Aircraft Guide
Choose the Right Aircraft
for Your Route
Every private jet is not the same. Range, cabin size, speed, and cost vary significantly across aircraft classes. This guide explains every class — with real aircraft examples, specifications, and typical pricing for African and Gulf corridor routes.
All pricing shown is indicative for African corridor charter operations and includes base charter rate, permits, ground handling, crew and NAJ advisory fee. Actual quotes depend on specific aircraft availability, departure date, and fuel prices at time of booking.
Turboprop
Light Jet
Midsize Jet
Heavy Jet
Ultra Long Range
VIP Airliner
Full Comparison
Which to Choose
Class 01
Turboprop Aircraft
The most versatile aircraft in Africa. Turboprops use propeller engines powered by jet fuel, giving them the ability to land on short and unpaved airstrips that jets cannot access. The aircraft of choice for safari circuits, remote national park transfers, and short intra-country hops.
4 – 9
Passengers
500 km/h
Cruise speed
1,800 km
Typical range
$3,500+
From (one way)
Most Popular in Africa
Pilatus Aircraft
PC-12 NGX
PassengersUp to 9
Range1,803 nm / 3,340 km
Cruise speed285 knots / 528 km/h
Baggage1,000 kg capacity
Airstrip requirementShort / unpaved capable
Charter rate (Africa)$3,500 – $6,000 per leg
Best for remote Africa
The definitive African bush aircraft. Flies into airstrips that no jet can access — critical for Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya safari circuits. Single engine but among the safest aircraft in operation globally. Used extensively by NAC, Execujet, and East Africa operators.
Beechcraft / Textron
King Air 350i
PassengersUp to 9
Range1,580 nm / 2,926 km
Cruise speed312 knots / 578 km/h
Baggage590 kg capacity
Airstrip requirementShort field capable
Charter rate (Africa)$4,200 – $7,500 per leg
Twin engine safety
The most widely operated turboprop in African corporate aviation. Twin engines, pressurised cabin, and superior short-field performance. Common on Nigeria intra-country routes, West African regional hops, and oil and gas logistics. Note: range is insufficient for routes over 2,800km without a fuel stop.
Cessna / Textron
Caravan 208B
PassengersUp to 9
Range1,070 nm / 1,982 km
Cruise speed185 knots / 343 km/h
BaggageHigh volume cargo capable
Airstrip requirementGrass / dirt strips
Charter rate (Africa)$1,800 – $3,500 per leg
Safari specialist
The workhorse of East African safari aviation. Slow by private jet standards but capable of landing anywhere — laterite strips, grass fields, remote lodges. Best suited for final-leg transfers into national parks rather than multi-country routing.
Best routes for Turboprop
Class 02
Light Jet
The entry point to pure jet travel. Light jets are fast, efficient, and ideal for short to medium regional routes within Africa. Smaller cabin than midsize but significantly faster than turboprops. The right choice for time-sensitive executives on corridors under 3,000km.
5 – 8
Passengers
750 km/h
Cruise speed
3,000 km
Typical range
$6,000+
From (one way)
Most Requested
Cessna / Textron
Citation CJ4
PassengersUp to 7
Range1,600 nm / 2,960 km
Cruise speed399 knots / 740 km/h
Cabin height1.45m — stand-up limited
Baggage272 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$6,000 – $10,000 per leg
Intra-Africa favourite
The most commonly requested light jet for West African regional routes. Lagos to Accra, Abuja to Lagos, Lagos to Dakar — the CJ4 is the standard aircraft for intra-West-Africa corporate travel. Comfortable for 2 to 4 hour flights.
Embraer
Phenom 300E
PassengersUp to 8
Range2,010 nm / 3,724 km
Cruise speed453 knots / 839 km/h
Cabin height1.50m
Baggage204 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$7,000 – $11,500 per leg
Best-in-class light jet
The fastest light jet in production and the best-selling business jet globally for multiple consecutive years. Superior range compared to the CJ4 — can cover Lagos to Casablanca direct. The premium option within the light jet class with a notably more spacious interior.
