By Stefaan Ghijs
FlyAeolus, the leading European air taxi service, prides itself on offering unparalleled flexibility and comfort for your on-demand air travel at a fraction of the cost of traditional private jets. But with a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the Cirrus SR22, Piper Meridian, DA62, and Cessna Mustang, choosing the right one for your trip can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of four popular FlyAeolus air taxi options, comparing their features to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Fractional Ownership vs. Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)
FlyAeolus utilizes two ownership models for its air taxi services: fractional ownership and the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
- Fractional Ownership: Here, you co-own a specific aircraft model with other individuals, granting you guaranteed access to that aircraft type. This model offers the advantage of potentially lower flight hour costs and the ability to fly into smaller, non-commercial airports closer to your origin or destination. However, it requires signing an ownership contract.
- Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC): Under the AOC model, operators own and operate the aircraft. This eliminates the need for ownership responsibility while ensuring stricter oversight and maintenance protocols for enhanced safety. The downside is a potential limitation on landing at some smaller airports due to runway length restrictions and the occasional requirement for two crew members, which can decrease passenger capacity and increase operating costs.
Now, let’s delve into the specific features of each aircraft.
Cirrus SR22 – The Safe and Stylish Single-Engine Option
The Cirrus SR22 is our most cost-effective air taxi option. This sleek, single-engine aircraft is known for its spacious cabin and luxurious leather seating. It comfortably accommodates 1 pilot and 3 passengers (excluding luggage), offering a delightful in-flight experience. The large windows offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for enjoying the scenery during your flight. The Cirrus SR22 is operated under a fractional ownership model with FlyAeolus, providing you with a more flexible and accessible travel solution.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 310 km/h (193 mph)
- Range: Up to 1,835 km (1,140 mi) without fuel stop (depending on configuration). With 3 passengers one can typically fly around 900 km without a fuel stop.
- Passengers: 3 passengers (excluding pilot)
- Baggage: One piece of baggage per passenger having a maximum dimension of 55x40x20 centimetres and weight of 10 kg.
- Pressurized Cabin: No
- Cost: Potentially lower flight hour cost due to operations under the umbrella of a fractional ownership model. Approximately €700- €1,000 per hour.
- Airport Suitability: Can access smaller, non-commercial airports with shorter runways
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Toilet: No
- Headphones: Optional (depending on passenger preference)
Ideal for:
Leisure or business trips for small groups, weekend getaways, or accessing regional airports closer to your destination.
Piper Meridian 500/600 – Turbo Prop-Engine Power and Reliability
The Piper Meridian 500/600 is a single-engine turboprop aircraft, offering superior reliability in challenging weather conditions thanks to its pressurized cabin. This advantage ensures a smoother and more comfortable flight experience, even when flying through clouds or turbulence. The Piper Meridian boasts a spacious cabin with comfortable club seating for 1 pilot and 5 passengers, making it an ideal choice for larger groups or families.
Club Seating in a private jet refers to a seating arrangement where passengers are seated in a small, enclosed group or “club” instead of in rows. This configuration typically offers more legroom, personal space, and often includes features like fold-out tables and power outlets.
This versatile aircraft can be operated under an AOC or using the fractional ownership model, offering flexibility to suit your specific needs.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 460 km/h (250 knots)
- Range: Up to 1,600 km (1,000 mi) without fuel stop (depending on passenger configuration). When 5 passengers join the range without a fuel stop typically becomes approximately 800 km.
- Passengers: 5 passengers
- Baggage: Up to 45.3 kg (100 lb) baggage capacity
- Pressurized Cabin: Yes
- Cost: Potentially higher flight hour cost due to the AOC operation. Approximately €1,000 – €1,500 per flight hour.
- Airport Suitability: Primarily operates from commercial airports with longer runways
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Toilet: No
- Headphone: Optional but recommended
Ideal for:
Business trips for small groups, longer distances requiring increased range. A lot of our customers use the Piper Meridian for intra-France or intra-Germany flights.
Diamond DA62 – Eco-Friendly Choice with Jet-Like Comfort
The Diamond DA62 is a twin-engine, eco-friendly aircraft powered by jet fuel-burning engines. It features a spacious cabin with ample legroom for 1 pilot and 5 passengers (excluding luggage). The DA62 offers a smooth and quiet flight experience. While the aircraft can accommodate up to 5 passengers, it’s worth noting that the space for passengers 4 and 5 may be more limited compared to larger aircraft. This makes the DA62 an excellent choice for families with children, as the extra space can be used for luggage or to provide a more comfortable environment for young passengers. The DA62 is typcially operated under an AOC.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 333 km/h (207 mph)
- Range: Up to 2,220 km (1,376 mi) without fuel stop (depending on the passenger configuration)
- Passengers: 5 passengers (excluding pilot)
- Baggage: Up to 300 kg (652 lb) baggage capacity
- Pressurized Cabin: No
- Cost: Approximately €1,250 – €2,000 per flight hour
- Airport Suitability: Primarily operates from commercial airports with longer runways
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Toilet: No
- Headphones: Optional but recommended
Ideal for:
Business trips for small groups, longer distances requiring increased range, or situations where passengers prefer the security of a twin-engine aircraft. The DA62 is particularly suitable for families with children due to its ample legroom and spacious interior. However, it’s important to note that due to its non-pressurized cabin, the DA62 may be more sensitive to adverse weather conditions, so it’s advisable to consider alternative options if weather is a major concern.
Cessna Mustang – The High-Speed, Jet-Powered Option
The Cessna Mustang is the fastest and most luxurious aircraft in the FlyAeolus air taxi fleet. It features a spacious cabin with comfortable leather seating for 2 pilots and 4 passengers. The Mustang offers a jet-like experience with high speeds and a pressurized cabin.
Key Features:
- Speed: Up to 482 km/h (300 mph)
- Range: The Cessna Mustang is a high-performance jet aircraft capable of covering distances of up to 1,852 kilometers (1,150 miles) without refueling, depending on factors like wind conditions and payload weight. While its maximum range is impressive, it’s important to note that carrying 4 passengers can slightly reduce its overall range to approximately 1,000 kilometers.
- Passengers: 4 passengers
- Baggage: 5 small/medium soft sided bags weighing up to 25 kg each
- Pressurized Cabin: Yes
- Cost: Potentially higher flight hour cost due to AOC operation and jet-powered engine, the average hourly rate is approximately €2,300 – €2,800 per hour
- Airport Suitability: Primarily operates from commercial airports with longer runways (due to AOC regulations)
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Toilet: Yes
- Headphones: not required, hence not available
Ideal for:
Business trips requiring the fastest travel times, luxury travel for small groups, or situations where passengers prioritize speed and comfort.
Conclusion
Choosing the right FlyAeolus air taxi depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like speed, range, passenger capacity, cargo space, cabin comfort, and airport suitability. By carefully comparing the Cirrus SR22, Piper Meridian, Diamond DA62, and Cessna Mustang, you can select the aircraft that best meets your travel requirements.
Ready to book your FlyAeolus air taxi adventure? Visit our price calculator to calculate your flight cost and discover the perfect aircraft for your journey.