Charter Air Taxi Categories – Understand the Differences

Aircraft Charter / Charter Air Taxi Categories – Understand the Differences

Switch to: EN Português (PT) Español (ES)

Before choosing the air taxi model that will transport you on your next trip, you need to keep in mind how diverse business aviation is. Between a small piston turboprop and a luxurious ultra-long range aircraft, there is a universe full of possibilities. Aircraft speed, number of seats and ability to land on a short runway are important requirements, but there is much more to take into account when chartering a plane for air taxi.

It is undeniable that in the last 20 years the general aviation sector has become more diversified, capable of meeting the needs of an increasingly demanding public. Over time, air taxi categories emerged that would end up favoring certain markets. Factors such as the cost of maintenance, reach and comfort on board were central to the projects that were to be developed.

As of today, we can distinguish at least 10 different air taxi categories, not to mention very sophisticated options in the helicopter segment. In this article we will discuss the differences between the main types available and explain in which scenarios each plane is the most suitable.

Piston Aircraft

Piston-powered aircraft have been used for more than 50 years for short-haul flights with a limited number of passengers. The excellent cost-benefit of purchase and maintenance, combined with the robustness and versatility to land on unpaved runways, made these models the favorites of farmers, used to flying in less privileged regions in airport structures.

Among the most popular in the category are the Seneca and Baron 58 models. They operate at cruising speeds of around 300 km / h and have the autonomy to fly distances greater than 1,000 km. In a typical VIP configuration, the two comfortably carry up to 4 passengers.

The most popular piston aircraft for chartering in Flapper: Baron 58, Carajá 821, Seneca III, Sertanejo 721D, Cessna 4XX series

Turboprop Aircraft

The evolution in performance and comfort in business aviation happened with the appearance of turboprop aircraft. Like piston planes, turboprops also earn points for versatility, being able to perform operations on short, unpaved runways. Larger cabs and improved engines are the main factors that differentiate them from piston planes, which are decisive for raising passenger comfort to new heights in the industry.

Perhaps one of the most used categories in the air taxi, the turbo-propellers have in the Caravan Grand and King Air models their stars. Together, the two aircraft families have a dozen variants, which differ in power and size. With autonomy to fly around 2,000 kilometers, these models are suitable for regional short and medium distance flights and leisure travel. King Airs can carry between 6 and 9 passengers and Caravans have versions that accommodate 8 to 12 passengers.

Very Light Jet (VLJ)

Among small planes, the VLJ (Very Light Jets) category demonstrates the notoriety that air taxis have gained over time. Designed to meet the growing demand for business aviation, the most recent aircraft stand out for their low operating and maintenance costs, added by their agility in landings and takeoffs (capable of carrying out operations on runways of at least 900 meters in length).

In general, these small jets hold between 4 and 5 passengers, operated by a single pilot and with a maximum take-off weight of less than 4,500 kilos. The Embraer Phenom 100 is among the main models in this category. The aircraft developed by the Brazilian manufacturer comfortably carries 4 passengers in a “club seating” configuration, has a cruising speed of 750 km / h and the autonomy to fly 2,200 kilometers. The comfortable cabin and the respectable luggage compartment (2.4m³) make this model ideal for weekend getaways or short executive flights.

The most popular Very Light Jet jets for chartering on Flapper: Citation CJ1, HondaJet Elite, Phenom 100.

Light and Super-Light Jets

The category of light jets, compared to VLJs, improves delivery in almost all aspects. On board these planes, passengers can fly longer distances, in less time and more comfortably. Its larger size creates space for amenities that, in smaller categories, were not available, such as lavatories on some models.

Concern for passenger comfort is latent, with quieter cabs and spacious seats. The lightweight Citation V and the super lightweight Phenom 300 sum up the category well, which is suitable for long domestic flights – transporting 7 to 10 people. The Citation V, with 3,000 kilometers of autonomy, and the Phenom 300, with 3,650, are capable of making routes between cities in the Southeast and Northeast, or, with just one stop, making flights between Los Angeles and New York, in the United States.

The most popular light jets for chartering on flapper: Beechjet 400A, Citation II, Citation III, Citation V, Citation CJ2, Citation CJ3, Citation CJ4, Citation Ultra, Learjet 31A , Learjet 35A, Premier IA.

