Compact Yet Powerful: Five Private Jets With the Shortest Wingspan

Are you looking for a luxurious private jet for a small group of people? An aircraft with a shorter wingspan will offer you a number of advantages. Read on to learn more about these advantages, and check out our round-up of the five most compact private aircraft with the shortest wingspan in the world, from the FLARIS LAR 1 to the Embraer Phenom 100EV.

What are some of the benefits of a shorter wingspan?

1. Airport accessibility : a shorter wingspan allows access to smaller airports with shorter runways, offering more flexibility in choosing landing locations. This increases your range of destinations, especially those closer to remote or less accessible areas.

2. Manoeuvrability : jets with shorter wingspans are typically more manoeuvrable, which can be advantageous in certain flying conditions or at airports with fewer taxi and parking spaces.

3. Efficiency for shorter trips : aircraft with shorter wingspans are often designed for shorter flights, making them more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and operational costs for these types of trips.

4. Lower operational costs : smaller jets with shorter wingspans are generally less expensive to operate. They typically have lower fuel, maintenance, and crew costs, with some even having the capacity for only one pilot.

5. Privacy and exclusivity : smaller jets offer a more intimate and exclusive flying experience, which can be a significant consideration if you’re looking for that ultimate combination of privacy and luxury.

FLARIS LAR 1

Wingspan: 8.68 m (28 ft 6 in)

The FLARIS LAR 1, currently awaiting certification, is the world’s smallest business jet and a beacon of innovation thanks to its detachable wings – an aviation first. Beyond its compact size and stylish design, this private plane introduces a groundbreaking concept that will reshape the way the air charter service industry thinks about aircraft storage and accessibility.

Despite its diminutive size, the FLARIS LAR 1 prioritizes passenger comfort and can accommodate up to four travellers in its snug cabin. The aircraft’s length, measuring 8.32 m (27 ft 4 in), underscores its focus on efficiency without compromising on the essentials.

In the performance department, the FLARIS LAR 1 doesn’t fall short either. With a cruise speed of 800 km/h (500 mph, 430 knots) and a maximum speed reaching Mach 0.72, it effortlessly blends speed with style. This private jet’s impressive range of 3,200 km (1980 mi, 1,720 NM) further positions the FLARIS LAR 1 as a versatile aircraft.

Eclipse 550

Wingspan: 11.51 m (37 ft 9 in)

Power-packed precision is the best way to describe the Eclipse 550. This private jet is the second iteration of the Eclipse Very Light Jet and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW610F engines. It’s in a class of its own, with capabilities that defy its compact frame.

With a single- or double-pilot crew and a capacity to comfortably accommodate five passengers, the Eclipse 550 is designed with premium functionality in mind. Its cabin length of 12 ft 49 in strikes a fine balance between compactness and comfort. 

Cruising at a speed of 692 km/h (430 mph, 374 knots) and with a maximum speed of Mach 0.64, this very light jet is a swift and nimble choice for short- to mid-range journeys. The range of 1,528 km (949 mi, 825 NM) further underscores its versatility, making it an ideal jet for those seeking efficient travel solutions. In addition to all this, it can soar up to altitudes of 41,000 ft and is extremely fuel efficient, using less than 60 gallons of fuel per hour.

Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet

Wingspan: 11.79 m (38 ft 8 in)

Then there’s the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet, a trailblazer in the private aviation sphere and notably the sole Federal Aviation Administration-certified single-engined private jet since its debut in 2016. As the lone ranger in its category, the SF50 Vision Jet showcases the perfect blend of innovation, efficiency, and a compact design that defies expectations.

The aircraft has a single- or double-pilot crew and accommodates up to six passengers (weight limiting) if at least two are children under 90 lbs. It can carry four adult passengers if flown by single pilot, and three adult passengers with a double-pilot crew. The aircaft length, measuring 30 ft 11 in, cruise speed, 576 km/h (358 mph, 311 knots), and maximum speed of Mach 0.53 make it a versatile private plane for small-group travel. Its range of 796 mi, 692 NM further underscores its suitability for short- to mid-range journeys.

Honda HA-420 HondaJet

Wingspan: 12.1 m (39 ft 8 in)

The Honda HA-420 HondaJet is a remarkable feat of Japanese engineering that not only delivers impressive performance but also boasts unique design inspiration. Born out of Honda’s aircraft production subsidiary in 2006, the HondaJet stands tall as a light business jet, bringing a touch of automotive precision to the world of aviation.

With a two-person crew and the capacity to accommodate five passengers, this private plane is another popular choice for small-group travel. Stretching 12.9 m (42 ft 7 in) in length, with a cruising speed of 778 km/h (483 mph, 420 knots) and a maximum speed of Mach 0.6, it’s a force to be reckoned with in the light business jet category. The impressive range of 1,917 km (1,191 mi, 1,035 NM) further underscores its suitability for mid-range journeys.

Embraer Phenom 100EV

Wingspan: 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in)

Meet the Embraer Phenom 100EV, a testament to the adage that great things come in small packages. As the final entry on our list of private jets with the shortest wingspan, the Phenom 100EV stands out not just because of its diminutive size (42 ft 1 inches in total length) but also for its remarkable production and sales record that speaks volumes about its global popularity.

The Phenom 100EV offers a versatile crew configuration of one or two and a spacious cabin that can accommodate a maximum of five passengers.

In terms of performance, the Phenom 100EV can more than hold its own. Cruising at a speed of 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 knots) and reaching a maximum speed of Mach 0.7, this jet exemplifies efficiency and speed in a compact frame. The range of 2,182 km (1,356 mi, 1,178 nmi) further enhances its appeal, making it a reliable choice for short-haul flights and for connecting cities with ease.

Charter a flight with Air Charter Service

ACS can pair you with a broad array of aircraft, including those with a shorter wingspan. As specialists in private jet charters, we’re here to ensure streamlined, stress-free travel based on your preferences.

To get an idea of the private jet cost for your journey, contact us today.

Also be sure to explore our full-service Travel Division for help with planning your next business or leisure trip.

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