Summary

  • Embraer Legacy 500: Offers 3,125 NM range and luxurious cabin, favored for balance of tech and comfort.
  • Dassault Falcon 50: Features 3,148 NM range, comfort-focused cabin, and iconic tri-jet design.
  • Cessna Citation X+: Known for its record-breaking speed, offers 3,460 NM range and high efficiency.

The super-midsize jet category represents a class of business jets that bridges the gap between midsize and heavy jets, offering an ideal combination of performance, range, and cabin comfort.

These jets typically accommodate 8 to 12 passengers, providing spacious, well-appointed cabins that rival those of larger aircraft while maintaining the operational flexibility of smaller jets. They are designed for longer transcontinental and transoceanic flights and often feature advanced avionics, high cruising speeds, and impressive range capabilities.

Super midsize jets are highly sought after for their ability to access smaller airports and their capacity to deliver a luxurious, efficient travel experience. Here are five popular super-midsize business jets, ranked by range.

5

Embraer Legacy 500

3,125 nautical miles

The Embraer Legacy 500 stands out for its cutting-edge technology and luxurious interior. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a balance of innovation, comfort, and operational efficiency.

Embraer Legacy 500 jet

Photo: Embraer

Key features:

  • Range: 3,125 nautical miles (3,596 miles; 5,788 km)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 0.80 (532 kts; 612 mph; 985 km/h)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 12

The Legacy 500 features a high-tech cockpit with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, offering pilots enhanced situational awareness and ease of operation.

Typically outfitted with two zones, the aircraft’s cabin is among the most spacious in its class, with a flat-floor design and six-foot standing height. The cabin measures 6.8 feet (2.1 meters) wide and 27.5 feet (8.4 meters) long.

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According to Guardian Jet, between 2014 and 2020, 84 Legacy 500s were built. The current market price for the jet starts at $13,495,000 and can go up to $17,500,000.

4

Dassault Falcon 50

3,148 nautical miles

The Dassault Falcon 50 combines French elegance with robust performance, making it a versatile jet for various missions, including transcontinental flights. According to its manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, it is the world’s first transatlantic business aircraft.

A Dassault Falcon 50 flying in the sky.

Key features:

  • Range: 3,148 nautical miles (3,623 miles; 5,830 km)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 0.74 (459 kts; 568 mph; 916 km/h)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 9

The Falcon 50 is known for its tri-jet configuration, which gives it an iconic and instantly recognizable appearance. Its range and speed make it suitable for long-haul flights, and its cabin is designed for comfort, with ergonomic seating and ample space for passengers. The aircraft also boasts excellent short-field capabilities, allowing it to operate from smaller airports closer to the passengers’ final destinations.

Dassault Falcon 50

Although its first flight dates back nearly 50 years ago, on November 7, 1976, the Falcon 50 remains in service, with over 352 units built.

3

Bombardier Challenger 350

3,200 nautical miles

Designed and produced by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace, the Challenger 350 is a top contender in the super-midsize category, known for its reliability, comfort, and impressive performance. It is favored by corporate executives and charter operators alike.

Bombardier Challenger 350 - NetJets in Samedan/Switzerland shutterstock_786935845

Photo: Mike Fuchslocher | Shutterstock

Key features:

  • Range: 3,200 nautical miles (3,682 miles; 5,926 km)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 0.80 (533 kts; 614 mph; 988 km/h)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 10

The jet first took flight on August 14, 2001, and has been in production since. With more than 350 units delivered, the Challenger 350 was the most-delivered jet in its category from 2013 to 2020, per Bombardier.

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The Challenger 350 offers a spacious cabin with flat floors and a wide design, providing ample room for passengers to work or relax. It features advanced avionics, a smooth ride, and excellent short-field performance, making it ideal for both short and long-haul flights. The aircraft’s range allows it to connect major cities non-stop, such as New York to London or Paris to Dubai, making it a versatile choice for international travel.

2

Cessna Citation X+

3,460 nautical miles

Renowned for its speed, the Cessna Citation X+ is the fastest super-midsize jet on the market, making it a favorite for those who value time savings. According to the manufacturer, Textron Aviation, besides setting the record as the world’s fastest general aviation jet, the Citation X+ has three other speed records to its name, for each leg of its record-setting flight.

A Cessna Citation X+ flying above mountainous terrain.

Photo: Cessna

Key features:

  • Range: 3,460 nautical miles (3,982 miles; 6,408 km)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 0.935 (536 kts; 717 mph; 993 km/h)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 12

As expected, Citation X+’s primary appeal is its unmatched speed, allowing it to reduce travel times significantly. Its aerodynamic design and powerful engines contribute to its impressive performance.

Cessna Citation X+

The cabin, while slightly smaller than some competitors, offers luxurious seating and modern amenities. The Citation X+ is perfect for business travelers who need to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time.

1

Gulfstream G280

3,600 nautical miles

The Gulfstream G280 offers exceptional performance, advanced technology, and a comfortable cabin, making it a strong contender in the super-midsize market. Of all the jets on this list, this aircraft offers the longest range.

A Gulfstream G280 Flying in the sky.

Photo: Anton Volynets | Shutterstock

Key features:

  • Range: 3,600 nautical miles (4,413 miles; 6,667 km)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 0.85 (567 kts; 652 mph; 1,050 km/h)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 10

The G280 features a spacious cabin with large windows, providing a bright and airy environment. Its advanced avionics and aerodynamic design ensure a smooth and efficient flight. Furthermore, certified for steep-approach operations, the G280 easily handles short runways, high-altitude airports, and low-visibility conditions.

Gulfstream_G280_cabin_interior_with_divan

The aircraft’s range allows for non-stop travel between distant cities, such as London to New York or Dubai to Hong Kong. The G280 is well-suited for both business and leisure travel, offering the reliability and performance expected from a Gulfstream aircraft.

Fun fact: the Gulfstream G280 started off as the G250 but was renamed in July 2011 because its former name suggested “stupid” or “idiotic” in Mandarin, according to Flight Global.

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