Medium Size and Super Midsize Jets

Segmentation in business aviation has a well-defined line between categories. The medium jets inaugurate the ability to carry out international operations in a more natural way. Depending on where they depart from, light and super light can fly to destinations in neighboring countries. But middleweight and super middleweight do this with much more ownership.

On average, the flight range is over 4,800 kilometers. Leaving São Paulo, this allows you to reach almost any point in South America. Under European skies, super midsize jets are able to connect almost any two points in the European Union.

The increase in the cabin and a functional canopy offer customers the possibility of a new service: accompanying a flight attendant. Slightly exceeding the category average, which is 10 passengers, Embraer’s super medium Praetor 600 can carry up to 12 travelers.

The most popular Midsize Jets for Chartering on flapper: Hawker 800XP, Hawker 850XP, Learjet 60, Gulfstream G150

The most popular Super-midsize jets for chartering at Flapper: Citation Sovereign, Embraer Praetor 600, Challenger 300, Gulfstream G280, Citation Latitude

Heavy Jets

Spacious cabins, armchairs, sofa, in-flight service, elegantly set tables. The scenery that we get used to seeing in films, generally, depicts airplanes of this category. The heavy jets excel in the comfort of their passengers, regardless of the purpose of their travels. A family on vacation? Enough space for suitcases. A traveling executive? The possibility to work online during the entire flight.

Heavy Jets promote a considerable leap in flight range. On board, distances are shortened and intercontinental flights are becoming a possibility – even though there is still a need for a refueling stop. That’s how it is when flying the luxurious Gulfstream G450, which connects Brazil to any city in the United States and Europe with just a brief technical stop. There are 8,000 kilometers of range and the capacity to transport 12 to 16 passengers.

The most popular Heavy Jets for chartering on flapper: Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Gulfstream G450, Legacy 600, Legacy 650.

Ultra-long Range Jets

The possibility of flying long distances is inaugurated with heavy jets, but it is ultra-long-range aircraft that take on this challenge for you. Sweethearts of the great CEOs, the Ultra-long Ranges will certainly be spotted making journeys between major global markets. His projects are not just about improving engines and aerodynamics, it is worth reinforcing. Because very long flights are tiring, it was essential to invest in comfort on board, allowing these demanding passengers to arrive at their destinations rested and ready for their tasks.

On board, such comforts mean: a full pantry, suite with shower, flight attendants (in the plural), entertainment system, internet… .and the list goes on. Global Express is one of those relics of the category. The jet produced by Bombardier has versions that carry up to 16 passengers and are capable of flying an impressive 11,000 kilometers, enough to directly connect São Paulo to cities in Africa, Europe and the United States.

The most popular Ultra-long Range Jets for Chartering on Flapper: Global Express, Gulfstream G550, Global 6000, Falcon 7X, Gulfstream G650

VIP Airliner Jets

Created to serve commercial aviation and redesigned with a view to demanding customers, what makes VIP Airliners special is the degree of customization of their interiors. More spacious environments or a larger number of passengers? This choice is made by the owners when defining what demand the aircraft will supply. This explains the variety of interiors in the VIP Airliners, with models boasting suites with bathrooms, meeting rooms and full scullery, and others carrying more than 50 passengers in business class.

Operationally, VIP Airliners follow commercial aviation standards, requiring airports with structured runways to land and take off. The advantage is that such an aircraft is capable of flying the longest routes, while offering more cabin space than any other category. Therefore, this category ends up being preferred in corporate charters or for transporting sports teams and touring bands.

The most popular VIP Airliner Jets for chartering on Flapper: Boeing 737 Exec, Embraer Lineage 1000

How To Book An Airplane For Air Taxi

From piston planes to VIP Airliners, the Flapper platform offers the entire extensive list of air taxi categories that encompass business aviation. Whatever the reason for your next trip, we have the right aircraft to carry you. Through the Flapper application and website, the user has access to instant charter quotes, being able to define the places of embarkation and disembarkation, the date and time of the operation and the type of aircraft or helicopter used. Customers can also contact our team of experts by Whatsapp and phone: