It’s a bird, it’s a plane…no, its a VLJ. Well, technically VLJs are planes, but they are in a class all their own. VLJ’s – aka: very light jets, microjets, personal jets, minijets – are a hot topic these days. Looking like something out of “The Jetsons”, these super-sleek, super-economical jets have created a new category in the private aircraft industry and are eagerly anticipated in the charter world. So what’s all the fuss about? Well, VLJ’s cost much less than small cabin jets, which will open the world of private aviation to a larger segment of the market. Also, since they can easily takeoff and land at small local airports, they allow travelers to avoid high-volume airports and arrive closer to their destinations.
“So what’s the catch?” the savvy jet traveler may ask. Well, despite their efficiency and flexibility, their nickname ‘minijet’ aptly describes most VLJ cabin interiors. Snug is the word, although cabin interior can vary based on the specific jet sub-category (ie: single-engine, small-cabin, large-cabin). Also, with its limited in-flight services and performance, VLJ flights are best kept to a couple of hours at most, with no more than 4 passengers. However, for short, direct flights to and from smaller airports, VLJ’s may be the jet for you. And with the ease of flying privately, business travelers in particular may find VLJS an attractive option over first-class.
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