It’s a bird, it’s a plane…no, it’s 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 take off and land at small local airports, they allow travellers to avoid high-volume airports and arrive closer to their destinations.
"So, what's
the catch?" the savvy jet traveller 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 (i.e.: 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 travellers in particular
may find VLJS an attractive option over first-class.
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