
Most Common Private Jets
Choosing the right aircraft for business or leisure travel comes down to reliability, cabin comfort and availability. Whether you’re booking on demand or considering membership programmes, knowing the most common private jets gives you insight into which models offer proven performance, widespread support and strong resale value. Here’s a closer look at the top civil business jets in service today.
From nimble turboprops to cabin‑cruising behemoths, knowing the most common private jets helps you pick the right aircraft for every mission — whether it’s a quick hop between Toronto and Montréal or a nonstop run from Vancouver to London. Below, we’ll explore the key families of business jets in active service, spotlight the most popular private jets by flight hours and deliveries, and even acknowledge the most popular fighter jet among aviation enthusiasts.
Why Fleet Mix Matters
Charter operators like NovaJet maintain a diverse lineup to match every route profile, passenger count and budget. Light jets excel on short flights and smaller fields, midsize models shine on coast‑to‑coast legs, large‑cabin birds conquer transatlantic hops, and ultra‑long‑range types redefine what “nonstop” can mean. Understanding which platforms lead each class ensures you book an aircraft that’s efficient, available and cost‑effective.
Personalised Onboard Experience
Flying on the most popular private jets isn’t just about the aircraft — it’s about the full service that comes with it. At NovaJet, every itinerary includes personalized options: curated menus that reflect dietary preferences and ground‑transport coordination at both ends of your trip. Satellite Wi‑Fi, entertainment systems and power outlets at each seat ensure you stay connected and productive. Cabin layouts adapt for meetings, relaxation or a mix of both — complete with ergonomic seating, adjustable lighting and noise‑cancelling technology. On long‑haul flights aboard ultra‑long‑range jets such as the G700 or Global 8000, dedicated crew rest areas and shower facilities offer an exceptional level of comfort. Whether you’re finalizing deals in flight or unwinding, this attention to detail makes travel time feel like an extension of your office or home. Requests for in‑flight conferencing or cabin branding are handled seamlessly, and our crew’s proactive approach means your preferences are anticipated.
Light Jets: Jet‑Set Access on a Budget
Light jets are workhorses for flights under 2,000 nm (3,700 km). Their appeal lies in low direct operating costs, shorter runway requirements and single‑pilot options on many types — making them staples in charter inventories and fractional programmes alike.
Cessna Citation Jet Family
- Citation M2 & CJ Series: With seats for 5–7 and ranges from 1,300–1,900 nm, these jets can link Calgary and Vancouver or Toronto and New York without refuelling.
- Highlights: Single‑pilot‑certified on select models, cruise speeds up to Mach 0.74, and minimal runway length (as little as 3,000 ft).
- Why It’s Common: Over 1,500 CitationJets operate worldwide, making parts, maintenance and crew training widely available.
Embraer Phenom 300E
- Performance: 2,000 nm range, Mach 0.80 cruise, seating for up to 10 passengers.
- Cabin: Flat floor, stand‑up headroom and a refreshment centre.
- Reputation: Often cited as the most popular private jet in the light‑jet category, it logs more flight hours than any competitor in its class.
- These light jets are perfect when you need flexibility at smaller airports — think Abbotsford, London (ON) or Billy Bishop in Toronto — while keeping costs in check.
Midsize Jets: The Comfort‑Range Sweet Spot
When you need a bit more cabin space and non‑stop reach of up to 3,500 nm (6,500 km), midsize jets deliver stand‑up cabins, generous baggage holds and transcontinental range.
Cessna Citation XLS+
- Specs: 1,800 nm range, Mach 0.75 cruise, seats 8–9.
- Perks: Flat‑floor cabin with club‑seating, rear refreshment centre and external baggage bay accessible in flight.
Bombardier Challenger 350
- Specs: 3,200 nm range, Mach 0.82 cruise, seats up to 10.
- Comfort Features: Cabin altitude under 6,000 ft at FL410, advanced noise‑reduction, comfortable club‑seating layout.
Embraer Praetor 600
- Specs: 4,000 nm range, Mach 0.83 cruise, seats 9–12.
