Understanding Jet Sizes and Classifications

Written By Landon Childers

Introduction

When it comes to private aircraft, not all jets are created equal. Each class is designed with specific missions, passenger capacities, and performance capabilities in mind. Knowing these classifications helps aircraft owners, operators, and detailing professionals understand what services, time, and care each jet demands.

1. Very Light Jets (VLJs)

Examples: Cessna Citation Mustang, Eclipse 500, HondaJet
VLJs are the smallest category of business jets, typically seating 4–6 passengers. They’re efficient for short regional trips under 1,000 miles. Their compact size means faster cleaning and detailing times, but the limited space requires precision—especially for interior cleaning and brightwork polishing.

2. Light Jets

Examples: Cessna CJ2/CJ3, Learjet 35, Embraer Phenom 300
Light jets seat 6–8 passengers and can travel roughly 1,500–2,000 miles. These are some of the most common private aircraft, often used for business hops or leisure travel. Detailing a light jet usually involves both exterior dry washes and full interior refreshes, with careful attention to small cabins and tight crevices.

3. Midsize Jets

Examples: Citation XLS, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60
Midsize jets add more range (up to 2,500 miles) and cabin space for 7–9 passengers. Their larger surface area and increased brightwork components require longer exterior service times. Interiors often include full galleys and lavatories that demand deeper sanitation and detailing processes.

4. Super Midsize Jets

Examples: Citation X, Gulfstream G200, Challenger 300
Super mids are built for coast-to-coast missions and carry 8–10 passengers. These aircraft have greater wingspans, larger fuselages, and more complex surfaces. Exterior detailing, brightwork polishing, and ceramic coating services become more time- and labor-intensive at this level.

5. Heavy Jets

Examples: Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900, Challenger 604
Heavy jets are luxury workhorses for long-range travel (3,000–4,000+ miles) with 10–14 passengers. Interiors often include full kitchens, bedrooms, and multiple lavatories. Detailing these jets is a significant project—requiring specialized tools, extended work hours, and strict attention to materials used on premium finishes.

6. Ultra-Long-Range and VIP Airliners

Examples: Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500, Dassault Falcon 8X
These are the largest and most exclusive aircraft in the private world. They can cross oceans nonstop and seat up to 20 passengers in complete luxury. Detailing projects can span multiple days and require both advanced techniques and professional-grade products designed for sensitive materials, high-gloss paint, and large brightwork sections.

Each size category determines:

  • Service Duration: Larger jets take longer to detail due to surface area and complexity.

  • Pricing: Labor, chemical use, and product coverage scale with aircraft size.

  • Equipment Needs: Larger jets often require lifts, scaffolds, or extended vacuum and polish systems.

At Pure Aviation Detailing, understanding jet classifications isn’t just about size—it’s about precision, safety, and the right approach for every aircraft we touch.

Landon Childers