Private aviation offers an incredible amount of variety. There are planes to suit just about every need and budget. If you’re just entering the market, you might have difficulty sifting through the options, and arriving at the one that’s right for you.

The private jet tends to be a viable option for high-ranking C-suite executives, tycoons, royals, film stars, athletes and world leaders. But that isn’t an exhaustive list: the experience of a private jet might actually be more accessible than many people suppose – provided that the economics are there to justify it.

So, what are the various types of private jet, and which might fit your needs?

Light Jet

At the bottom of the scale, we have Very Light Jets and Light Jets. These will accommodate between four and eight passengers. They’re able to deal with smaller airports with very short runways, which makes them ideal if you’d like to avoid congestion and delay.

Midsize Jet

The Midsize represents an acceptable compromise for many. You’ll have space to stand up in, and, typically, on-board catering. You’ll have a range of around five hours at cruising speed, which, if you only intend to fly domestically, might be all that you ever need.

Super Midsize

If you need something a little more substantial, then you might go for a super-midsize. These are slightly larger, with room for more than a dozen passengers. What’s more, you’ll benefit from greater range and higher cruising speed. You’ll find the Bombardier Challenger 350 in this category.

Heavy Business Jet

At this size, we’re getting into the territory of serious luxury. You’ll have a broad cabin which can accommodate a score of passengers. You’ll also get higher wingspans, international travel capability, and a range of impressive features in the interior, like WiFi and phones.

On the other hand, only certain kinds of airport can accommodate a jet of this kind, so you’ll want to check the runway length before booking.

Ultra Long-Range Jet

If you absolutely need to travel long distances in a single sitting, then an Ultra-Long-Range Jet might be the only way to go. These are the most expensive option, but they will allow you to take trans-continental flights without any trouble. If you’d like to fly to Europe and back again in a single day, in other words, this is how you’d do it. The Bombardier Global 7500 sits in this category.

As well as considering the type of jet you’re looking for, you’ll want to also think about how you’ll be paying for it. Charter, fractional ownership and jet cards might help you to manage the expense. For a certain kind of traveller, however, the cost of this form of travel matters a great deal less than the performance.