5 Private Jets That Cost Less Than $10 Million
Nov 12, 2024
Owning a private jet doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. There are plenty of reliable, high-quality aircraft available for under $10 million, offering a balance between performance, capacity, and value. For those exploring the entry-level and mid-market private jet scene, here’s a look at five aircraft that have typically sat below $10 million, each bringing something different.
Note on pricing: the figures below were compiled in late 2024 and are indicative only. Pre-owned aircraft values move with market conditions, inventory levels, maintenance status, engine programme enrolment, avionics, and total time. Two aircraft of the same type and year can differ by seven figures. Always obtain a current market valuation before making any commitment.
1. Cessna Citation CJ3+
- Indicative price: around $8.5 million
- Range: approximately 2,040 nautical miles
- Seating: up to 8 passengers
- Luggage capacity: around 1,000 pounds
- Typical model years: 2015 onwards
The CJ3+ offers a blend of range and fuel efficiency that suits regional flying. Its cabin and operating economics make it popular with owner-operators and business users. It is also single-pilot certified, which materially reduces operating cost for owners who fly themselves.
2. Embraer Phenom 300
- Indicative price: approximately $9.5 million
- Range: approximately 2,010 nautical miles
- Seating: up to 10 passengers
- Luggage capacity: around 1,100 pounds
- Typical model years: 2014 onwards
Known for speed and efficiency, the Phenom 300 has one of the fastest cruise speeds in its class and has been among the most-delivered business jets for several consecutive years — which means good parts availability, a deep maintenance network, and a liquid resale market. That last point matters more to a buyer than most specifications do.
3. Beechcraft King Air 350i (Turboprop)
- Indicative price: around $7 million
- Range: approximately 1,800 nautical miles
- Seating: up to 11 passengers
- Luggage capacity: around 550 pounds
- Typical model years: 2016 onwards
The King Air 350i is a versatile turboprop that performs well on short regional sectors and can operate from shorter and unpaved runways that jets in this price bracket cannot. For buyers whose home base has a short strip, this is often the deciding factor rather than a compromise.
4. Dassault Falcon 50EX
- Indicative price: roughly $5–7 million pre-owned
- Range: approximately 3,000 nautical miles
- Seating: up to 9 passengers
- Luggage capacity: around 1,400 pounds
- Typical model years: 2000–2008
An older pre-owned option that still delivers substantial range and cabin space. Its trijet configuration is associated with long overwater capability and redundancy.
A caution worth giving any buyer: the acquisition price is the smaller number. A three-engine aircraft of this vintage carries higher maintenance and fuel costs than a modern twin, and engine programme enrolment status can swing the true cost of ownership dramatically. The pre-purchase inspection matters more here than on almost anything else in this list.
5. Learjet 60XR
- Indicative price: around $3–4 million pre-owned
- Range: approximately 2,405 nautical miles
- Seating: up to 8 passengers
- Luggage capacity: around 1,000 pounds
- Typical model years: 2007–2013
A capable mid-range aircraft with strong performance for its size. Buyers should factor in that Learjet production has ended, which affects long-term support planning and resale positioning — a legitimate consideration, though the type remains well supported.
Comparing the Essentials
These five aircraft show that ownership is attainable at various price points while still offering usable range, seating, and luggage capacity. Some are newer models; others are pre-owned but maintained to high standards.
| Aircraft | Indicative price | Range (nm) | Seating | Luggage | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ3+ | $8.5m | 2,040 | Up to 8 | 1,000 lbs | 2015+ |
| Phenom 300 | $9.5m | 2,010 | Up to 10 | 1,100 lbs | 2014+ |
| King Air 350i | $7m | 1,800 | Up to 11 | 550 lbs | 2016+ |
| Falcon 50EX | $5–7m | 3,000 | Up to 9 | 1,400 lbs | 2000–2008 |
| Learjet 60XR | $3–4m | 2,405 | Up to 8 | 1,000 lbs | 2007–2013 |
What the Purchase Price Doesn't Tell You
Acquisition cost is the most visible number and rarely the most important one. Before recommending any aircraft, a broker should establish:
- Engine programme status — enrolment on a programme such as JSSI or an OEM plan can be worth a large fraction of the aircraft’s value
- Total time and cycles, and where the aircraft sits relative to major inspections
- Damage history and completeness of records
- Avionics status and any mandated upgrades outstanding
- Annual operating cost — fuel, crew, hangar, insurance, maintenance reserves
- Realistic annual utilisation, which determines whether ownership beats charter at all
A cheaper aircraft with deferred maintenance and no programme enrolment can cost considerably more over five years than a more expensive one that is current. This is the analysis clients hire a broker to perform — and it is covered in the Aircraft Inspections Masterclass.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Choosing the right aircraft involves more than knowing the specifications. A strong broker aligns these details with client needs, making recommendations that balance comfort, efficiency, and total cost of ownership. At the International Aircraft Broker Institute (IABI), students learn about aircraft manufacturers, the models that dominate each segment, and how to conduct proper market comparisons.
The Aircraft Sales Broker Course covers valuation, records review, and the acquisition process end to end. Compare the certification tracks or schedule a free consultation.
FAQ
Are these prices current?
No. They were compiled in late 2024 and are indicative only. Pre-owned aircraft values change with inventory, demand, maintenance status and specification. Always obtain a current valuation before acting.
Is a cheaper aircraft always the better value?
No. Engine programme enrolment, time since major inspection, damage history and records completeness can outweigh a lower purchase price several times over across a typical ownership period.
Should a first-time buyer consider a pre-owned aircraft?
Often yes — pre-owned aircraft offer significantly more capability per dollar. The trade-off is that due diligence matters far more, which is precisely why buyers engage a broker and commission a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How much should I budget for annual operating costs?
It varies widely by type and utilisation, and any single figure would be misleading. Budget realistically for fuel, crew, hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance and reserves, and model it against your expected annual hours before committing.
At what point does ownership beat charter?
It depends on annual hours flown, routing consistency, and how much value you place on aircraft availability and control. Below a certain utilisation, charter is usually the more rational choice — and a good broker will say so.
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