Before choosing the aircraft model that will transport you on your next trip, you should take into account the diversity of business aviation. Between a small piston turboprop and a luxurious ultra-long-range aircraft, there is a universe full of possibilities. Aircraft speed, number of seats, and the ability to land on a short runway are important requirements, but there is much more to consider when leasing a plane for a private flight بلیط پرواز کیش.
It is undeniable that in the last 20 years the general aviation sector has become more diversified, capable of satisfying the needs of an increasingly demanding public. Over time, aircraft categories emerged that would end up favoring certain markets. Factors such as maintenance cost, range and comfort on board were central to the projects that were to be developed.
Today we can distinguish at least 10 different categories of aircraft, not to mention very sophisticated options in the helicopter segment. In this article we will discuss the differences between the main types available and explain in which scenarios each aircraft is most suitable.
piston aircraft
Piston-powered aircraft have been used for more than 50 years for short-haul flights with a limited number of passengers. The excellent cost-benefit of purchase and maintenance, combined with the robustness and versatility for landing on unpaved runways, made these models the favorites of farmers, accustomed to flying in less privileged regions in airport structures.
Among the most popular in the category are the Seneca and Baron 58 models. They operate at cruising speeds of around 300 km/h and have the autonomy to fly distances greater than 1,000 km. In a typical VIP configuration, the two comfortably carry up to 4 passengers.
turboprop airplane
The evolution in performance and comfort in business aviation occurred with the appearance of turboprop aircraft. Like piston aircraft, turboprops also earn points for their versatility, being able to operate on short unpaved runways. Larger cabins and improved engines are the main differentiating factors from piston aircraft, which are instrumental in raising passenger comfort to new heights in the industry.
Perhaps one of the most used categories in air taxi, turboprops have their stars in the Caravan Grand and King Air models. Together, the two aircraft families have a dozen variants, differing in power and size. With autonomy to fly around 2,000 kilometers, these models are suitable for short and medium-distance regional flights and leisure trips. The King Air can carry between 6 and 9 passengers and the Caravan has versions that accommodate 8 to 12 passengers.
Very light jet
Among small aircraft, the VLJ (Very Light Jets) category demonstrates the notoriety that air taxis have gained over time. Designed to meet the growing demand of business aviation, the most recent aircraft stand out for their low operation and maintenance costs, combined with their agility in landing and takeoff (capable of carrying out operations on runways of at least 900 meters in length).
Generally, these small jets have capacity for between 4 and 5 passengers, operated by a single pilot and with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 4,500 kilos. The Embraer Phenom 100 is among the main models in this category. The plane developed by the Brazilian manufacturer comfortably transports 4 passengers in a “club seat” configuration, has a cruising speed of 750 km/h and the range to fly 2,200 kilometers. The comfortable cabin and the respectable trunk (2.4 m³) make this model ideal for weekend getaways or short executive flights.
Light and super light jets
The light jet category, compared to VLJs, improves delivery in almost all aspects. On board these aircraft, passengers can fly longer distances, in less time and with greater comfort. Its larger size creates space for amenities that, in smaller categories, were not available, such as bathrooms in some models.
Concern for passenger comfort is latent, with quieter cabins and spacious seats. The lightweight Citation V and the superlight Phenom 300 summarize the category well, which is suitable for long domestic flights, carrying 7 to 10 people. The Citation V, with 3,000 kilometers of autonomy, and the Phenom 300, with 3,650, are capable of making routes between cities in the Southeast and Northeast, or, with a single stopover, making flights between Los Angeles and New York, in the United States.
Midsize and super midsize jets
Segmentation in business aviation has a well-defined line between categories. Medium jets inaugurate the ability to carry out international operations in a more natural way. Depending on where they depart, light and super light aircraft can fly to destinations in neighboring countries. But middleweights and super middleweights do this much more appropriately.
On average, the flight range is more than 4,800 kilometers. Leaving from São Paulo, this allows you to reach almost any point in South America. Under European skies, super-midsize aircraft can connect almost any two points in the European Union.
The increased cabin and a functional awning offer customers the possibility of a new service: accompanying a flight attendant . Slightly above the category average, which is 10 passengers, Embraer’s super-medium Praetor 600 can carry up to 12 travelers.
Heavy jets
Spacious cabins, armchairs, sofa, on-board service, elegantly arranged tables. The landscape that we get used to seeing in movies usually shows airplanes of this category. Heavy jets excel in comfort for their passengers, regardless of the purpose of their travel. A family on vacation? Enough space for suitcases. A traveling executive? Possibility of working online throughout the flight.
Heavy jets promote a considerable jump in flight range. On board, distances are shortening and intercontinental flights are becoming a possibility, although it is still necessary to stop to refuel. That’s what it’s like when you fly the luxurious Gulfstream G450 , which connects Brazil to any city in the United States and Europe with just a brief technical stop. There are 8,000 kilometers of range and capacity to transport 12 to 16 passengers.
Ultra long range jets
The possibility of flying long distances is inaugurated with heavy jets, but it is ultra-long-range aircraft that take on this challenge for you. Beloved of top CEOs, ultra-long ranges will no doubt be seen making trips between major global markets. Their projects are not only about improving engines and aerodynamics, they are worth reinforcing. Because very long flights are exhausting, it was essential to invest in onboard comfort, allowing these demanding passengers to arrive at their destinations rested and prepared for their tasks.
On board, such amenities mean: full pantry, suite with shower, flight attendants (plural), entertainment system, internet… the list goes on. Global Express is one of those relics of the category. The jet produced by Bombardier has versions that carry up to 16 passengers and are capable of flying an impressive 11,000 kilometers, enough to directly connect São Paulo with cities in Africa, Europe and the United States.
VIP passenger planes
Created to serve executive aviation and redesigned with a view to demanding customers, what makes this segment special is the degree of customization of its interiors. More spacious environments or a greater number of passengers? This choice is made by the owners when defining what demand the aircraft will supply. This explains the variety of interiors on VIP planes, with models that have suites with bathrooms, meeting rooms and a full laundry room, and others that carry more than 50 passengers in business class.
Operationally, VIP aircraft follow business aviation standards, requiring airports with structured runways to land and take off. The advantage is that an aircraft of this type is capable of flying the longest routes, while offering more cabin space than any other category. Therefore, this category ends up being the preferred one for corporate charters or for transporting sports teams and touring bands.