Bombardier
Learjet 45XR
PassengersUp to 8
Range2,015 nm / 3,732 km
Cruise speed465 knots / 861 km/h
Cabin height1.47m
Baggage227 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$7,500 – $12,000 per leg
Southern Africa standard
The Learjet name is synonymous with private aviation globally. The 45XR is the most commonly sourced light jet for Southern African regional routes — Johannesburg to Francistown, JNB to Cape Town, JNB to Harare. Strong operator presence with Execujet Africa and NAC at Lanseria.
Best routes for Light Jet
Class 03
Midsize Jet
The sweet spot of private aviation. Midsize jets offer stand-up cabins, genuine comfort for 4 to 6 hour flights, and the range to cover most intra-African and Africa-to-Gulf corridors direct. For business groups of 6 to 9 people travelling within Africa, the midsize jet is almost always the most cost-efficient solution.
7 – 10
Passengers
850 km/h
Cruise speed
6,000 km
Typical range
$14,000+
From (one way)
NAJ Recommended
Bombardier
Challenger 350
PassengersUp to 10
Range3,200 nm / 5,926 km
Cruise speed459 knots / 850 km/h
Cabin height1.83m — full stand-up
Baggage794 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$14,000 – $22,000 per leg
Africa-Gulf direct capable
The most versatile aircraft for African business aviation. The Challenger 350 covers Lagos to Dubai, Johannesburg to Lagos, Nairobi to Riyadh — all direct. Full stand-up cabin, dedicated crew rest area, best-in-class baggage hold for the midsize category. NAJ's first recommendation for groups of 6 to 10 on corridor routes.
Embraer
Legacy 500
PassengersUp to 12
Range3,000 nm / 5,556 km
Cruise speed466 knots / 863 km/h
Cabin height1.82m — full stand-up
Baggage907 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$15,000 – $24,000 per leg
Largest midsize cabin
The Legacy 500 offers the widest cabin in the midsize category with fly-by-wire technology that delivers an exceptionally smooth ride. Up to 12 passengers with generous individual space. Popular on the Johannesburg to Nairobi corridor and West Africa to Europe routing via Casablanca fuel stop.
Cessna / Textron
Citation Sovereign+
PassengersUp to 9
Range3,200 nm / 5,926 km
Cruise speed427 knots / 791 km/h
Cabin height1.75m — near stand-up
Baggage680 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$13,000 – $20,000 per leg
Cost efficient midsize
The most cost-efficient entry into the midsize category. Slightly slower than the Challenger 350 but competitive range and a comfortable nine-seat configuration. Frequently available from South African and East African operators. Good value on Nairobi to Dubai and intra-African routes.
Best routes for Midsize Jet
Class 04
Heavy Jet
The standard for intercontinental private travel. Heavy jets fly Africa to Europe and Africa to Gulf direct, carry up to 14 passengers in fully reclining seats, and are equipped with onboard galleys for full catering service. For Lagos to London or Nairobi to Riyadh without a fuel stop, a heavy jet is the minimum requirement.
10 – 16
Passengers
900 km/h
Cruise speed
10,000 km
Typical range
$36,000+
From (one way)
Africa Standard
Gulfstream Aerospace
Gulfstream G550
PassengersUp to 14 (8 lie-flat)
Range5,500 nm / 10,186 km
Cruise speed488 knots / 904 km/h
Cabin height1.88m — full stand-up
Baggage1,998 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$36,000 – $58,000 per leg
Lagos–London direct
The definitive heavy jet for African intercontinental operations. The G550 is the benchmark aircraft for Lagos to London, Accra to London, and Nairobi to Dubai direct. Fourteen passengers, eight lie-flat seats, full galley, and a cabin pressure altitude equivalent to 6,000 feet for reduced passenger fatigue on long haul flights.
