Most Efficient Business Jets by Operating Cost (2025 Update)
Business jet operating costs vary widely – from under $1,000 per flight hour for tiny jets to nearly $8,000 per hour for ultra-large corporate airliners. These costs include fuel burn, maintenance and engine reserves, crew expenses, insurance, and other operating fees required to fly the aircraft. In general, smaller jets with lighter cabins are far less expensive to operate per hour than larger, long-range jets, thanks to lower fuel consumption, single-pilot operation in some cases, and more straightforward maintenance. Newer models also tend to incorporate more efficient engines and aerodynamic improvements that reduce hourly costs.
We rank the most efficient business jets (i.e., those with the lowest total operating cost per flight hour) within three size categories – light cabin, midsize cabin, and large cabin jets – focusing on models commonly available for charter and including newer jets. We provide a comparison table for each category, showing the approximate cost per hour and noting what contributes to each jet’s efficiency. All cost figures are the latest available (through 2025) or the most recent reported, and older data is used when newer figures are not published.
While comparing hourly operating costs is helpful, it doesn’t tell the whole story—especially when jets differ significantly in seating capacity and cruise speed. For a clearer picture of real-world efficiency, particularly in charter or high-utilization environments, it’s helpful to look beyond hourly cost alone. That’s where a second metric—cost per seat-mile—comes in.
Understanding Cost Per Seat-Mile
While hourly operating cost offers a quick look at jet efficiency, it doesn’t account for how many passengers are flown or how far. A more actionable metric—cost per seat-mile—normalizes operating cost by dividing it across passengers and miles flown. This gives a better sense of economic efficiency, especially for jets often operated at or near capacity in charter settings.
How to Calculate Cost Per Seat Mile:
The basic formula for calculating cost per seat mile is:
(Operating Cost per Hour) ÷ (Cruise Speed × Seats) = Cost per seat-mile.
For example, if a jet costs $5,000 per hour to operate, cruises at 400 mph, and has 6 seats:
Cost Per Seat Mile ($5,000) **÷ (**400×6) = $2.08 per seat mile. This represents the cost of transporting one seat (occupied or not) for one mile.
For simplicity, we’ve used typical cruise speeds and assumed near-full seating occupancy. This metric highlights how some jets with slightly higher hourly costs can outperform on a per-passenger basis thanks to speed and cabin utilization.
This lens benefits charter operators trying to maximize revenue per flight hour—or owner-operators flying with more passengers per leg. A higher hourly operating cost doesn’t always mean lower efficiency.
Light cabin Business Jets (Very Light and Light Jets)
Light cabin business jets carry about 6–8 passengers and are often certified for single-pilot operation. They typically have the lowest operating costs, from $700 to $1,800 per flight hour for the most efficient models. These jets burn far less fuel (often under 150 gallons per hour) and incur lower maintenance and crew costs than larger aircraft. New-generation very light jets (VLJs) like the Cirrus Vision Jet and HondaJet exemplify efficiency, as do popular light jets like the Cessna Citation CJ series and Embraer Phenom 100/300.
