Very light jet (VLJ).
A very light jet, or VLJ, is the entry class of business jet, typically certified for single-pilot operation and seating up to about seven people. Industry summaries put the average range of the class at about 1,174 nautical miles. Examples include the Cirrus Vision Jet, Embraer Phenom 100 and HondaJet. Cabins are compact, often without a full lavatory.
| Term | Very light jet (VLJ) |
|---|---|
| Used in | Private aviation, charter brokerage and operations |
| Related terms | Light jet, Cabin class, Turboprop |
| Sources | 2 listed below |
What does Very light jet (VLJ) mean in practice?
Very light jets suit short trips with few passengers.
The Cirrus Vision Jet, for example, is a single-engine jet with a maximum range of 1,275 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 317 knots, seating up to seven including the pilot. The advantages are cost per hour and access to short runways. The drawbacks are real. Cabins are low, so you sit rather than stand, baggage space is limited, and a lavatory may be an emergency seat with a curtain or absent altogether. Range figures assume light loads, so four adults with luggage will not get the brochure distance. Many VLJs are flown by one pilot, which is legal and common but leaves no second pilot if the first is incapacitated; ask whether the operator crews with two. On empty leg searches, VLJs appear on short regional sectors and are often priced below other classes.
Questions
What does Very light jet (VLJ) mean?
A very light jet, or VLJ, is the entry class of business jet, typically certified for single-pilot operation and seating up to about seven people. Industry summaries put the average range of the class at about 1,174 nautical miles. Examples include the Cirrus Vision Jet, Embraer Phenom 100 and HondaJet. Cabins are compact, often without a full lavatory.
Sources
- Cirrus Vision Jet (accessed 2026-09-20)
- Wikipedia: Business jet (accessed 2026-09-20)
Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.