If the cost of a large class private jet is prohibitive, but a light class jet would be too limiting, a middle-of-the-road solution is a mid-sized jet. This class offers added range and performance to the light jet class, without incurring the high costs of the larger jets such as the Gulfstream V.

The mid-sized jet typically seats around 7 or 8 passengers and is optimal for coast-to-coast travel such as San Francisco to New York. It is ideal for someone who doesn’t need the “New York to Paris” option frequently.

Within the mid-sized jet category, there are four main manufacturers: Cessna, Bombardier, Raytheon, and Gulfstream. The differences among the specific jets are somewhat subtle, but lie in number of seats, price, cabin and baggage volume, and range.

Cessna

The Citation VI and VII are upgrades on the III, featuring longer ranges. The Sovereign features much longer range, a much larger cabin, and ample baggage capacity. The Citation X travels at the fastest speed, with the longest range, and the greatest cabin volume, ideal for consumers who travel long distances on a regular basis.

Raytheon

The Hawker 700 is the low-cost version of the Hawker 800, the original model produced by Raytheon. The Hawker 800XP features improved climb and cruise performance, while the Hawker 1000 further contributes longer range and a larger cabin.

Bombardier Bombardier’s Learjet 60XR is an upgrade of the Learjet 55, featuring additional range and cabin space. The Bombardier Challenger 300 is designed to accommodate consumers who travel long distances.

Gulfstream

Features the G100 G150 (see update below) and the G200, the former being an economical mid-sized jet, and the latter being a stronger option for consumers traveling long distances.

Below, you’ll find a chart that summarizes some of the key attributes of the various mid-size jets. For more information about private jet travel, request our free Decision Guide which compares all the private aviation options.

UPDATE (1/4/07): Robert Baugniet, a spokesperson for Gulfstream, provided us with an update for our chart. The Gulfstream 100 is no longer in production and has been replaced by the new Gulfstream G150, which entered service in August 2006. We’ve edited the table and listed the G150’s stats instead.