Bombardier
Global 6000
PassengersUp to 13 (8 lie-flat)
Range6,000 nm / 11,112 km
Cruise speed488 knots / 903 km/h
Cabin height1.88m — full stand-up
Baggage1,814 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$38,000 – $62,000 per leg
Maximum range heavy
Greater range than the G550 — the Global 6000 can fly Cape Town to London direct, one of the longest possible single-leg routes from Africa. Three cabin zones provide genuine separation between seating areas. Preferred aircraft for South African business delegations travelling to Europe or the Gulf.
Dassault Aviation
Falcon 7X
PassengersUp to 12
Range5,950 nm / 11,020 km
Cruise speed482 knots / 893 km/h
Cabin height1.88m — full stand-up
Baggage1,474 kg
Charter rate (Africa)$40,000 – $64,000 per leg
Three-engine safety
The Falcon 7X is the only fly-by-wire heavy jet — it handles like a fighter aircraft despite its size. Three Pratt and Whitney Canada engines provide exceptional safety margins and ETOPS compliance over the South Atlantic corridor. Popular choice for Luanda-to-Lisbon and West Africa-to-Europe routes where ocean crossing is involved.
Best routes for Heavy Jet
Class 05
Ultra Long Range Jet
The pinnacle of private aviation. Ultra long range jets fly further, faster, and with more cabin space than any other class. Cape Town to New York. Lagos to Tokyo. Any destination on earth reachable from any African city without a fuel stop. Reserved for principals, family offices, and executives for whom time is the primary constraint.
14 – 19
Passengers
960 km/h
Cruise speed
13,000+ km
Range
$64,000+
From (one way)
Flagship Aircraft
Gulfstream Aerospace
Gulfstream G700
PassengersUp to 19
Range7,500 nm / 13,890 km
Cruise speed516 knots / 956 km/h
Cabin height1.95m — full stand-up
Cabin zones4 distinct living areas
Charter rate (Africa)$64,000 – $96,000 per leg
Any city nonstop
The most advanced purpose-built business aircraft in production. The G700 features the lowest cabin altitude in business aviation at 4,850 feet, meaning passengers arrive feeling genuinely rested. Four distinct cabin zones allow private sleeping, dining, meeting, and entertainment areas simultaneously. Lagos to New York nonstop. Johannesburg to London nonstop.
Bombardier
Global 7500
PassengersUp to 19
Range7,700 nm / 14,260 km
Cruise speed516 knots / 956 km/h
Cabin height1.97m — full stand-up
Cabin zones4 zones + full kitchen
Charter rate (Africa)$68,000 – $100,000 per leg
World's longest range
The Global 7500 holds the world record for the longest range business jet in operation — capable of flying Sydney to Dallas nonstop. From Africa this means any European, Gulf, Asian or North American destination is reachable direct. Full kitchen, master suite with separate bed, and four distinct cabin environments. The aircraft preferred by sovereign wealth fund principals and heads of state.
Dassault Aviation
Falcon 10X
PassengersUp to 16
Range7,500 nm / 13,890 km
Cruise speed516 knots / 956 km/h
Cabin height2.03m — largest in class
Cabin width2.74m — widest in class
Charter rate (Africa)$70,000 – $104,000 per leg
Widest cabin available
The Falcon 10X has the widest and tallest cabin of any purpose-built business jet. Standing headroom exceeds two metres — a genuine differentiator for tall passengers on long haul flights. The three-engine configuration provides ETOPS compliance for South Atlantic crossings from West African departure points.
Best routes for Ultra Long Range
Class 06
VIP Airliner
Commercial airliners converted to executive configuration for large corporate groups, government delegations, and events requiring 20 to 100 passengers travelling together in full privacy. The Boeing BBJ and Airbus ACJ are the most common configurations — combining commercial aircraft range with bespoke executive interiors.
