Most Suitable Aircraft For A Short-Haul London Trip

This is a guide to some of the best options when looking for short-haul aircraft flying into London, both commercially and privately. 

London is one of the world’s true megacities. You can spend a morning sightseeing around Buckingham Palace, an afternoon tasting the city, and an evening catching a show in the world-famous Leicester Square. If you live less than 1,000 miles from the iconic capital, then it’s totally doable as a long weekend, especially if you know how to get here efficiently. 

If you live in the U.K., there are several transport options. But your train could be delayed, and buses get cancelled. Air travel is the most efficient and sometimes cost-effective way to get to the capital. And if you live elsewhere in Europe, we’ll guide you to the best airlines and their aircraft to ensure a comfortable arrival in The Big Smoke. 

Private Aircraft: Tailoring Your Experience

Private jets offer unparalleled flexibility and luxury, allowing you to customise every detail of your trip. Whether you're travelling solo or with a group, here are the top aircraft options for short-haul flights to London:

Beechcraft King Air 200

Europe’s most popular private aircraft holds this title for good reason. It’s the shortest-range aircraft on the list and averages trips of around 337 km, completed in just under an hour. This makes it the most affordable private option for flights like Paris-London or Manchester-London. These trips would probably cost no more than £1,500–£2,000. Split between six passengers, this could cost as little as £250 per person. 

Cessna Citation Mustang

This Very Light Jet (VLJ) offers a range of up to 1,000 miles, making it an excellent choice for Jet Charter from nearby European cities like Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. With a compact yet elegant design, the Mustang comfortably seats up to four passengers, providing just enough room for essential luggage without compromising on comfort, making it the ideal option for weekends away. 

One of the Mustang’s standout features is its ability to access smaller airports with shorter runways, allowing travellers to bypass larger, busier hubs. Instead of fighting the crowds at Heathrow, land directly at London City Airport, mere minutes from the capital’s financial district. 

The cost of operating a Cessna Citation Mustang typically ranges from £1,800–£2,200 per flight hour, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of affordability and efficiency. 

Embraer Phenom 300

For a blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency, the Embraer Phenom 300 stands out as an elite option. The best-selling light jet of the past 12 years can comfortably seat up to nine passengers, offering a spacious cabin with luxurious interiors that can be customised for a last-minute business meeting or a jet-setting family holiday. With a range of 2,010 nautical miles, it easily handles short-haul trips to London from various European cities. You could even travel across the pond on transcontinental routes in the U.S.

The Phenom 300 is renowned for its quiet ride, capability of speeds of up to Mach 0.80, and better fuel efficiency than almost all other jets in the same class. Customers can expect the Embraer Phenom 300 to cost around £2,500–£3,300 per hour, so it remains cost-effective for short-haul trips to and from London. 

Commercial Options at Home and Overseas

If a private jet isn’t on the cards for you, commercial flights offer plenty of comfortable options for short-haul routes to London too. Airlines operating these flights often use aircraft designed for efficiency and passenger comfort.

Embraer 190 (BA CityFlyer)

The BA CityFlyer is a BA subsidiary that operates the Embraer 190 from London City Airport to both domestic UK and European routes. There are no middle seats on the window or aisle, making it slightly more compact, but its reduced size makes for a much-increased performance. The aircraft’s low wings offer increased lift and improved efficiency, resulting in a much quieter experience in the cabin. 

Airbus A321neo

If you enjoy having plenty of space, even when in the economy, the Airbus A321neo is an excellent option. Seating between 170 and 200 passengers and holding the largest single-aisle fuselage available, it features 18-inch-wide seats, generous legroom, and ample storage space. Every seat has its own power socket, and you can enjoy customisable lighting to reduce jet lag. The Airbus A321neo is a popular choice for British Airways flights across Europe, so look for this great aircraft next time you fly into Heathrow. 

Choosing The Best Aircraft To Fly Short-Haul Into London

There are so many options when choosing to fly into London, so it can be quite overwhelming. But here are the two key takeaways: first, decide whether you want to fly private or commercial. This might seem straightforward, but if you’re travelling a short distance in a large group, flying private can be more economical. Second, consider your budget. Make sure you’re choosing an aircraft that’s comfortable, but remember, you’ll probably only be flying for an hour or two. 

Once you’ve made your decision, enjoy taking to the skies!