Most efficient light cabin business jets by operating cost:
| Light Jet Model | Operating Cost (USD/hour) | Cost per Seat-Mile (USD) | Key Efficiency Notes |
| Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 | $660 | $0.44 | Single-engine personal jet; very low fuel burn (60 gph) and single-pilot operation. Lowest cost per hour of any business jet |
| Eclipse 550 (One Aviation) | $890 | $0.60 | Twin-engine VLJ designed for efficiency; low fuel use (70–80 gph) and simple systems. Limited production, but among the cheapest to operate |
| Cessna Citation Mustang | $1,015 | $0.75 | Entry-level VLJ with efficient Pratt & Whitney engines; carries 4–5 passengers. Popular charter VLJ with low fuel and maintenance costs. |
| HondaJet HA-420 | $1,135 | $0.54 | Modern VLJ with over-the-wing engine mount reducing drag; fuel-efficient GE/Honda engines. High efficiency ($1,135/hr to operate) Single-pilot capable. |
| Embraer Phenom 100 (EV) | $1,150 | $0.59 | Very light twin-jet with efficient turbofans; slightly higher fuel burn than HondaJet. Still around $1,150/hr operating cost, which is very low for a jet carrying 4–5 passengers. |
| Cessna Citation M2 (CJ1+) | $1,395 | $0.57 | Light jet (6 passengers) with Williams FJ44 engines; upgraded efficiency over older CJ1. Single-pilot certified, keeping crew costs down. |
| Nextant 400XTi (Beechjet 400) | $1,623 | $0.50 | Remanufactured light jet with new Williams engines replacing older Beechjet engines – about 15% better fuel efficiency. Operating cost $1,620/hr, significantly lower than the original model. |
| Embraer Phenom 300/300E | $1,758 | $0.49 | Larger light jet (up to 9 pax) but highly efficient (Pratt & Whitney PW535E engines). $1,750/hr operating cost, beating similar-size rivals. Best-selling light jet for 12+ years due to its cost/range balance . |
| Cessna Citation CJ3+ | $1,680 | $0.57 | Popular light jet (6–7 pax) with good fuel economy (180 gph). Costs roughly $1,680/hr to run, making it one of the more efficient in the CJ series. |
| Cessna Citation CJ4 | $1,970 | $0.55 | Slightly larger/faster light jet (7–8 pax). Costs about $1,970/hr. Notably, this is higher than the Phenom 300’s hourly cost, despite similar size; the Phenom 300/300E’s optimized design gives it an edge in efficiency. |
Cost per seat-mile assumes average cruise speed and near-full passenger load. These figures help normalize operating costs by factoring both capacity and mission efficiency.
Costs are approximate direct operating costs per flight hour (fuel, maintenance, and typical operating fees included). These small jets benefit from lower fuel burn and often single-pilot operation, reducing crew expense.
Light jets like the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 sit at the top of the efficiency ranking – it costs only about $660 per hour to operate, thanks to its single turbofan engine and lightweight design. This is less than one-tenth the hourly cost of some large-cabin jets.
The now-discontinued Eclipse 500/550 comes next at roughly $888 per hour, reflecting its design focus on minimal fuel burn and low-cost operation.
Among twin-engine VLJs, Cessna’s Citation Mustang also shines ($1,015/hr), followed closely by the HondaJet ($1,135/hr to operate) and Embraer Phenom 100 ($1,150/hr.)
These very light jets consume only 100 gallons of fuel per hour or less, and their smaller size keeps maintenance and parts costs down. Many are certified for single-pilot flying, which can save on crew salaries or allow an owner-operator model.
Stepping up slightly in size, the Cessna Citation M2 (an updated CJ1) and CJ3+ are still highly efficient ($1,400–$1,700/hr) for 6–7 passenger jets.
The Embraer Phenom 300E, one of the larger “light” jets, manages roughly $1,750/hr – impressive for an aircraft that can seat 8–9 and fly nearly 2000 nm.
Notably, the Phenom 300’s cost per hour is lower than that of its direct competitor, the Citation CJ4. The Phenom 300 has a reputation as one of the most cost-effective jets in its class, which has contributed to its being the best-selling light jet for over a decade. Similarly, the remanufactured Nextant 400XTi (a retrofit of the Beechjet 400A) offers $1,623/hr—about 20% lower operating costs than the original model due to modern engines and avionics.
In summary, light cabin jets can be operated for roughly $1,000–$1,800 per hour in many cases, with the most efficient examples even below that range. These aircraft are favored in charter fleets for short hops because of their low fuel burn and overall economy. Newer designs (e.g., HondaJet, Phenom 300E) and unique single-engine jets (Vision Jet) continue to push operating costs down in the light jet category.
Midsize Cabin Jets (Mid and Super-Midsize Jets)
For long-range travel and larger cabin comfort, large jets bring different cost considerations. Midsize cabin jets typically carry about 8–10 passengers in a larger cabin (often stand-up height or near to it) and have higher performance (more extended range, higher speeds) than light jets. Operating costs for the most efficient midsize jets generally fall from $2,200 to $3,000 per hour.