19 – 100
Passengers
900 km/h
Cruise speed
12,000+ km
Range (BBJ)
On Request
Pricing
Boeing
Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)
Passengers19 – 50 (config dependent)
Range6,200 nm / 11,482 km
Cruise speed473 knots / 876 km/h
CabinFull stand-up — airliner width
Common configLounge, boardroom, suites
Charter rateOn Request — typically $80K+
Large group specialist
The BBJ is a Boeing 737 airframe converted to executive specification. Used by heads of state, sovereign wealth fund leadership, and major African corporate groups for cross-continental travel. Interior configurations vary enormously by aircraft — from 19 ultra-luxury seats to 50 business-class seats. NAJ sources BBJ availability for Nigerian government and corporate group travel on request.
Airbus
ACJ319 / ACJ320
Passengers19 – 39 (config dependent)
Range6,750 nm / 12,500 km
Cruise speed470 knots / 871 km/h
CabinFull stand-up — airliner width
Common configMaster suite, VIP lounge, galley
Charter rateOn Request — typically $85K+
Presidential standard
The ACJ series is the preferred aircraft for presidential and ministerial travel globally. The ACJ319 is commonly configured with a master bedroom, private bathroom, executive boardroom, and VIP lounge — full hotel amenities at 40,000 feet. When sovereign clients require a level of privacy and space that no conventional business jet provides, the ACJ is the answer.
Multiple
ACM / ACMI Charter
Passengers50 – 200+
Aircraft737, A320, A330, 767
ConfigurationBusiness or mixed class
Use caseCorporate groups, delegations
Lead timeMinimum 2 weeks
Charter rateOn Request
Group charter
For corporate groups of 50 or more requiring exclusive use of a commercial-size aircraft, NAJ sources ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) charters. Common applications include investor roadshows, company offsites, sports team charters, and government delegations. Enquire directly with your group size and route for a confidential assessment.
Best use cases for VIP Airliner
Full Aircraft Comparison
All classes side by side — passengers, range, speed, and typical African corridor pricing.
| Class | Example Aircraft | Max Pax | Max Range | Cruise Speed | Stand-up Cabin | Typical Africa Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | PC-12, King Air 350i | 9 | 3,340 km | 528 km/h | No | $3,500 – $8,000 | Remote airstrips, short hops |
| Light Jet | CJ4, Phenom 300E, Learjet 45XR | 8 | 3,732 km | 861 km/h | Limited | $6,000 – $12,000 | Intra-Africa, regional routes |
| Midsize Jet | Challenger 350, Legacy 500 | 12 | 5,926 km | 863 km/h | Yes | $14,000 – $24,000 | Africa-Gulf direct, intra-Africa |
| Heavy Jet | G550, Global 6000, Falcon 7X | 14 | 11,112 km | 904 km/h | Yes | $36,000 – $64,000 | Africa-Europe direct, long haul |
| Ultra Long Range | G700, Global 7500, Falcon 10X | 19 | 14,260 km | 956 km/h | Yes — suites | $64,000 – $104,000 | Any destination nonstop |
| VIP Airliner | BBJ, ACJ319, ACJ320 | 50+ | 12,500 km | 876 km/h | Yes — airliner | On Request | Large groups, delegations |
Which Aircraft Should You Choose?
The right aircraft depends on four variables — distance, passenger count, schedule, and budget. Here are the most common scenarios NAJ handles.
Scenario 01
Executive travel within West Africa — 2 to 4 passengers
Recommended: Light Jet — Phenom 300E or Citation CJ4
For Lagos to Accra, Abuja to Lagos, or Lagos to Dakar with a small group of executives, a light jet is the most cost-efficient choice. Fast, comfortable for routes under 3 hours, and widely available from West African operators. Typical all-in cost $8,000 to $14,000.
