The USA’s private jet market is the biggest in the world, but what are America’s most popular private jets to charter?
The most popular private jets to charter in the USA
With a staggering 15,547 aircraft registered in 2019, North America has the world’s biggest private jet market. To put the continent’s dominance into perspective, the second-highest concentration of registered private aircraft in Europe totals just 2,760.
As of 2022, the USA holds 89% of the registered aircraft on the continent, which is little surprise considering 39% of the world’s millionaires live there. The country’s private jet market shows no sign of slowing, with aviation data research firm Wingx recording 3.3 million business jet take-offs in 2021; the most for a single year and 7% more than the previous high in 2019.
But out of the 9,000 taking off every day, what are America’s most popular private jets? Using our own data, we’ve collated the most sought-after private jets to charter in the USA.
Bombardier Learjet 60
Due to its impressive fuel efficiency and NASA technology, the Bombardier Learjet 60 is one of the most competitively priced midsize charter jets. But it’s not just price and fuel efficiency that make this jet so sought-after. Able to accommodate up to eight passengers (nine if the enclosed lavatory is used as an extra seat), the Learjet’s cabin is spacious, comfortable and ideal for both work and relaxation. It also has a comparatively large baggage compartment for an aircraft of its size.
Beechcraft King Air 200
Part of the most popular family of turboprops ever created, the Beechcraft King Air 200 excels in all regions and environments thanks to its versatility and robust airframe. Despite its perception as a rugged “go anywhere, go anytime” aircraft, its cabin is extremely comfortable and spacious for a turboprop. The King Air 200 can seat up to eight passengers if the lavatory is used as an extra seat and is frequently used for short hops from Teterboro in New Jersey to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard in the summer months.
Cessna Citation X
With a top speed of Mach 0.9, it’s little wonder the Cessna Citation X is one of the USA’s most popular private jets to charter. This aircraft is so fast it can fly from New York to Los Angeles almost an hour faster than other super-midsize business jets. The eight-seat cabin is typically laid out with two club suites separated by fold-away tables for working and dining, while the heated and pressurized baggage compartment helps to protect cargo regardless of external weather conditions.
Gulfstream IV
Gulfstream has long been a trusted name in the private jet industry and the Gulfstream IV (also known as the G-IV or GIV) is one of the brand’s most popular aircraft. Purchasers of the jet were able to completely customize the interiors, so there’s a variety of configurations for charter customers to choose from; but most have seating for up to 14 passengers. With a range of around 4,500 miles and a baggage compartment large enough for 19 suitcases, the G-IV is often chartered by groups flying across the USA and abroad.
Hawker 800XP
While the Hawker 800XP doesn’t have one stand-out feature compared to its competitors, its popularity stems from its ability to strike a balance between factors that drive private jet sales and charters, such as availability, fuel economy, climb and cruise performance, interior comfort and takeoff distance. The aircraft’s cabin can appear in a variety of layouts, but the most common configurations seat up to eight people with a three-seat divan in the rear. The divan makes it a popular choice amongst traveling families with children.
Want to charter any of these private jets? Contact one of our team today.