The importance of range and what to consider before chartering midsize and super-midsize jets
Chartering a private jet for a mid-range route-such as a flight from Rome to Dubai or Madrid to Mykonos-is an increasingly popular choice among entrepreneurs, VIP travelers, and families seeking comfort and flexibility. But one of the key decisions, often underestimated, is whether or not the private jet chosen allows a direct flight without stopovers for refueling.
In this article we will look at when it is necessary to make stopovers, why it is often best to avoid them, and which jets to choose for the most popular direct routes in Europe and beyond.
Why avoid the technical stopover when chartering a private jet?
Although private jet refueling stopovers are faster than commercial flights, they can still bring with them several disadvantages:
- Downtime: a refueling can take 30-60 minutes
- Additional costs: airport taxes, handling fee, more expensive fuel
- Decreased comfort: stop on runway or momentary exit from aircraft
- Logistical risks: delays, airport congestion, complex coordination
For all these reasons, when possible, it is more convenient to choose a private jet with sufficient range to cover the route without stops for refueling.
Midsize and super-midsize jets to avoid refueling
Let’s look at the two categories that are best suited for routes such as Rome-Dubai, London-Ibiza or Madrid-Mykonos. without the requirement of a stopover for refueling.
Midsize Jets
- Autonomy: about 3,000-3,600 km
- Seats: 6-8 passengers
- Examples: Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP, Learjet 60
- Ideal for: London-Ibiza (1,400 km), Madrid-Mykonos (2,400 km)
Super-Midsize Jets
- Autonomy: up to 7,500 km
- Seats: 8-10 passengers
- Examples: Bombardier Challenger 350, Citation Longitude, Embraer Praetor 600
- Ideal for all medium and medium-long routes, even nonstop
Concrete examples: Dubai, Ibiza, and Mykonos, when you need to stopover for refueling and when you don’t
To better understand the importance of private jet range, let’s look at three examples of high-demand routes and evaluate together whether a midsize jet is sufficient to get to the destination without the stopover for refueling, or, whether it is preferable to rent a super-midsize
Rome to Dubai: This is a route of about 4,300 km. Most midsize jets do not have enough range to cover it without stopping to refuel, so you are very likely to have to make a technical stopover. If, on the other hand, you choose a super-midsize jet such as the Challenger 350 or Praetor 600, you can fly direct without stopping, saving time and stress.
London – Ibiza: short distance, about 1,400 km. It is perfect for any type of private jet, including midsize jets, which cover it comfortably without the need for stopovers. In this case, a midsize jet is also an optimal choice in terms of value for money.
Madrid – Mykonos: this route measures about 2,400 km, well within the operational limits of a midsize jet. It can therefore be covered nonstop even with models such as the Citation XLS+ or the Hawker 800XP. Obviously, with a super-midsize you get superior comfort, but range is not an issue under any circumstances.
When to choose a midsize jet?
If you want an optimal balance between comfort, range and cost, the midsize jet is often the right choice. This category of aircraft offers more spacious cabins than light jets-with heights up to 1.7 m and capacity for 6-9 passengers-while still maintaining lower fuel consumption and operating costs
Many midsize jet models provide ranges of up to 3,500 nm (about 6,500 km), allowing transcontinental flights without a stopover- Thanks to the ability to land on shorter runways, they also allow comfortable approaches to secondary destinations.
- For European routes of less than 3,000 km in length.
- To contain the budget
- If you are traveling with 4-6 passengers
Perfect for leisure trips like Madrid-Mykonos or city breaks like London-Ibiza.
Of note is our our article on the rental prices of a medium jet to Ibiza from major European cities.
When is a super-midsize jet needed?
Super-midsize jets have more spacious cabins than midsize jets, with heights up to 1.80 m, and can count on a longer range that allows intercontinental flights even without a stopover.
- For routes above 3,500-4,000 km.
- To avoid stopovers for refueling on routes such as Rome-Dubai
- To have more spacious cabin, longer range, better speed
- If you are traveling with multiple passengers or multiple pieces of luggage
Super-midsize jets are ideal for luxury, business and family travel to any destination.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about chartering midsize and super-midsize private jets to Dubai, Ibiza and Mykonos
– When is it appropriate to choose a midsize jet?
– A midsize jet is ideal for medium-distance nonstop flights (2-5 hours), with groups of 6-8 passengers, This is an excellent choice for combining flight range and a very high level of comfort. Perfect for European routes and some short intercontinental routes (e.g., Rome-Doha but with a stopover for refueling).
– There are 8 of us: what jet should I book to fly to Sardinia?
– For 8 passengers heading to Sardinia from European cities such as Milan, Rome, Zurich or Paris, a midsize jet such as the Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP or Learjet 60 is perfect. If you want more space or carry a lot of luggage, a super-midsize provides more comfort.
– Are there airports where a super-midsize jet cannot land?
– Yes, some airports with very short runways or operational restrictions are not suitable for super-midsize jets. However, these jets are designed to operate on relatively short runways. In Sardinia, for example, Olbia and Cagliari are perfect for any private jet. More problematic may be smaller or island airports (e.g., Lampedusa, Elba).
– Can a midsize jet fly direct to Dubai without a stopover for refueling?
– Generally, no. The Rome-Dubai route is at or beyond the range of a midsize jet, which would require a technical stopover. If you want to avoid interruptions, better to opt for a super-midsize such as Praetor 600, Challenger 350 or Falcon 2000S.
– How much does it cost to charter a midsize jet or a super-midsize jet?
– It depends on the route, departure airport, and model. Have doubts about choosing a jet for a specific destination? Contact PrivateJetFinder and we’ll help you choose the perfect plane for your trip, without compromise.