For Lagos to Accra, Abuja to Lagos, or Lagos to Dakar with a small group of executives, a light jet is the most cost-efficient choice. Fast, comfortable for routes under 3 hours, and widely available from West African operators. Typical all-in cost $8,000 to $14,000.
Scenario 02
Corporate group travel Lagos to London or Lagos to Dubai
Recommended: Heavy Jet — Gulfstream G550 or Global 6000
For intercontinental routes from West Africa, only a heavy jet can fly direct without a fuel stop. Groups of 6 to 14 on Lagos to London or Lagos to Dubai will find the heavy jet cost-per-passenger competitive with first-class commercial when the value of time and privacy is factored in. Typical all-in cost $43,000 to $62,000.
For intercontinental routes from West Africa, only a heavy jet can fly direct without a fuel stop. Groups of 6 to 14 on Lagos to London or Lagos to Dubai will find the heavy jet cost-per-passenger competitive with first-class commercial when the value of time and privacy is factored in. Typical all-in cost $43,000 to $62,000.
Scenario 03
East Africa safari circuit — multiple remote lodges
Recommended: Turboprop — Pilatus PC-12 or King Air 350
For a circuit covering multiple East African national parks and remote lodges where jet aircraft cannot land, a turboprop is not a compromise — it is the correct solution. The PC-12 accesses airstrips that no jet can reach. Combine with a light or midsize jet for the international arrival and departure legs. Typical cost $3,500 to $6,000 per intra-circuit leg.
For a circuit covering multiple East African national parks and remote lodges where jet aircraft cannot land, a turboprop is not a compromise — it is the correct solution. The PC-12 accesses airstrips that no jet can reach. Combine with a light or midsize jet for the international arrival and departure legs. Typical cost $3,500 to $6,000 per intra-circuit leg.
Scenario 04
UHNW principal requiring maximum privacy and range
Recommended: Ultra Long Range — Gulfstream G700 or Global 7500
When time, privacy, and arriving rested take precedence over cost, the ultra long range category is the answer. Any African city to any global destination nonstop. Lie-flat suites, onboard catering, and four cabin zones provide a genuine alternative to hotel travel time. NAJ sources ULR aircraft for principals on confidential request basis.
When time, privacy, and arriving rested take precedence over cost, the ultra long range category is the answer. Any African city to any global destination nonstop. Lie-flat suites, onboard catering, and four cabin zones provide a genuine alternative to hotel travel time. NAJ sources ULR aircraft for principals on confidential request basis.
Scenario 05
African government delegation or large corporate group
Recommended: VIP Airliner — BBJ or ACJ319
For groups exceeding 20 passengers requiring exclusive use of an aircraft, a VIP airliner provides the privacy of a private jet at a lower per-seat cost than chartering multiple business jets. NAJ manages VIP airliner sourcing for government and corporate clients on a confidential basis with full discretion. Enquire directly.
For groups exceeding 20 passengers requiring exclusive use of an aircraft, a VIP airliner provides the privacy of a private jet at a lower per-seat cost than chartering multiple business jets. NAJ manages VIP airliner sourcing for government and corporate clients on a confidential basis with full discretion. Enquire directly.
Scenario 06
Budget-conscious first-time private charter client
Recommended: Empty Leg Deal on a Heavy or Midsize Jet
If schedule flexibility exists, an empty leg deal on a heavy or midsize jet offers intercontinental private jet travel at 50 to 75 percent below standard charter rates. NAJ publishes live empty leg deals across Africa and the Gulf corridor. A Lagos to London heavy jet empty leg has been available for as low as $18,000 — less than four business class commercial tickets. Check the live deals page.
If schedule flexibility exists, an empty leg deal on a heavy or midsize jet offers intercontinental private jet travel at 50 to 75 percent below standard charter rates. NAJ publishes live empty leg deals across Africa and the Gulf corridor. A Lagos to London heavy jet empty leg has been available for as low as $18,000 — less than four business class commercial tickets. Check the live deals page.