The Top 5 Private Jets With The Lowest Fuel Burn

Aircraft inherently require a significant amount of fuel to generate the thrust needed to reach their altitudes and, most importantly, to reach their destinations faster than any other means of transportation. But more fuel-efficient private jets offer a dual advantage, benefiting both your financial bottom line and causing fewer environmental pollution effects.

It is only natural that lighter and smaller private jets burn less fuel than bigger and heavier ones. Here, we explore the category of light and very light jets (VLJ) that are recognized for their low fuel consumption rates in today’s market. It is worth noting that the below figures are estimates and can vary based on operating conditions.

5 Embraer Phenom 100

Consumes around 280 gallons on a 1,000 nautical mile trip

Launched in 2008, the Embraer Phenom 100 is a sleek, low-wing private light jet featuring a distinctive T-tail and retractable tricycle landing gear. This aircraft is celebrated for its efficiency, making it an excellent choice for short to medium distances. It boasts a maximum range of up to 1,160 nautical miles (2,150 kilometers), a cruising speed of 750 km/h, and a top speed reaching 860 km/h.

While the standard configuration of the Phenom 100 accommodates four passengers, it offers the flexibility to transport up to seven passengers when equipped with a single crew member, an optional side-facing seat, and a belted toilet.

Read more: Top 10: The Smallest Private Jets In The World

The Phenom 100 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW615F engines. According to a report by FlyRadius, on a 1,000-nautical-mile journey, the Phenom 100 uses around 280 gallons of jet fuel. These figures consider a load of four to five passengers and their luggage onboard.

4 Cessna Citation M2

Consumes around 260 gallons on a 1,000 nautical mile trip

The Cessna Citation M2 light jet is an upgraded version of the Citation CJ1 platform. Just like its predecessor, the M2 is known for its excellent fuel efficiency.

Equipped with a pair of FJ44-1AP-21 engines, each generating 1,965 pounds of thrust, the Citation M2 has the capability to accommodate a maximum of seven passengers, including a pilot. However, with four passengers, the plane can achieve a range of 1,183 nautical miles (2,190 kilometers) and attain a maximum cruising speed of 401 knots (742 km/h).

When it comes to fuel consumption, the aircraft burns around 110 gallons of fuel per hour when flying at 34,000 feet, according to a report by FlyRadius. At higher altitudes, the M2 burns approximately 83 gallons of jet fuel. It’s worth noting that flying at higher altitudes offers the primary advantage of improved fuel efficiency due to reduced air resistance, allowing the aircraft to consume less fuel while maintaining speed.

3 Cessna Citation Mustang

Consumes around 200 to 290 on a 1,000 nautical mile trip, depending on operating conditions

The Cessna Citation Mustang, a very light jet manufactured by Cessna, made its debut at the 2002 NBAA convention. The Model 510 took its inaugural flight in 2005 and was granted FAA-type certification in 2006. Production concluded in 2017, with a total of 479 aircraft produced.

A typical flight for this aircraft covers a distance of approximately 500 to 700 nautical miles. According to a report by Business Jet Traveller, on a typical 500-nautical-mile trip, the Mustang will burn approximately 95 gallons of fuel per hour. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F turbofan engines. Meanwhile, according to a report by FlyRadius, the fuel burn of the Citation Mustang ranges from 0.20 to 0.29 gallons per nautical mile, depending on operating conditions.

2 HondaJet Ha-420

Consumes around 220 gallons on a 1,000 nautical mile trip

Featuring a composite fuselage and an aluminum wing, the 13-meter length aircraft accommodates around six to seven seats. Its propulsion comes from two GE Honda HF120 turbofans mounted on pylons positioned above the wing. It can fly as far as 1,223 nautical miles (2,264 kilometers) and reach a maximum speed of 422 knots (781 km/h).

Having received multiple aeronautic design and innovation accolades, the HondaJet aircraft stands out as a staple light business jet for the industry. According to its specifications, on a 1,000-nautical-mile journey that takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, the Ha-420 jet uses approximately 220 gallons of fuel, while on a 600-nautical-mile trip, the aircraft uses about 140 gallons of jet fuel.

Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock

Meanwhile, on a 300-nautical mile journey that takes almost an hour, the aircraft consumes about 80 gallons of jet fuel. These figures account for a load of three passengers and a pilot as well as “high cruise speed,” according to HondaJet.

Read more: First Transcontinental Light Business Jet: A Look At The HondaJet 2600

1 Cirrus Vision Jet SF50

Consumes around 70 gallons per hour

Capacity	1 crew + 6 passengers
Wingspan	38.7 ft (11.7 m)
Length	30.7 ft (9.4 m)
Range	1,275 NM
Top Speed	311 knots

The Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet is a compact, single-engine aircraft with a wingspan of nine meters, crafted by the American manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft. Tailored for the niche market of small private jets, the Cirrus Vision Jet boasts a range of 1,275 nautical miles (2,360 kilometers) and can seat up to seven passengers, pilot included. It operates at a service ceiling of 31,000 feet (9,448 meters) and attains a maximum cruising speed of 311 knots (575 km/h).

Photo: Cirrus

In addition, the Cirrus Vision Jet is one of the most fuel-efficient light jets on the market today. Powered by the Williams International FJ33-5A engine, the Cirrus Vision Jet has a fuel capacity of 2,000 pounds, equivalent to 240 gallons of fuel. According to Aviator Insider, the aircraft consumes approximately 70 gallons per hour during a cruise flight.

Which other private jets stand out for their fuel efficiency? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.