As the leaders in global aircraft and private jet charters, the Smart team excels in matching clients to their perfect choice of private jet. Whether travel is for a business meeting, a family holiday, a long-haul journey or a day trip, different aircraft have different capabilities and offerings.
Using our extensive knowledge and experience, we’ve handpicked a collection of our favourite private jets and matched them with their optimal purpose to thoughtfully create The Smart Private Jet Guide for 2025.
James Gregory, Smart’s Head of VIP Charter, said: “Private jet requests are always extremely varied and no charter is ever the same. We’ve taken all the stress out of choosing the most suitable private jet for your journey, and have collated them into this informative guide to save your precious time. When booking your private jet, you can always be assured you are dealing with the experts and we guarantee excellence in our service and execution every time.”
Best for Golfing Breaks: Challenger 350
A super-midsize jet is the ideal choice for a golfing break, based on a standard group size of size passengers. The ultimate in its class, the Bombardier Challenger 350, offers a spacious cabin with all-leather seats, quality entertainment systems and a cabin accessible cargo hold where there is ample space for golf clubs to be transported securely. The 350 can also fly for up to seven hours for longer golfing breaks.
Best for Swift Fashion Week Day Trips: Cessna Citation Mustang
VIPs wanting to travel to Fashion Weeks across Europe can do so in style onboard a Citation Mustang.
This aircraft may be small but it is speedy, mighty and light, ideal for shorter hops and journeys. The Citation Mustang seats up to four passengers, three VIPS and an assistant, with space for four large suitcases if required.
Best for Long Journeys: Gulfstream G650
Powered by a pair of Rolls Royce engines, the award-winning Gulfstream G650 can fly for up to 14 hours and can take up to 19 passengers, as well as smaller numbers in different sleeping and seating configurations. Travellers will arrive from their long haul flight feeling refreshed as the aircraft boasts a low cabin altitude, meaning fresh oxygen is pumped in every minute.
Best for Ski Breaks: Phenom 300
The Phenom 300 is the number one choice aircraft for ski breaks for groups of friends and families. With a luggage capacity limit of 1096 kg (2,416 lb), the Phenom 300 can take up to eight passengers comfortably with baggage and can handle smaller cargo requirements. The Phenom 300 is powered by a PW535E1 engine, manufactured by Pratt and Whitney. Every inch of the unparalleled cabin offers highly developed technology for pure relaxation.
Best for Large Groups: Embraer Legacy 600
The highly popular Embraer Legacy 600 is impressive and is considered to be the top choice in long range private jets and large groups. Opulent and polished, the Legacy 600 has 13 comfortable seats and offers an abundance of luggage space. The aircraft can fly for up to six hours and has a flight range of 3429 nautical miles.
Best for Weddings: Agusta GrandNew 109
The Agusta GrandNew 109, also known as the AW109, is always one of our first choices for clients requesting fast and comfortable transfers for their wedding. The first all-Italian helicopter features a streamlined, trendy shape and unrivalled elegance in its interior finishes. The helicopter can come in a variety of configurations including a spacious six-seat design or a four passenger luxury composition. The bright and soundproofed cabin, guarantees a pleasant and memorable journey to enhance the big day.
Best for Formula 1: Cessna Citation XLS
For our Formula 1 loving fans, the Cessna Citation XLS is an extremely popular private jet for groups of up to 12 passengers flying to a race up to four hours away. Larger than normal hand stitched leather seats, embellished lighting and state-of-the-art cabin technology combine with speed and range for a super speedy, comfortable fly in visit.
Best for Shooting Trips: Pilatus PC-12
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-single, turbo-prop plane and one that is regularly preferred by our shooting clientele, particularly on the highly desired London-Dundee route, as it is highly cost effective. The aircraft’s large rear cargo door provides ample storage for the transportation of equipment and can pleasantly fly six passengers in bountiful surroundings. The highlight of this aircraft is that it can easily land in harder to reach airports.
Best for Business Trips: Cessna Citation CJ2
Boasting modern amenities and low fuel consumption, the Citation CJ2 is our preferred aircraft for short business meeting trips. The aircraft is renowned for being quiet, enabling a peaceful environment for working onboard or for mid-flight business conversations between colleagues. Plentiful power outlets, coffee stations, and substantial setting for seven passengers, this aircraft is the most economical mid-range business aircraft.
Best for Family Holidays: Embraer Legacy 500
Known as the fastest jet in the mid-size range, the Legacy 500 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines and is configured to carry nine passengers for up to six hours, or 3,125 nautical miles. The range of this aircraft can go further than other super light/mid size aircraft, and it is easily able to connect Europe to the Middle East. Advanced entertainment systems, a plethora of hold space and a 6ft all inside cabin, means it suits groups of families perfectly.
Best for Couples: Embraer Phenom 100
The Phenom 100 is the embodiment of comfort and innovation blissfully interwoven. Romantic getaways can begin warmly in a Phenom 100, which boasts the highest in next level technology. The light aircrafts can seat up to four passengers and there’s enough room for four large suitcases if multiple outfit changes are required or if shopping is on the agenda. The Phenom 100 is the dream match for those seeking excellence on their journeys with their beloved.
Best for Music Tours: Bombardier Challenger 850
The Challenger 850 has all the functionality of a larger aircraft but has the flexibility of a private jet.
The aircraft can carry up to 14 bandmates, management and staff for up to six and a half hours or 2,800 nautical miles. Passengers can relax in a cabin that has plenty of leg space and headroom, and the business amenities onboard allow internet connectivity. Digital entertainment is available for all to enjoy during the flight. The hold can accommodate approx. 20 suitcases, creating space for all music instruments and equipment.
Best for Large VIP Groups (politicians/diplomats): Boeing Business Jets & Airbus Corporate Jets
For the last 100 years, Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets have been dominating the business travel sector of private jet travel. Personalised spaces, exceptional range, full-sized amenities, numerous living spaces, the latest developments in technology, a Boeing Corporate Jet is always our number one choice for our business clients. From small groups to large corporate gatherings, passengers will always be assured of a prompt, quiet and luxurious journey on a Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet.
About Smart:
Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 19 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world.
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