Most Australian flights are done in a light or midsize jet. A heavy or ultra long range jet is for three situations: sectors of more than about five hours, parties of ten or more, and flights where you want to sleep, work and dine in separate parts of the cabin.
What the big classes are
- Super midsize jets carry up to nine in a wide stand-up cabin and fly about six to seven hours, enough for Perth to the east coast and across to Bali.
- Heavy jets carry eleven to fourteen in three cabin zones, with a proper galley, fly about eight to nine hours and link Australia with Singapore and, depending on the type, Hong Kong.
- Ultra long range jets and VIP airliners carry nine to nineteen, fly eleven hours and more and reach Tokyo and Hong Kong non-stop from the east coast.
These are typical figures; the aircraft guide has typical examples for each class, and the exact aircraft is confirmed in your quotation.
Which sectors need them
We use the smallest class that can fly the sector non-stop. For the most common long sectors from Melbourne and Sydney:
| Route | Distance | Smallest class that flies it non-stop | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Perth | 2,700 km | Midsize jet | about 3 h 50 min |
| Melbourne to Bali | 4,380 km | Super midsize jet or larger | about 5 h 35 min by heavy jet |
| Melbourne to Singapore | 6,035 km | Heavy jet | about 7 h 30 min |
| Sydney to Hong Kong | 7,395 km | Ultra long range jet | about 8 h 35 min |
| Sydney to Tokyo | 7,820 km | Ultra long range jet | about 9 h 05 min |
Indicative airport-to-airport times, using the typical cruise speed of the class. Our destination pages cover Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo; Asia by private jet from Australia compares them.
What the cabin gives you
The difference is not luxury for its own sake; it is how the hours go. A heavy jet’s three zones give a party somewhere to work, somewhere to dine and somewhere to rest, with a galley for proper catering and, on many aircraft, a cabin attendant. Ultra long range jets add more space and, on some, a private stateroom. For a long flight that changes how you arrive.
Groups and delegations
A heavy jet carries eleven to fourteen, and a VIP airliner up to nineteen. A party in that range often chooses one large aircraft over two smaller ones so that everyone travels together and the baggage stays with the party. For how we plan larger parties, see group and sports team charters.
Catering and service on a long sector
Over eight hours or more, the meal service matters as much as the seat. Heavy and ultra long range jets have a galley, so meals can be prepared and served on board, and on many a cabin attendant looks after the passengers. Tell us about dietary needs and preferences when you enquire, and we arrange the catering to order.
Sleeping and arriving fresh
On an overnight sector, the cabin layout decides how well you sleep. Some aircraft have a private stateroom, and others have seats that convert to beds; a smaller aircraft offers neither. If rest is the point of the flight, tell us, and we will choose an aircraft that gives it. Time zones matter too: plan the day you land as well as the day you leave.
What it costs
A heavy or ultra long range jet costs substantially more to fly than a midsize jet because it is larger, burns more fuel and flies further. The cost per person falls as the party grows, because the aircraft is the same price whether nine or fourteen people are on board. There is no list price; what a charter costs explains what moves the number.
Do not over-buy
The largest aircraft is not always the right answer. A super midsize jet reaches Bali comfortably, and a heavy jet reaches Singapore without the cost of an ultra long range jet. We recommend the smallest aircraft that suits the sector and the party, and quote the next step up if it is close. What a charter costs explains how aircraft size feeds into the price.
Planning a long flight
- International flights need permits, customs and overflight planning, which add lead time
- Long sectors can involve additional crew and a different schedule, which we plan for you
- Time zones matter for arrival: plan the day you land as well as the day you leave
- For the longest journeys, such as the UK to Australia, see UK and Europe to Australia by private jet
Send us the route, the date and the number of passengers and we will recommend the class.
Frequently asked questions
Which jet do I need for Singapore?
Melbourne or Sydney to Singapore is around 7 h 30 min to 7 h 50 min by heavy jet, so a heavy jet or an ultra long range jet is the usual choice. We recommend one for your party when we quote.
Which jet do I need for Tokyo or Hong Kong?
Tokyo and Hong Kong from the east coast are long enough that an ultra long range jet is the practical choice for a non-stop flight; some heavy jets can do it with a fuel stop. We tell you the options.
Do I need a heavy jet for a large group?
Once you are past about nine passengers on a long sector, a heavy jet or a VIP airliner is usually more comfortable than two smaller aircraft, though two smaller aircraft can cost less. We quote both when it is close.
Ready to plan your flight?
Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.
Keep reading
Light Jet or Midsize Jet? How to Choose the Right Size
More cabin or lower cost? How to choose between a light jet and a midsize jet for your route and party.
Read the articleAsia-PacificSingapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bali by Private Jet
Flying times, aircraft and airports for the four Asia-Pacific destinations Australians fly to most.
Read the articleGroupsGroup and Sports Team Charters by Private Jet
Seats, equipment and timing: how to charter for a squad, a delegation or a large party.
Read the article