Last updated October 24, 2026 · By Seth Semilof

Crossing the Atlantic in a small jet is possible, but "nonstop" means two different things. A light jet can fly the ocean leg itself without stopping, from eastern Canada to Ireland. Flying from a US city to Europe with no stop at all takes a larger aircraft. This guide uses the manufacturers' own published range figures to show which jets can do each.

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Smallest jets for an Atlantic crossing, by published range

AircraftClassPublished rangeOcean leg nonstop (Gander–Shannon, ~1,716 nm)?New York–London nonstop (~2,986 nm)?
HondaJet Elite IIVery light1,547 nm (4 occupants)No, northern routeNo
Citation M2 Gen3Very light1,550 nmNo, northern routeNo
Pilatus PC-24Light2,000 nm (6 passengers)Yes, on paperNo
Phenom 300ELight2,010 nm (5 occupants)Yes, on paperNo
Citation CJ3 Gen2Light2,040 nmYes, on paperNo
Citation CJ4 Gen2Light2,165 nmYes, on paperNo
Embraer Praetor 500EMidsize3,340 nm (4 passengers)YesYes, on paper
Challenger 3500Super-midsize3,400 nm (4 passengers)YesYes, on paper
Gulfstream G280Super-midsize3,600 nmYesYes, on paper
Embraer Praetor 600Super-midsize4,018 nm (4 passengers)YesYes

Sources: Textron Aviation, Embraer, Pilatus, Honda Aircraft, Bombardier and Gulfstream. Ranges are each manufacturer's published maximum with NBAA IFR reserves, under the passenger load and conditions each one states, so they are not a like-for-like comparison. Distances are approximate great-circle figures calculated by Haute Jets; real oceanic routings, winds and alternates make trips longer. "On paper" means the published range covers the distance, but the operator decides on the day.

Why published range is not the whole story

A manufacturer's range figure assumes a set number of passengers, standard weather and long-range cruise speed. Over the North Atlantic, operators also plan for headwinds, the routes air traffic control assigns, and fuel to reach an alternate airport. Prevailing westerly winds usually help eastbound and slow westbound flights, so a trip that works one way may need an extra stop on the way back. More passengers and bags also mean less fuel the aircraft can carry. That is why light jets with about 2,000 nm of range fly the shortest ocean crossing, not the full trip.

Realistic routes for light and very light jets

Light jets (about 2,000 nm): one stop in Canada

  • Teterboro (TEB) to Gander, Newfoundland (CYQX): about 957 nm
  • Gander to Shannon, Ireland (EINN): about 1,716 nm, the ocean leg
  • Shannon to Farnborough (EGLF): about 313 nm, or Paris Le Bourget (LFPB): about 485 nm

St. John's (CYYT) is a common alternative to Gander, with an ocean leg to Shannon of about 1,686 nm. Some light-jet trips continue past Shannon without stopping again, depending on weight and weather.

Southern option: via the Azores

  • St. John's to Lajes, Azores (LPLA): about 1,235 nm
  • Lajes to Lisbon (LPPT): about 839 nm

Routing through the Azores keeps each leg shorter and suits trips to Portugal, Spain or the Mediterranean.

Very light jets (about 1,550 nm): the northern route

  • Bangor, Maine (KBGR) to Iqaluit, Nunavut (CYFB): about 1,138 nm
  • Iqaluit to Narsarsuaq, Greenland (BGBW): about 657 nm
  • Narsarsuaq to Keflavik, Iceland (BIKF): about 650 nm
  • Keflavik to Farnborough: about 1,026 nm

This route has more stops and depends heavily on weather and airport hours in Greenland and northern Canada. It is mostly used to deliver or reposition small aircraft, and is rarely the right choice for a passenger trip.

The smallest jets that can fly New York to London nonstop

Teterboro to Farnborough is about 2,986 nm. No light jet comes close. Embraer says the midsize Praetor 500E, with a published range of 3,340 nm, is the only aircraft in its class able to consistently fly New York to London nonstop. Next up are super-midsize jets such as the Challenger 3500 (3,400 nm), the Gulfstream G280 (3,600 nm) and the Embraer Praetor 600 (4,018 nm), which Embraer markets for London to New York and back. These cabins are also roomier for a flight of seven hours or more.

Which should you charter?

  • Small group, flexible on time: a light jet such as a Phenom 300E or Citation CJ4 Gen2, with a fuel stop in Gander or St. John's.
  • Want one flight with no stops: a midsize Praetor 500E or a super-midsize jet. See our transatlantic private jet guide and best jets for transatlantic flights.
  • Larger group or overnight flight: a heavy jet with a bigger cabin and more baggage space.

What drives the cost of a transatlantic charter? Aircraft size, flight time, fuel stops, positioning, dates and airport fees, so each trip is quoted individually. See our transatlantic private jet cost guide and how much a transatlantic private jet costs. Browse light jets in our fleet guide.

Book with Haute Jets

Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.

FAQs

What is the smallest private jet that can cross the Atlantic?

On paper, light jets with about 2,000 nm of range, such as the Citation CJ3 Gen2, Phenom 300E, Pilatus PC-24 and Citation CJ4 Gen2, can fly the ocean leg from Gander or St. John's to Shannon, about 1,700 nm. They still stop for fuel in Canada on the way from the US.

Can a light jet fly New York to London nonstop?

No. Teterboro to Farnborough is about 2,986 nm, well beyond the published range of any light jet. The smallest jet for that trip without a stop is the midsize Embraer Praetor 500E, which Embraer lists at 3,340 nm.

Can a very light jet like the HondaJet or Citation M2 cross the Atlantic?

Only with several fuel stops. With published ranges of about 1,550 nm, they use the northern route through Canada, Greenland and Iceland, where no leg is longer than about 1,140 nm.

Why do westbound trips need more stops?

Prevailing westerly winds over the North Atlantic usually mean headwinds flying west, so the same aircraft covers less ground. A route that works eastbound may need an extra stop westbound.

Is a light jet a good choice for a transatlantic trip?

It can work for small groups who are fine with fuel stops and a smaller cabin. For a nonstop trip with more space, a midsize, super-midsize or heavy jet is usually the better fit.

How do I book a transatlantic private jet?

Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.

Sources