:

jet model	price (new)	passenger capacity	range (miles)	cruise speed (mph)
Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2	~$5.85 million	5-7	1,550	460
Cirrus Vision Jet SF50	~$3.5 million	5-7	1,275	345
Embraer Phenom 100	~$5 million	4-6	1,178	466
HondaJet HA-420	~$5.9 million	5-6	1,437	422
Embraer Phenom 300E	~$10 million	6-10	2,010	521
Pilatus PC-24	~$11 million	6-10	2,000	500
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS	~$36 million	8-10	4,000	528

Top 7 Affordable Private Jets to Purchase in 2025 

Let’s dig into each type of aircraft, so you can make a smart decision about your purchase. 

1. Cessna Citation M2 Gen2

For decades, people entering the jet market chose a Cessna Citation Mustang. Unfortunately, this aircraft is no longer in production. The Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 is a good alternative. 

The Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 is a compact, efficient, and high-performing jet. It features a stylish cabin with enough space for a small group and all of their luggage. It is also a fast jet with plenty of range.

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $5.85 million 
• Range: 1,550 miles (about 2,494 kilometers)
• Capacity: 5 to 7 passengers and 1 or 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Garmin G3000 avionics, upgraded cabin design, fast and efficient performance

2. Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 

The Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 is considered a very light jet. It’s the first single-engine civilian jet that was produced, and it was released with great fanfare in 2018. 

While this plane gets a lot of press, it’s not hype. This is a good aircraft for new buyers. 

This jet was designed for personal use, not rentals. The cabin is relatively spacious, with excellent luggage space. It provides a smooth flight, and since it contains intuitive controls, some owners choose to operate the aircraft themselves. 

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $3.5 million 
• Range: 1,275 miles (about 2,051 kilometers)
• Capacity: 5 to 7 passengers (including children) and 1 crewmember
• Notable features: Single-engine, personal jet with a parachute system

3. Embraer Phenom 100

The Embraer Phenom 100 is also a very light jet. It’s been in production for almost 20 years, and it’s been popular throughout its lifespan. 

This jet has a pair of rear-mounted engines, so there’s a backup if one fails. This aircraft has a relatively small passenger capacity, but everyone on board is subjected to luxurious surroundings, including a belted toilet. 

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $5 million
• Range: 1,178 miles (1,895 kilometers)
• Capacity: 4 to 5 passengers and 1 or 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Luxurious interior, fuel-efficient 

4. HondaJet HA-420

The Honda HA-420 HondaJet is considered a light jet that’s ideal for business purposes. This aircraft took its maiden flight more than 20 years ago. 

This jet has two engines that are mounted on pylons above the wing. This construction method saves space and ensures that the cabin is as large as it can possibly be. That’s why it can hold more passengers than other aircraft on our list. 

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $5.9 million 
• Range: 1,437 miles (2,312 kilometers)
• Capacity: 4 or 5 passengers and 1 or 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Over-the-wing engine design for better efficiency

5. Embraer Phenom 300E 

The Embraer Phenom 300E is considered a light business jet. It features an elongated cabin, so you can take more people along with you on the flight. If just one pilot flies the plane, you can bring even more passengers along. 

This aircraft is equipped with high-tech displays from Garmin, including an autopilot function. Pilots can still choose to run the plane with old-fashioned tools, but this tech can make challenging flights even smoother. 

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $10 million 
• Range: 2,010 miles (3,234 kilometers) 
• Capacity: 6 to 8 passengers and 1 or 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Fastest single-pilot certified jet, spacious cabin, cutting-edge avionics

6. Pilatus PC-24

The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet that’s known for its rough-and-ready handling. It’s powered by two turbofans mounted in the rear and has retractable landing gear. As a result, it can take off and land on rough airstrips. Its design smooths out the experience for passengers. 

This aircraft can hold many passengers, and the interiors are colorful and luxurious. The cockpit is outfitted with touchscreen avionics and audible callouts. This type of aircraft is popular with air charter companies, so you can rent and test it before you buy it. 

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $11 million 
• Range: 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) 
• Capacity: 10 passengers and 1 or 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Rugged, can land on grass/dirt runways, large cargo door, highly versatile

7. Dassault Falcon 2000LXS

This aircraft is the most expensive one on our list, but it’s also the largest. If you’re looking for a bigger airplane that can carry up to 10 people, this is a very good choice. 

The Dassault Falcon 2000 is designed for business professionals. This model has an improved landing and takeoff performance, and it offers reduced emissions. It also can land on short distances when compared to other aircraft of this size. 

This aircraft is known for providing superior cabin comfort for all 10 people who might be onboard. It can also fly almost twice as far as some other aircraft on our list, so people who need to go long distances may appreciate this option.  

Here’s what you need to know about this jet:

• Price: About $361 million 
• Range: 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) 
• Capacity: 10 passengers and 2 crewmembers
• Notable features: Spacious cabin, transcontinental range, excellent runway performance

Other Ways to Fly Private Without Purchasing a New Jet 

While many people choose to buy a private jet, it’s not your only option. In fact, there are several ways to meet your travel requirements without signing a purchase contract for an aircraft.

These are three of your other options:

1. Buy a Used Jet 

Researchers say used business jet inventory is up 7% in 2025 when compared to 2024. That means you have plenty of options to choose from if you’re willing to buy something that someone has used before.

A used jet is often less expensive than a new version. You also won’t waste money on depreciation, as the prior owner took that risk with the purchase. 

An older jet may need investments in technology and upgrades to fly safely. You may also want to make changes to the aircraft to customize it to your needs. But those costs could be well worth the lower price point in the long run. 

2. Charter a Private Jet 

Instead of purchasing a jet that waits for you when you need it, you can charter a jet and use it only when you need to go somewhere. You can rent a plane for just one trip, or you can create a relationship with a company and rent multiple times or on a regular schedule. 

A jet charter comes with slightly less flexibility than a purchase. After all, you’re sharing the jet with several other people. You’re also restricted to the aircraft owned by the charter company. You can’t customize the plane to meet your needs. 

A jet charter can also help you to shop for an aircraft you might want to purchase in time. You could rent a make and model you’re considering and see how it works on a typical trip. 

3. Fractional Private Jet Ownership

Instead of purchasing a jet as an individual, you could share the cost and responsibilities with others. Fractional jet ownership can allow you to enter the market at a lower price point, and you’ll share the cost of ongoing maintenance as well. This can mean a big cost savings when compared to owning your own jet outright. 

Fractional jet ownership can come with a few drawbacks, however. For example, you may need to reserve the aircraft well in advance to ensure that others don’t have something planned. 

You may also be limited to using just one aircraft rather than the fleet you’ll have when you charter. You may not have the flexibility you need to really maximize your jet use.

Fractional ownership is the least expensive when many people share the aircraft with you. However, more people can mean more restrictions. 

Get Started With Element Aviation

At Element Aviation, we have decades of experience helping sell and buy aircraft. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect aircraft.