How Far Can Private Aircraft Fly?

An aircraft’s range is a measurement of how far it can fly nonstop without refueling. Choosing the right private jet should start with an exploration of its range, ensuring that you purchase something that will deliver fast, efficient trips every time. 

The difference in aircraft range is massive and can mean the difference between a short regional hop and crossing an ocean. Key range factors include the size of the aircraft, its passenger load, and the weather.

Key Factors That Determine Private Jet Range

Several factors influence how far a jet can fly without stopping for fuel. Those factors include the following:

• Capacity: Larger jets have larger fuel tanks. 
• Burn rate: Modern aircraft need much less fuel than older versions, but the more your jet uses, the shorter your trip can be. 
• Payload: The more passengers and luggage aboard, the more fuel is required to keep the aircraft aloft. 
• Weather: Stiff headwinds mean a larger drag on fuel reserves, where tailwinds lower the fuel requirements. 
• Air traffic: Inefficient routes (which are sometimes imposed by air traffic control) can increase the proposed flight distance. 
• Required reserves: Pilots are required to carry extra fuel in case the route comes with unexpected difficulties. Electronic flight planners often calculate the fuel that’s needed, and it can be surprising to some pilots. 
• Operational factors: Restricted airspace or limited runway availability can lengthen the flight time.

Private Jet Range by Class 

A aircraft’s size and class are the most influential range factors. Larger jets have larger wings, more powerful engines, and greater fuel capacity, leading to a much greater range than their smaller counterparts.

jet class	typical max range	approx km/nm	example models
Very Light / Light	~1,200 – ~2,200 nm	~2,200 – ~4,100 km	Citation M2, Embraer Phenom 300, Citation CJ4
Mid-Size	~2,000 – ~3,200 nm	~3,700 – ~5,900 km	Citation Latitude, Praetor 500, Challenger 350
Super Mid-Size	~3,200 – ~4,000 nm	~5,900 – ~7,400 km	Gulfstream G280, Citation X, Challenger 3500
Large / Heavy	~4,000 – ~6,000 nm	~7,400 – ~11,100 km	Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900LX, Challenger 650
Ultra Long-Range / Flagship	~6,500 – ~8,000 nm	~12,000 – ~14,800 km	Gulfstream G650ER / G800, Bombardier Global 7500 / 8000

Detailed Ranges by Jet Class 

Understanding the differences between jet classes is a crucial part of making a smart purchase. Each step up in class represents an expansion in cabin size, aircraft speed, and range.

Very Light & Light Jets

• Typical range: Between 1,200 and 2,200 nm
• Use cases: Short regional and domestic trips with flights up to about 3.5 hours. 
• Example aircraft: Cessna Citation M2, Embraer Phenom 300, HondaJet Elite, Learjet 45
• Best for: Owners looking for a balance between cost efficiency and airport accessibility

Mid-Size Jets 

• Typical range: Between 2,000 and 3,200 nm
• Use cases: Longer domestic travel within large countries or short-distance transoceanic flights 
• Example aircraft: Cessna Citation Latitude, Embraer Praetor 500, Citation XLS+, Hawker 900XP
• Best for: Owners looking for a more comfortable flight experience and more baggage/passenger space

Super Mid-Size Jets

• Typical range: Between 3,200 and 4,000 nm
• Use cases: Transcontinental and medium-haul intercontinental 
• Example aircraft: Gulfstream G280, Citation Sovereign, Bombardier Challenger 350/3500, Cessna Citation Longitude
• Best for: Owners who want fast flights with transcontinental capabilities

Large/Heavy Jets

• Typical range: Between 4,000 and 6,000 nm
• Use cases: Long-haul intercontinental travel with a large group
• Example aircraft: Gulfstream G450, Bombardier Challenger 650, Dassault Falcon 900LX, Embraer Legacy 600
• Best for: Enhanced space, range, and luxury

Ultra Long-Range/Flagship Jets

• Typical range: Between 6,500 and 8,000
• Use cases: Very long trips 
• Example aircraft: Bombardier Global 7500/8000, Gulfstream G650ER/G800, Dassault Falcon 8X
• Best for: Owners who regularly travel long distances 

Example Route Capabilities & Use Cases 

These examples can help you understand what kinds of aircraft can take these trips without a stop for refueling:

• NYC to London (about 3,000 nm): Mid-size and larger jets can make it.
• LA to Miami (about 2,200 nm): Light and larger jets can make it.
• Dallas to Paris (about 4,300 nm): Requires a large/heavy jet or ultra long-range jet.
• Dubai to Tokyo (about 4,200 nm): Requires a large/heavy jet or ultra long-range jet.
• LA to Sydney (about 6,500 nm): Requires an ultra-long-range/flagship jet.

Trade-Offs, Limitations & Considerations 

A larger aircraft allows you to take longer trips, carry more passengers, and perhaps fly a little faster. However, these jets often need long runways and plenty of advance planning, so they’re not as nimble as smaller jets. 

A smaller jet can allow you to land at more airports, including those with short runways, but they may require frequent fuel stops. And some simply can’t cross an ocean safely, as they don’t have the range. 

No matter the size of the aircraft, headwinds can play a role, and they’re getting stronger due to climate change. As the skies grow more clouded due to aircraft, routing inefficiencies also become more common. 

Alternate airports can function as a designated backup if the flight goes wrong, and they can be an important part of adhering to safety standards.