- Tech: Garmin G6000 avionics suite, integrated infrared runway detection, full‑glass cockpit.
In Canada, these midsize jets handle nonstop runs like Halifax–Calgary or Montréal–Los Angeles with ease — making them among the popular private jets for corporate travel and charter alike.
Large‑Cabin & Long‑Range Jets: Global Connectivity
For nonstop international flights or VIP missions demanding spacious living areas, large‑cabin, long‑range jets reign supreme. They routinely appear on “top” lists due to their size, comfort and intercontinental capability.
Gulfstream G650 / G650ER
- Range: 7,000–7,500 nm (12,964–13,890 km)
- Capacity: Up to 18
- Features: Five living areas, full galley, dedicated crew rest area, max cruise Mach 0.90.
Bombardier Global 7500
- Range: 7,700 nm (14,260 km)
- Capacity: Up to 19
- Highlights: Four true living zones including a private master suite with en suite shower, whisper‑quiet cabin.
Dassault Falcon 7X / 8X
- Range: 5,950–6,450 nm (11,019–11,945 km)
- Signature: Three‑engine safety margin, excellent short‑field performance, low‑noise wing design.
These jets let you depart Toronto in the morning and touch down in London, Paris or Hong Kong before breakfast — with no fuel stops.
Ultra‑Long‑Range Jets: Pushing Boundaries
A new generation of ultra‑long‑range jets has emerged, catering to clients who value nonstop connections on routes once thought impossible.
Gulfstream G700
- Range: 7,500 nm (13,890 km)
- Capacity: 13–19
- Standouts: Panoramic oval windows, five living areas, rapid‑turnaround floorplan.
Bombardier Global 8000
- Range: 8,000 nm (14,816 km)
- Benefits: Next‑gen wing for fuel efficiency, whisper‑quiet cabin, full‑size galley and crew rest.
These platforms connect Vancouver with Sydney or Montréal with Tokyo without refuelling — ideal for executives, heads of state or anyone who prizes time over cost.
A Nod to Military Might: The Most Popular Fighter Jet
Even though NovaJet focuses on civil aviation, enthusiasts often ask about the most popular fighter jet in history. That title goes to the Soviet‑designed Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑21 — over 11,000 built between 1959 and the early 1980s. Its simplicity, speed (Mach 2+) and global footprint made it a mainstay in more than 50 air forces. Though you won’t charter a MiG‑21 for business travel, its legacy underlines how production numbers and reliability define popularity.
How to Match Jet to Mission
Selecting the right aircraft involves balancing several factors:
- Range & Routing: Always pick a model that covers your longest leg with reserves—see runway length and alternate options.
- Cabin Layout & Capacity: Club‑seating, divan areas, stand‑up height and baggage space vary widely.
- Airport Access: Smaller jets fit more fields; large‑cabin models need longer runways.
- Operating Economics: Fuel burn, maintenance reserves and handling fees add up.
- Availability: The highest‑demand jets (like the Phenom 300E or G650) sometimes require advanced booking — working with a diverse fleet provider ensures you’re not left waiting.
NovaJet’s team offers 24/7 concierge service to run through these considerations and tailor recommendations that fit your schedule, passenger count and comfort preferences.
Why Fleet Familiarity Pays Off
By knowing which models top the delivery and flight‑hour charts, you gain these advantages:
- Consistent Support: Widespread fleets mean spare parts, trained technicians and pilot pools are readily available.
- Resale & Lease Value: Jets with strong track records hold value better — important if you’re considering ownership or fractional shares.
- Predictable Costs: Common platforms have well‑published operating‑cost data, helping you budget accurately.
These factors explain why the CitationJets, Embraer Phenoms, Challenger 350s and Gulfstream Globals dominate charter rosters as the most popular private jets in service today.
Final Thoughts
From entry‑level turboprops all the way up to ultra‑long‑range giants, the world of business aviation offers an aircraft for every mission profile. NovaJet’s experienced team stands ready to guide you. Get in touch to explore availability, compare cabin layouts and secure your next flight—tailored precisely to your journey and your timeline.