This shortlist is generated from the versioned PlaneFit aircraft database, then ordered by mission-relevant specifications. It is a research starting point, not a universal ranking. The best aircraft changes with payload, runway, pilot qualifications, annual utilisation and the exact example available for purchase.
Light jet

Embraer Phenom 300E

Ten-seat high-performance light business jet

Price
$9.43m (€8.73m)
Cruise
464 kt (534 mph)
Range
2,010 nm (3,723 km)
Payload
2,888 lb (1,310 kg)

Class-leading speed, range and resale strength, but acquisition, crew, engine programs and maintenance demand a professional budget.

Embraer Phenom 300Photo: Filis~cswiki · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized · representative variant
#2
Light jet

Embraer Phenom 300

Ten-seat high-performance light business jet

Price
$8.01m (€7.42m)
Cruise
453 kt (521 mph)
Range
1,971 nm (3,650 km)
Payload
2,888 lb (1,310 kg)

Class-leading speed, cabin and resale strength, but acquisition and two-engine programme costs are substantial.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3Photo: Sixflashphoto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized · representative variant
#3
Light jet

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3

Nine-occupant next-generation single-pilot light jet

Price
$11.88m (€11m)
Cruise
416 kt (479 mph)
Range
2,040 nm (3,778 km)
Payload
2,773 lb (1,258 kg)

Strong range and single-pilot economics, but the Gen3 value is currently a new-aircraft programme estimate rather than a used-market price.

Light jet

Pilatus PC-24

Eleven-seat super-versatile light business jet

Price
$12.42m (€11.5m)
Cruise
440 kt (506 mph)
Range
2,040 nm (3,778 km)
Payload
2,646 lb (1,200 kg)

A uniquely versatile jet with a large cargo door and short-field access, but price and professional operating costs exceed conventional light jets.

#9
Twin-engine turboprop

Aircraft Industries L 410 NG

Nineteen-passenger STOL regional turboprop

Price
$7.56m (€7m)
Cruise
225 kt (259 mph)
Range
1,388 nm (2,571 km)
Payload
2,866 lb (1,300 kg)

Strong payload, range and rough-field capability, but commercial support and regional-airliner operating requirements are substantial.

Single-engine turboprop

Pilatus PC-12 NG

Ten-seat pressurized executive and utility turboprop

Price
$3.91m (€3.62m)
Cruise
285 kt (328 mph)
Range
1,845 nm (3,417 km)
Payload
2,150 lb (975 kg)

Exceptional cabin, payload and runway versatility, but interior, engine programme and high annual fixed costs demand professional ownership.

Cessna 404 TitanPhoto: SDASM · Public domain
#11
Twin-engine piston

Cessna 404 Titan

Ten-seat cabin-class commercial piston twin

Price
$756k (€700k)
Cruise
230 kt (265 mph)
Range
1,700 nm (3,148 km)
Payload
2,493 lb (1,131 kg)

Excellent volume, payload and range for a piston twin, but two large engines and commercial fatigue make maintenance expensive.

Single-engine turboprop

Pilatus PC-12 NGX

Ten-seat pressurized executive and utility turboprop

Price
$5.69m (€5.26m)
Cruise
290 kt (334 mph)
Range
1,803 nm (3,339 km)
Payload
2,150 lb (975 kg)

Exceptional cabin, payload and runway versatility, but acquisition and professional-grade support costs are substantial.

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