Older midsize models are less efficient, with some approaching $3,000/hr or more, while newer or smaller midsize jets can be closer to $2,000/hr. Key cost drivers include having two midsize turbofan engines (doubling fuel use vs. a VLJ), more complex systems, and typically requiring two pilots (increasing crew cost). Still, within this category, specific models distinguish themselves with lower hourly costs due to aerodynamic and engine improvements.
Most efficient midsize and super-midsize jets by operating cost:
| Midsize Jet Model | Operating Cost (USD/hour) | Cost per Seat-Mile (USD) | Key Efficiency Notes |
| Bombardier Learjet 75 | $2,170 | $0.63 | Light end of midsize; modern engines and winglets vs. older Lear 60. Achieves $2,172/hr, among the lowest in class. |
| Cessna Citation XLS+ (Excel) | $2,300 | $0.64 | Popular midsize charter jet; Pratt & Whitney PW545 engines give good fuel economy. Around $2,300/hr to operate Seats 8–9. |
| Gulfstream G150 | $2,380 | $0.66 | Small midsize jet (derivative of Astra); efficient Honeywell engines, $2,380/hr. Limited numbers in charter. |
| Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | $2,700 | $0.68 | Super-midsize (9 pax) with long range; still relatively efficient ($2,699/hr) due to refined PW306 engines and wing design. |
| Embraer Legacy 450 | $2,790 | $0.70 | Early model (now Praetor 500) midsize jet. About $2,789/hr. Fly-by-wire and efficient Honeywell HTF7500 engines help performance. |
| Embraer Praetor 600 | $2,680 | $0.69 | New super-midsize (upgraded Legacy 500) with winglets and extra range. $2,679/hr, only 10% higher than its smaller Legacy 500 predecessor. |
| Bombardier Challenger 350 | $3,150 | $0.78 | Super-midsize (8–9 pax) with strong performance. Costs about $3,152/hr. Efficient for its size, but higher than smaller midsize jets. |
| Embraer Legacy 500 | $2,416 | $0.67 | (Now Praetor 600) 8-passenger jet with advanced design. Estimated $2,416/hr under earlier cost models, reflecting efficient Honeywell engines and aerodynamics. |
| Hawker 800XP (Beechcraft) | $2,880 | $0.76 | Charter workhorse, but older TFE731 engines and heavier build increase hourly cost relative to newer midsize jets. |
| Dassault Falcon 2000LXS *¹ | $3,090 | $0.69 | (Borderline large cabin) Twin-engine French jet often classified as super-midsize/large. Noted here for efficiency: $3,090/hr, extremely low for a 10-passenger, 4,000 nm jet. |
Cost per seat-mile calculated using average cruise speed × full seating configuration. Seat count ranges from 7–10 depending on model. Rounded cruise speeds were used for consistency.
Most efficient midsize and super-midsize business jets by operating cost.
Figures are approximate hourly operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, and typical variable costs. ¹(Note: The Falcon 2000LXS is often considered a “large cabin” jet due to its size, but it is included here for its operating cost profile, comparable to super-midsize jets.)
Within the midsize category, the Learjet 75 and Citation XLS+ stand out as two of the most efficient models commonly available for charter. The Lear 75 (introduced in the mid-2010s, updating the Lear 45/60 series) has an operating cost of around $2,170 per hour, benefitting from modernized engines and aerodynamics that improve on the older Learjet 60 (which costs ~ $2,500/hr to operate).
Cessna’s Citation Excel/XLS+ is another efficiency leader at roughly $2,300/hr. In fact, among legacy midsize jets, the Citation Excel/XLS has one of the lowest operating costs – around $2,270/hr according to one charter operator, compared to about $2,880/hr for a Hawker 800XP and $2,500/hr for a Lear 60 in the same class. This highlights how a lighter airframe and fuel-efficient engines give the Excel/XLS an edge over older, heavier designs like the Hawker.
Newer midsize jets continue the efficiency trend. Gulfstream’s smaller entrant, the G150, operates near $2,380/hr, although its use in charter fleets is limited due to the small production run.
The Citation Sovereign+ (a 9-passenger, super-midsize jet) manages about $2,700/hr, impressive for an aircraft with a transcontinental range. Cessna’s refinement of the Sovereign’s Pratt & Whitney engines and aerodynamics kept its costs relatively low.
