Light Jet Cost Calculator

Calculate the total cost of light jet ownership. Compare the Citation CJ series, Embraer Phenom 300, and HondaJet including purchase, operating, and fixed costs.

Cessna Citation CJ Series

Citation CJ3+/CJ4 Gen2. Proven, versatile light jets with excellent range and cabin comfort.

$
hrs
$
years

Embraer Phenom 300E

The world's best-selling light jet. Outstanding performance, range, and modern avionics.

$
hrs
$
years

HondaJet Elite II

Innovative over-the-wing engine design. Most fuel-efficient light jet with the lowest operating costs in class.

$
hrs
$
years
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Formula

Total Cost = Purchase + (Fuel GPH x Price/gal x Hours x Years) + (Maint Reserve/hr x Hours x Years) + (Insurance + Hangar + Crew + Mgmt) x Years

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a light jet cost?
New light jets range from $5.5M (HondaJet) to $11M+ (Citation CJ4 Gen2). The Phenom 300E lists around $10.5M. Pre-owned light jets start from $2M-$5M. They seat 6-9 passengers with 1,500-2,100nm range.
What is the cheapest private jet to own?
The HondaJet at ~$5.5M is the most affordable new light jet. The Cirrus Vision Jet (VLJ) starts at $3.2M. Pre-owned Citation CJ1s can be found under $2M. Operating costs range from $800-$1,500/hour.
How much does it cost per hour to fly a light jet?
Light jet operating costs range from $1,200-$3,000/hour including fuel ($600-$1,200/hr), maintenance reserves ($300-$700/hr), and allocated crew/insurance costs. The Phenom 300 averages around $2,000/hr total.

Understanding Light Jet Costs

Light jets represent the entry point to private jet ownership, offering the speed, range, and pressurized cabin comfort that separates jets from turboprops. These aircraft typically seat 6-9 passengers and fly at 400-480 knots, making them ideal for domestic and short international flights.

Popular Light Jets Compared

Citation CJ4 Gen2 offers the best range in class at 2,165nm, seating up to 10 passengers. Its proven Williams FJ44 engines and Garmin G3000 avionics make it a favorite for owner-operators and charter companies alike.

Phenom 300E is the world's most delivered light jet for over a decade. Its 2,010nm range, 464-knot cruise speed, and spacious cabin with the best-in-class baggage volume make it the benchmark in the category.

HondaJet Elite II offers the lowest operating costs in the light jet class thanks to its innovative over-the-wing engine mount design and composite fuselage. Its 1,547nm range and 422-knot cruise make it ideal for regional travel.

Ownership Cost Components

  • Depreciation: Light jets typically depreciate 5-8% annually in the first 5 years
  • Fuel: 100-180 gal/hr of Jet-A, the largest variable operating cost
  • Maintenance: Budget $300-$700/hr for reserves covering scheduled and unscheduled maintenance
  • Insurance: $35,000-$80,000/year for hull and liability coverage
  • Crew: $120,000-$180,000/year per pilot; many CJ/HondaJet owners are single-pilot rated

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