The main benefit of chartering a private jet is immediately obvious: it gives you a measure of control over the sometimes anarchic experience of air travel, which can do terrible things to even the most relaxed schedule. But there are myriad choices for the potential charterer, and the market is even more baffling than for chartering a superyacht.
If you’re considering chartering a private jet in the future, keep an eye out for these three models that will be taking to the skies soon.
Learjet 85
The tallest and widest Learjet ever, and with a projected range of around 3,000 miles, the 85 is the first jet built with a carbon composite structure. The designers say this means that they can use complex curves in the aircraft cross-section and thinner wall thickness to maximise cabin volume, and they will have more flexibility on the placement of windows and other cut-outs. There will also be better performance in the air with smoother aerodynamics.
Test flights are under way and the aircraft will enter service next year.
Length 20.8m
Cabin height (max over aisle) 1.8m
High-speed cruise Mach 0.82
Range 3,000 nautical miles
Passengers 10
Crew 2
Starting price $19.6 million
Contact www.learjet85.com
Dassoult Falcon 2000S
With deliveries pegged for early next year and over 300 test hours already logged, the 2000S looks set to create plenty of interest. A special combuster in the twin Pratt & Whitneys ensures the engines function more cleanly than those in the jet’s predecessors.
While the cabin is large and open, the plane handles take-off and landing like a much smaller model, which allows it to run more efficiently. The interior is by BMW Group DesignworksUSA and is offered with three different colouring options.
Length 20.2m
Cabin height (max over aisle) 1.88m
High-speed cruise Mach 0.862
Range 3,350 nautical miles
Passengers 10
Crew 2
Starting price $25 million (est)
Contact www.falcon2000s.com
Cessna Citation Ten
A development of the popular Citation X, the Ten boasts new Rolls-Royce AE3007C2 engines to deliver more thrust, a quicker climb and a faster cruising speed than its predecessor, which was itself the fastest private jet in the air.
The cabin is longer than the X, too, which means more legroom for guests as well as extra space to recline. Cessna have also installed adjustable mood lighting and built in more storage space. Test flights are still ongoing, but the early feedback is that the Ten is a dream to pilot.
Length 22.4m
Cabin height (max over aisle) 1.73m
High–speed cruise Mach 0.92
Range 3,245 nautical miles
Passengers 12
Crew 2
Priced from $21.495 million
Contact www.cessna.com