Top 5 cheapest planes to buy that will offer you quality

It is not a secret that owning an aircraft is not cheap. After all, next to the purchase price, there are maintenance, insurance, and operational costs. But which aircraft should you choose if you want to spend as little money as possible and still enjoy all the benefits? Fly Aeolus shows you which aircraft models are worth considering if you are looking for small and the cheapest plane to buy. These top 5 cheapest planes to buy are worth considering!

You need help with finding the right aircraft for you? Contact our FA Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions Team for more information after reading about the 5 cheapest airplanes to buy.

Would you prefer to rent a private jet? Then try our price calculator for your next flight.

What are the cheapest airplanes to buy?

1. Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet

Our first cheapest plane to buy is the Cirrus Vision Jet, it is the first Cirrus aircraft powered by a turbofan engine. In 2017, Cirrus was awarded the Collier Trophy Prize for the development of the Vision Jet. This yearly award goes to the company which has made the greatest advances in the field of aerospace. Priced at around 1.55 million Euro, it is the most affordable private jet in the world. Per hour of operation, the Cirrus Vision Jet costs about 1,600 Euro.

Nine meters long, it can seat up to five passengers. The light aircraft has a total weight of just 1620 kilos and is equipped with an overall rescue system called the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System for safety. In 2018, the Vision Jet was the most delivered jet aircraft in business aviation. Since 2019, only the second generation of the Vision Jet is being built, which offers even more safety and comfort, as well as a higher peak altitude. So far, the aircraft is not available for charter uses in Europe, but it is available through fractional ownership models.

2. Piper Seneca

The next of the 5 cheapest airplanes to buy is the Piper Seneca. A twin-engine light aircraft. It is extremely fast, spacious and comfortable. Flight schools do appreciate this model very much. Commercially, the aircraft is used rather rarely but it can be rented without a pilot if you do not want to buy it. The cruising speed with this aircraft is 370 km/h and on a total length of 8.72 meters it offers 6 seats.

A pre-owned Piper Seneca V can be purchased for a list price of about 425.000 Euro. The Piper Seneca costs per hour are about 550 Euro. So if you want a high quality and cheap airplane, you should take a closer look at this one!

3. Diamond DA42

The 8.56-meter Diamond DA42 is easy to fly and consumes as little fuel as a single-engine aircraft. At a purchase price of 795.000 Euro, this model is up for grabs and the operating cost per hour is about 350 Euro.

With a cruising speed of about 287 km/h, the plane can carry up to four people to their destination. Thanks to wrap-around glass in the front and large rear windows, passengers have an exceptional panoramic view.

4. Cessna 182

The Cessna 182, also known as the Cessna Skylane, is a single-engine light aircraft and is one of the most widely built aircraft types in the world. The 8.84-meter-long aircraft can seat up to four people and has a top speed of 278 km/h. It is mainly used as a sport, travel, training and surveillance aircraft, but also for dropping parachutists. Scenic flights are also often made with this model. In many countries, the Cessna 182 is also used for military purposes.

The aircraft costs just 500.000 Euro, and the operating costs per hour for the Cessna 182 are between 175 and 225 Euro. This makes it one of the cheapest. So if you’re interested in one of the cheapest airplane to buy, this might be the right choice for you.

5. Cirrus SR22 – One of the cheapest planes to buy

The 7.92-meter-long, four-seat, single-engine light aircraft has been in production since 2001. It has been verified by COPA (Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association) and AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association) that the modern and young Cirrus SR22 series is one of the safest single-engine aircraft in general aviation. The use of the CAPS (Cirrus Airframe Parachute System®) and the on-board computers, which are available in large numbers, further enhance the safety of the aircraft.

With a top speed of 378 km/h, the Cirrus SR22 can easily keep up with the other models. By means of the price of about 885.000 Euro and operating costs between 255 and 330 Euro per hour, it is a cheap airplane in its class. In the U.S., it is mainly used commercially, while in Europe it is mainly used for fractional ownership models and privately. Emirates also uses the Cirrus SR22 for its flight training.

All the given prices of the cheapest airplanes to buy do not include pilot cost or landingfees and are much dependant on different factors, for example the amount of hours you averagely fly the aircraft.

Fractional Ownership: A Smart Alternative to Buying a Small Airplane?

For those dreaming of private air travel, the allure of owning a small airplane is strong. We highlighted several affordable options for the cheapest plane to buy that still offer quality and performance. However, outright ownership isn’t the only path to the skies. Fractional ownership presents a compelling alternative, blending the benefits of private aviation with shared costs and responsibilities, especially when the cheapest plane to buy might not fully meet your needs or usage frequency.

Understanding Fractional Ownership, A Vision Jet Example

Fractional ownership allows you to purchase a share of an aircraft, granting you access to its use without the full burden of ownership. Consider this Vision Jet example:

• 10% Share in a Vision Jet: Purchasing a 10% share grants you access to 40 hours of flight time or 30 days of availability on average.
• Fleet Options: You might have access to a fleet of aircraft. If one is unavailable, your terms typically transfer to another. Backup options like a PC12 and Cessna Citation Mustang might also be available with a conversion factor.
• Costs:
  • Initial Investment: A 10% share might cost €170,000 + VAT.
  • Monthly Fees: Expect monthly costs around €2,200 (excluding VAT), which often cover maintenance flights.
  • Hourly Costs: Variable costs, covering handling, ATC fees, and single-pilot operation, could be about €700 per flying hour. Fuel costs are usually reconciled annually.
  • Maintenance: A pro-rata annual fee for maintenance programs will apply. For instance, it could be €28,000 (excluding VAT).
• Additional Perks: Unused flight hours in a year can sometimes be carried over (e.g., up to 10%, or 4 hours from a 40-hour allocation).

Fractional Ownership vs. Full Ownership

While owning a small airplane offers ultimate control, fractional ownership can be more economical and less demanding. It eliminates the headaches of maintenance, insurance, and hangar fees, which are significant costs associated with full ownership. If your flying needs are occasional rather than constant, fractional ownership might be the smarter choice.

Is Fractional Ownership Right for You?

Fractional ownership is ideal for individuals or businesses that:

• Require regular but not daily access to private aviation.
• Prefer to avoid the complexities of aircraft management.
• Seek a cost-effective solution compared to full ownership.

By carefully evaluating your travel needs and financial considerations, you can determine if fractional ownership is the right strategy for taking to the skies.

While exploring the cheapest plane to buy, it’s worth considering alternatives like fractional ownership, which allows you to share the costs and responsibilities of aircraft ownership. Learn more about how this works with aircraft like the Cirrus SR22 on our dedicated page about fractional ownership.

Equally when considering the cheapest plane to buy, it’s essential to factor in all the ongoing expenses. Alternatively, understanding the differences in private jet prices for on-demand services can help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective solution for your travel needs.

Take a private jet with Fly Aeolus!

If you are interested in one of the cheapest airplanes to buy, take a look at our Fly Aeolus Aircraft Sales and Acquisition page. Check out our latest listings and learn how Fly Aeolus can assist you in the buying process.

Do you have any unanswered questions about the cheapest plane to buy? Or would you like to charter a Cirrus air taxi? Then you can contact us at any time or also check out our specially created Frequently Asked Questions page or our blog about 10 questions you should ask yourself while buying a private jet. You can find our 1600 destinations on our destinations page. Would you instead like to know what an air taxi costs? Use our price calculator:

We look forward to hearing from you at info@flyaeolus.com or by phone at +32 (0)3 500 9082.