When purchasing an aircraft, one question consistently rises to the top:
“What is the best aircraft in its class?”
The answer depends on your mission profile, budget, passenger count, operating requirements, and ownership goals. There is no single aircraft that is best for every buyer.
However, when evaluating the best business aircraft by category, factors such as market performance, reliability, resale value, operating economics, versatility, and industry reputation can help buyers narrow their options.
From turboprops and light jets to midsize, super-midsize, and ultra-long-range aircraft, here are Tern Jet Sales’ selections for some of the top business aircraft in their respective categories.
Best Single-Engine Turboprop
Our Pick: Pilatus PC-12 NGX
Why It Stands Out:
The Pilatus PC-12 has become the benchmark against which nearly every turboprop is measured. Operators praise its remarkable versatility, reliability, and low operating costs. It can access short, unimproved runways while offering a spacious cabin that rivals that of some light jets. Its strong resale values and worldwide support network further cement its position at the top.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Owner-pilots
- Family travel
- Corporate regional missions
- Remote airport access
Best Light Jet
Our Pick: Embraer Phenom 300E
Why It Stands Out:
Few aircraft have dominated their category like the Phenom 300 series. Consistently one of the world’s best-selling business jets, the aircraft combines impressive speed, exceptional operating economics, modern avionics, and outstanding reliability. Owners consistently rank it among the most desirable light jets due to its combination of performance and cabin comfort.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Corporate travelers
- Owner-operators upgrading from turboprops
- Regional and transcontinental missions
Best Super Versatile Jet
Our Pick: Pilatus PC-24
Why It Stands Out:
The PC-24 occupies a category almost entirely its own. Pilatus designed the aircraft to provide jet performance while retaining the rough-field and short-runway capabilities that made the PC-12 famous. The result is an aircraft capable of reaching airports that are inaccessible to many traditional business jets. For operators prioritizing flexibility, few aircraft can compete.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Special mission operators
- Adventure travelers
- Businesses requiring maximum airport access
Best Midsize Jet
Our Pick: Cessna Citation Latitude
Why It Stands Out:
The Citation Latitude has earned an exceptionally loyal following thanks to its flat-floor cabin, operating efficiency, dispatch reliability, and attractive acquisition costs. Fleet operators and individual owners alike consistently praise the Latitude’s balance of comfort, performance, and economics.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Corporate flight departments
- High-utilization operators
- Domestic U.S. missions
Best Super-Midsize Jet
The super-midsize category is one of the most competitive segments in business aviation, making it difficult to identify a single clear winner. Because buyers in this class often prioritize either value or outright performance, we believe this category deserves two standout selections: one for operators seeking the best long-term value and another for those demanding the highest levels of performance.
Best Value Super-Midsize Jet
Our Pick: Bombardier Challenger 300/350 Series
Why It Stands Out:
When it comes to balancing acquisition cost, cabin comfort, reliability, and residual value, the Challenger 300 and 350 series stand in a class of their own. These aircraft have earned a reputation for exceptional dispatch reliability, spacious stand-up cabins, and operating economics that continue to make them favorites among both corporate flight departments and charter operators. Strong market demand and Bombardier’s renowned customer support further enhance their long-term ownership value.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Coast-to-coast U.S. travel
- Corporate shuttle missions
- Charter operators
- Buyers seeking maximum value in the super-midsize category
Best Performing Super-Midsize Jet
Our Pick: Embraer Praetor 600
Why It Stands Out:
The Praetor 600 has redefined expectations in the super-midsize category by delivering exceptional range, speed, and technology. With a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles, advanced fly-by-wire controls, and one of the most sophisticated cabins in its class, the Praetor 600 offers capabilities traditionally reserved for much larger aircraft. Its ability to connect city pairs such as London to New York or São Paulo to Miami nonstop places it among the most capable super-midsize jets ever produced.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- International business travelers
- Operators requiring maximum range and performance
- Long-range corporate missions
- Buyers seeking cutting-edge technology and capability
Best Large Cabin / Ultra-Long-Range Jet
Our Pick: Gulfstream G700
Why It Stands Out:
For operators seeking the pinnacle of business aviation, the Gulfstream G700 currently sets the standard. Exceptional range, industry-leading speed, advanced cabin technology, and multiple living zones make it one of the most capable aircraft ever produced. Its predecessor, the G650ER, established the benchmark for ultra-long-range travel, and the G700 builds upon that legacy.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Global corporations
- Heads of state
- International business travelers
Best Overall Value Aircraft
Our Pick: Beechcraft King Air 350i
Why It Stands Out:
If value is measured by capability relative to acquisition and operating cost, few aircraft rival the King Air 350. It delivers impressive payload, exceptional runway performance, cabin flexibility, and legendary reliability while operating at a fraction of the cost of many light jets. Decades after its introduction, it remains one of aviation’s most respected platforms.
Consumer Rating: ★★★★★
Best For:
- Corporate operators
- Family offices
- Medical and special mission operations
Final Thoughts
The “best” aircraft ultimately depends on your mission. A Pilatus PC-12 may outperform a large-cabin jet if your operations involve short, unimproved runways. Likewise, a Gulfstream G700 may be indispensable for nonstop international travel.
At Tern Jet Sales, we believe every acquisition begins with understanding how you fly, where you fly, and what you expect from ownership. The right aircraft is not simply the highest-rated. It is the one perfectly aligned with your mission.
Our team is happy to help you evaluate options and identify the aircraft that best fits your unique requirements.
Methodology
Tern Jet Sales selected these aircraft based on factors that can influence the ownership and acquisition experience, including market demand, operational versatility, reliability, acquisition and operating economics, resale considerations, manufacturer support, performance, and overall mission capability.
These selections represent our assessment of standout aircraft within each category rather than a universal ranking. The right aircraft ultimately depends on each buyer’s mission profile, budget, operating requirements, and ownership objectives.
Sources
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Statistical Databook & Industry Outlook
https://gama.aero/facts-and-statistics/statistical-databook-and-industry-outlook/
JETNET iQ Market Intelligence Reports https://www.jetnet.com/products/jetnet-iq
JETNET iQ Market Reports Archive https://www.jetnet.com/market-reports-archive
SherpaReport https://www.sherpareport.com/aircraft/new-business-jet-sales-2025.html
General Aviation News https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/03/13/top-10-best-selling-business-jets-in-2025/
Disclaimer: Aircraft rankings reflect Tern Jet Sales’ assessment based on publicly available industry data, operational experience, and market observations. Aircraft suitability ultimately depends on each buyer’s unique mission requirements, operating environment, and ownership objectives.
Read other blogs from Tern Jet Sales at www.ternjetsales.com/blog.