Inside Look at the Top 5 Jets for CEOs

For CEOs around the world, private jets are essential tools. Short-notice, world-spanning travel is a necessity when it comes to international organizations and the meetings that make things happen. 

FLYING Finance analyzes some of the most popular models used by business leaders and prominent figures today:

Honda’s foray into aviation resulted in the HondaJet Elite II, an innovative crowd-pleaser like you might expect from the beloved automaker. According to Hideto Yamasaki, Honda’s president and CEO, the improvements made to the latest HondaJet are the result of focused market research and customer feedback. 

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The HondaJet’s over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) design boasts a range of 1,547 nm, cruise speed of 422 knots, and best-in-class fuel efficiency. The unique ground spoilers are known to improve takeoff and landing performance despite the aircraft’s relatively heavy weight.

If you’re looking for a balance between practical performance and operational cost, the Elite II is a compelling choice. This jet can do everything you’ll need for a relatively low price point.

Nextant Aerospace has carved a niche by remanufacturing existing aircraft, and the 400XTi is a popular example of a cost-effective choice for anyone in need of a private jet. By upgrading the Beechjet 400A with modern avionics and engines, Nextant offers an aircraft that combines the reliability of a proven airframe with contemporary performance enhancements. 

[Credit: FLYING Magazine]

With the new aircraft market still behind from COVID-era demand spikes, you might have a hard time finding any other jets in your price range. This approach provides a more affordable solution without compromising on quality. 

The Embraer Phenom 300E has consistently topped the charts as the most delivered light jet. With a range of approximately 2,300 miles and a top speed of Mach 0.80, it offers impressive performance for its class. A spacious cabin and advanced avionics make it a preferred choice for both comfort and efficiency. 

Now, the Phenom 300E features a quieter cabin than previous iterations so those full-tilt flights are more comfortable than ever. The autothrottle system, likewise, makes for a seamless and intuitive flying experience for pilots who operate their own craft.

[Courtesy: Richard Maneen/Embraer]

New for the Phenom 300E, Embraer also now offers the industry’s first runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS), which reduces the risk of landing overrun.

The Citation X is the gold standard of private jets. It embodies aeronautical excellence and has a prestigious reputation in the aviation community. 

Famously, President Donald Trump flew in one from 2016-24, using it to get to airports that couldn’t accommodate his even more famous Boeing 757. 

The elegant, iconic silhouette of the Citation X is unmistakable, and the remarkable aerodynamic capabilities are favored by luxury pilots and their VIPs. This is rapid travel in a comfortable, feature-rich interior.

[Credit: AvBuyer]

When it comes to luxury speed and performance, there are few aircraft that compete with this model. At its introduction in 1996, the Cessna Citation X won the prestigious Collier Trophy for its innovation and clever design.

The cabin holds a fully-equipped kitchen, wardrobe for personal belongings, and some of the industry’s best-regarded reclining seats to ensure a smooth flight. It’s hard to go wrong here. 

The Gulfstream G650ER stands nearly alone at the pinnacle of luxury long-haul private jets, having been used by many of the world’s most prominent and successful business and cultural icons—including well-known figures such as Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jeff Bezos, and several heads of state.

With a value of roughly $75 million depending on optioned custom features, the G650ER carries up to 13 passengers in unparalleled comfort. 

This is Gulfstream’s flagship product, and there’s no mistaking that fact. 

The lounge is rather spacious for this size aircraft, and it can be converted from a workspace to a kitchen (or a recreational area, depending on the needs of the mission). 

[Credit: AvBuyer]

With one of the lowest cabin altitudes of any executive jet, cabin air quality is second to none. The G650ER continuously filters in 100 percent fresh air every two minutes, which has been proven to increase brain function and productivity.

Flight capabilities are just as uncompromising as interior experience. The Gulfstream G650ER can fly nonstop from the West Coast of the U.S. to almost anywhere in Europe in roughly nine hours.

A jet can be an invaluable asset if you’re looking to turn travel time into productive time. There’s a model out there for every executive’s mission, and aviation financing makes private aircraft attainable for businesses of any size. 

Even for corporations and successful executives, outright ownership of private jets with list prices starting upward of several million dollars is rarely the smartest financial move. 

Financing a jet with fixed-rate structures makes the budget predictable for accounting and lowers upfront costs, which means you have more liquid capital to invest elsewhere in your business. 

FLYING Finance offers tailored loan plans that can accommodate a variety of usage needs. Reach out today to speak with one of our aviation financing experts.  To find the right model for your business, check out Aircraft For Sale.