Embraer’s fly-by-wire midsize jets are also noteworthy. The Legacy 450 (now evolved into the Praetor 500) had a reported variable cost of around $2,790/h. Its bigger sibling, the 8-seat Legacy 500, was estimated at around $3,180/hr in 2015 data. Still, more recent analyses show it closer to $2,400/hr in variable cost – possibly reflecting operational efficiencies and updated engine data. The Praetor 600, introduced in 2019 as an improved Legacy 500 with more range, still maintains an operating cost of roughly $2,680/hr, only about 10% higher than the shorter-range Legacy 500. This demonstrates Embraer’s success in adding capability (extended range via extra fuel and winglets) without significantly increasing operating expenses. The Praetor 600 is cited as having only a $263/hr higher variable cost than the Legacy 500 ( $2,679 vs $2,416 ).
Among super-midsize jets (3,000+ nm range), the Bombardier Challenger 350 (and the similar updated 3500) is a standard charter choice. Due to its size and thrust, it burns more fuel, with an operating cost of around $3,150/hr, but given that it can comfortably carry 8–9 passengers, this is considered quite efficient per mile.
The Dassault Falcon 2000LXS—which bridges the midsize and large-cabin categories—is a twin-engine large-cabin jet that boasts one of the lowest hourly costs at about $3,090/hr. This is notably efficient for a jet that can seat 10 and fly over 4,000 nm; it underscores Dassault’s emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency (the Falcon 2000’s wing and engines make it cheaper to run than many smaller jets).
It’s worth noting that older midsize designs, while prevalent in charter, generally have higher costs. The Hawker 800XP (and 900XP) series, a charter workhorse, incurs roughly $2,800–$2,900/hr in direct operating costs. This is due to older engine technology (Honeywell TFE731 engines) and a heavier build – roughly $600/hr more than a comparable Excel or Lear 75. Similarly, mid-2000s jets like the Gulfstream G200 or early Bombardier Challenger 300 (not listed in the table) would fall on the higher end of the cost spectrum for midsize jets, often around $3,000/hr or above.
In summary, efficient midsize jets cluster around the mid- $ 2,000s per hour. Newer models and those optimized for efficiency (Learjet 75, Citation XLS+, Embraer Praetor series) lead the pack with costs near or even below $2,500/hr. Larger super-midsize aircraft push toward $3,000/hr. By investing in modern engines and aerodynamic designs, manufacturers have kept midsize jet operating costs relatively in check – in some cases even lower than older, smaller jets – which benefits charter operators and owners alike in this category.
Large Cabin Jets (Long-Range and Heavy Jets)
Large cabin business jets include heavy and ultra-long-range jets capable of transoceanic flights. They typically carry 10–19 passengers in spacious, stand-up cabins and have much longer ranges (5,000–7,000+ nm for top models). The trade-off for size and range is much higher operating costs – primarily due to more significant fuel burn (often 300–500+ gallons per hour) and the need for bigger systems and crews. However, even in this category, some models are markedly more efficient than others. The most efficient large cabin jets have hourly operating costs in the $3,000 to $4,000 range, whereas others can exceed $5,000 or even $7,000 for bizliner-type aircraft. Newer designs and those with optimized engine configurations (like efficient twinjets or trijets) tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum.
Most efficient large cabin jets by operating cost:
| Large Cabin Jet Model | Operating Cost (USD/hour) | Cost per Seat-Mile (USD) | Key Efficiency Notes |
| Dassault Falcon 2000LXS | $3,090 | $0.69 | 10-passenger large cabin (twin-engine). Highly efficient design; $3.1k/hr is lowest in class (also listed in midsize table). |
| Dassault Falcon 900LX | $3,588 | $0.71 | 12-passenger tri-jet with long range. Operating cost $3,587/hr – efficient for its size, aided by three moderately sized engines and aerodynamic wings. |
| Dassault Falcon 8X | $3,804 | $0.74 | 14-passenger ultra-long-range tri-jet. Costs about $3,804/hr, which is 20% lower than peers, thanks to advanced Pratt & Whitney engines and fuel-saving design. |
| Dassault Falcon 7X | $3,850 | $0.76 | 12-passenger ultra-long-range tri-jet (earlier model to 8X). Around $3,850/hr. Notably efficient per mile; pioneered wing and engine tech that the 8X improved further. |
| Bombardier Challenger 650 | $3,385 | $0.75 | 10-passenger long-range jet (derivative of CRJ200). About $3,384/hr to operate – a value on par with much smaller jets, partly because of its lower cruise speed and proven GE engines. |
| Gulfstream G280 (Super-mid) | $3,163 | $0.73 | 8–10 passenger super-midsize (often marketed as “large cabin”). $3,163/hr, showing efficiency of modern Honeywell engines. Included for comparison as it rivals large jet capability at lower cost. |
| Gulfstream G650 | $4,843 | $0.80 | 18-passenger ultra-long-range twinjet. $4,843/hr cost reflects its powerful RR engines and high cruise speed (Mach 0.90). Higher cost than Falcons, in exchange for larger cabin and faster travel. |
| Gulfstream G550 | $4,731 | $0.82 | 18-passenger long-range twinjet. Costs about $4,731/hr to operate. Efficient for its generation, but newer models (G600) aim to improve slightly on this. |
| Bombardier Global 6000 | $5,150 | $0.84 | 13-passenger ultra-long-range twinjet. Approximately $5,150/hr, due to older-gen BR710 engines. The updated Global 6500/7500 have new engines to improve efficiency, though still in ~$5k+ range. |
| Airbus ACJ320neo (Airliner) | $7,000+ | $1.30+ | VIP airliner (18+ pax). Included for context: an ACJ can cost $7,000–$8,000/hr, far above purpose-built business jets. (Not common in charter except VIP government flights.) |
Cost per seat-mile assumes average cruise speed and near-full passenger load. These figures help normalize operating costs by factoring both capacity and mission efficiency.
The Falcon family continues to dominate the per-seat-mile value end of the large-cabin spectrum, especially with the 2000LXS, 900LX, and 8X. Meanwhile, even the high-cost G650 keeps its seat-mile cost under $0.85, thanks to its long legs and high passenger count. The Airbus ACJ, by contrast, clearly illustrates how VIP-configured airliners carry a steep per-mile penalty.
Most efficient large-cabin business jets by operating cost and selected higher-cost peers for comparison.
Figures are approximate hourly operating costs. The Falcon series dominates the low-cost end, whereas large Gulfstreams/Globals incur higher costs. (VIP airliners like ACJs/BBJs are shown to illustrate the upper extreme.)
Dassault Falcon jets are consistently among the most efficient in the large cabin arena. The Falcon 2000LXS, a large twin-engine jet, manages to fly 10 passengers at only around $3,090 per hour, which is extraordinarily low for a true large-cabin jet. Even Dassault’s three-engine flagships – the Falcon 7X and 8X – have operating costs under $3,850/hr, despite 5,800–6,450 nm ranges. This is roughly 20% lower than similarly sized competitors like the Gulfstream G550/G650. For example, the Falcon 8X’s cost ($3,803/hr) versus a Gulfstream G650 ($4,843/hr) highlights a significant efficiency advantage. Dassault achieves this via superb aerodynamics (e.g., the 7X/8X wing design) and three smaller engines that optimize fuel burn. The result is that Falcons can often cross oceans for $1,000+ less per hour than their Gulfstream or Bombardier counterparts.
Other relatively efficient large jets include Bombardier’s Challenger 600-series. The current Challenger 650 has an hourly cost of around $3,380/hr, benefiting from the robust but efficient GE CF34 engines (initially designed for regional airlines) and a moderate cruise speed. While it doesn’t have the extreme range of a Falcon 7X or Global, the Challenger 650 provides large-cabin comfort at a mid-$3K operating cost, which is attractive for many charter missions.
Similarly, Gulfstream’s super-midsize G280 (often marketed as an “entry-level” large-cabin jet with a 3,600 nm range) costs about $3,160/hr, thanks to its advanced Honeywell engines – a figure competitive with or better than some older large jets that carry more people.
The Gulfstream and Global ultra-long-range jets cost from $ 4,000 to $5,000+ per hour at higher costs. A G650, for instance, costs about $4,800/hr, and a Global 6000 around $5,150/hr. These aircraft have massive thrust and fuel capacity to fly 6,000–7,000 nm nonstop, which inherently drives up fuel and maintenance expenses.
The newest iterations (Gulfstream G500/G600/G700 and Bombardier Global 6500/7500) use next-generation engines (e.g., Pratt & Whitney PW800 on G600, GE Passport on Global 7500) to improve fuel efficiency. Early reports indicate the Gulfstream G600, for example, slightly betters the G550’s fuel burn, but it’s still on the order of $4,500+ per hour in variable costs (exact figures vary) – so the large cabin trend remains $4K+ for the biggest jets. In other words, the efficiency gains temper the costs but do not radically shrink them, given the physics of moving a large 90,000 lb jet at high speed.
For perspective, corporate versions of airliners – like the Airbus ACJ and Boeing BBJ series – sit at the very top of the cost range. An ACJ320 can approach $8,000/hr in operating cost, reflecting its use of airline engines and systems configured for private use. These are relatively rare in charter services (primarily used by governments or ultra-VIPs). Still, they illustrate how inefficient a very large jet can be compared to the purpose-built business jets. The most efficient large business jets (Falcons, etc.) operate at less than half the cost per hour of an ACJ or BBJ.
Large cabin business jets typically cost $3,000–$5,000+ per hour, but models with efficiency-focused designs gravitate toward the lower end of that range. The Falcon 2000/900/7X/8X family is a prime example, delivering long-range with operating costs in the mid-$3K range.
Competing heavy jets like Gulfstreams and Globals usually incur higher costs (upper $4K and beyond), although they offer other advantages like higher speed or larger cabins. Charter operators often favor the more efficient large jets (e.g., Falcon 7X/8X, Challenger 650) to keep hourly costs manageable for customers, especially as fuel prices and maintenance can heavily impact the economics of long-range missions.
Choosing Efficiency That Matches Your Mission
When evaluating business jets, hourly operating cost is a helpful starting point—but it’s not the whole picture. By factoring in cost per seat-mile, operators and buyers understand how aircraft efficiency plays out in real-world use, especially for charter services or multi-passenger flights. As shown across the light, midsize, and large cabin categories, some jets offer better per-passenger economics despite slightly higher hourly costs, thanks to innovative design, higher cruise speeds, or better cabin utilization.
Charter operators can improve margins and customer value by choosing jets with strong seat-mile efficiency. Owners, particularly those flying longer missions or with full cabins, can also benefit from investing in newer, well-optimized models, which can yield meaningful savings over time—not just in fuel and maintenance but also in crew costs and downtime.
Ultimately, the most efficient jet isn’t just the cheapest to fly—it’s the one that best aligns with your mission profile, passenger load, and utilization pattern. Whether managing a fleet or flying for business or pleasure, a data-driven approach to efficiency helps ensure your investment is working as hard as your aircraft.
Topline Summary: Most Efficient Business Jets by Category
This table highlights the most cost-effective jets from each class, comparing hourly operating costs and cost per seat-mile for high-utilization missions. It’s a quick reference for buyers, operators, and charter planners looking to align aircraft choice with mission economics.
Topline Business Jet Efficiency Summary
| Jet Model | Category | Operating Cost (USD/hour) | Cost per Seat-Mile (USD) |
| Cessna Citation XLS+ | Midsize Cabin | 2300 | 0.64 |
| Embraer Praetor 600 | Midsize Cabin | 2680 | 0.69 |
| Dassault Falcon 2000LXS | Large Cabin | 3090 | 0.69 |
| Dassault Falcon 8X | Large Cabin | 3804 | 0.74 |
| Bombardier Challenger 650 | Large Cabin | 3385 | 0.75 |
The table shows that midsize cabin jets generally have lower operating costs than large cabin aircraft, with the Cessna Citation XLS+ offering the most economical operation at $2,300 per hour and the lowest cost per seat-mile at $0.64.