Challenger 350 and Super Midsize Jets: Leasing the Most Requested Class
If one class of private jet covers most business travel, it is the super midsize. These aircraft seat 8 to 10 passengers, have a cabin you can stand up in and a flat floor, and fly 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles nonstop. That covers almost any trip within Europe, across the United States, or between the Gulf and Europe, at a fraction of the cost of a large cabin jet.
That combination makes them the class most often requested for leases.
The main aircraft
Bombardier Challenger 350 (and the newer 3500): the best selling aircraft in the class. About 3,200 nautical miles of range with eight passengers, up to 10 seats, and a wide cabin.
Embraer Praetor 600: longer range, about 4,000 nautical miles with four passengers, and a quiet, well finished cabin.
Cessna Citation Longitude: about 3,500 nautical miles, a quiet cabin and a large baggage compartment accessible in flight.
Older aircraft such as the Challenger 300 and the Gulfstream G280 are also common on the lease market.
Compare range with your real passenger load and your longest route. The published figures assume specific loads.
Why this class for a lease
Running cost: far lower fuel burn and maintenance than a large cabin jet
Flexibility: access to smaller airports that heavier jets cannot use
Availability: more aircraft on the market than in any larger class, so more choice of age, cabin and base
Resale: strong demand, which gives owners confidence to lease
Crewed lease or dry lease
Crewed lease
An operator provides the aircraft on its air operator certificate, with pilots, maintenance and insurance, for your exclusive use at a monthly fee plus an hourly rate. This suits most private and corporate clients. See our guide to leasing a private jet with crew.
Dry lease
You take the aircraft only and place it with your own operator or flight department. This suits companies that already run an aviation department. Our guide to dry leasing a private jet covers the contract terms.
What lessors look for
Owners of super midsize jets will ask:
Where the aircraft will be based and which regions it will fly to
Expected hours per year
Who will operate it, if it is a dry lease
Whether it may be chartered to others when you are not using it
Your company or personal background and the source of funds
A clear answer to these speeds up the process considerably.
Choosing between them
Longest trip under 3,000 nautical miles with a full cabin? All three work; choose on cabin, base and availability.
Regular trips close to 4,000 nautical miles? The Praetor 600 stands out.
Lots of baggage or long days in the cabin? Compare baggage access and cabin noise.
Tight budget? A well maintained Challenger 300 or G280 can offer much of the same at a lower rate.
Getting started
Tell us your typical routes, passenger numbers, hours per year and preferred base, and we will come back with super midsize options from operators and owners. Email info@jetvice.net or see our aircraft leasing page.
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