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Eclipse 500 Entry Level Jet (VLJ) Specifications and Charter Rates

The Eclipse 500 is a category-defining very light jet, engineered for efficient short-haul missions where speed, value, and agility matter most. Seating up to four passengers, this twin-engine jet cruises at 370 knots with a maximum range of approximately 1,100 nautical miles, reshaping the private travel experience for individuals and small groups. Launched in the mid-2000s, the Eclipse 500 quickly established itself as a favorite among private flyers and business travelers seeking the comfort and convenience of jet travel at an entry-level price point.


The Eclipse 500 is ideal for point-to-point journeys, offering direct access to smaller airports and streamlined travel times that leave commercial options far behind. This profile details the Eclipse 500’s performance, cabin layout, range, hourly rates, and the most common questions asked by discerning charter clients.

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Eclipse 500 Overview

The Eclipse 500 sets the benchmark in the entry-level jet category, thanks to its blend of performance, economy, and advanced avionics. With a typical configuration for four passengers, the cabin is crafted for short flights, balancing comfort and efficiency. Twin Pratt & Whitney PW610F engines deliver smooth climbs and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, letting the Eclipse 500 soar above weather and major air traffic for a serene journey.


Its minimal operating costs and remarkable fuel efficiency make the Eclipse 500 a go-to solution for private flyers seeking value without compromise. The aircraft’s compact size opens access to thousands of airports, including many that are off-limits to larger jets, while the Avio integrated avionics suite ensures intuitive flight management and enhanced safety.


With hundreds in operation worldwide, the Eclipse 500 has earned a reputation for reliability and ease of use, making it a smart choice for those looking to enjoy the benefits of private aviation for regional trips and quick getaways.

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Eclipse 500 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Entry Level Jet (VLJ)

Passenger capacity:

Up to 4 (typical), 5 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot (optional copilot)

Range:

Approximately 1294 nautical miles (around 1489 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

370 knots (about 425 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 330 knots

Service ceiling:

41000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney PW610F turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 900 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 2345 feet

Landing distance:

About 2250 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 76 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 16 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-2000s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Eclipse 500 Range and Performance

With a range just under 1,300 nautical miles, the Eclipse 500 is tailored for regional hops and short-haul business trips across the country. It can easily connect city pairs like Los Angeles to Denver, Dallas to Chicago, or Miami to New York nonstop, with fuel reserves in place. | The jet’s swift 370-knot high-speed cruise minimizes flight times, while its short-field performance allows for operations from smaller airstrips and urban airports, bringing you closer to your final destination. Thanks to its efficient twin engines, the Eclipse 500 also offers some of the lowest fuel burn rates in the industry, making it an environmentally conscious choice for private travel. | Its robust climb rate and 41,000-foot ceiling let the aircraft bypass most commercial traffic and weather, ensuring a smooth and direct route. For travelers, this means more time at your destination and less time spent in transit.

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Eclipse 500 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Eclipse 500’s cabin focuses on maximizing comfort and utility for four passengers, with seating in a club-style configuration that encourages conversation and productivity. While compact, the interior features plush leather seats, large windows for natural light, and thoughtfully designed storage for personal items and briefcases. | Each seat provides access to fold-out tables for working or dining, and the quiet cabin environment makes it easy to relax or prepare for meetings en route. The aircraft’s climate control and modern finishes reflect the premium standards private flyers expect, and a 16 cubic-foot baggage compartment accommodates overnight bags or golf clubs for a weekend retreat. | Though there is no enclosed lavatory, the Eclipse 500 is engineered for short missions, ensuring that every aspect of the cabin is tailored for efficiency, comfort, and a seamless private jet experience.

Eclipse 500 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Eclipse 500 typically runs in the range of $2300 to $3100 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Eclipse 500 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Eclipse 500?

The Eclipse 500 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The Eclipse 500 excels on short regional flights for up to four passengers, offering the speed and exclusivity of private jet travel without the cost of a midsize or heavy jet. For solo travelers, couples, or business teams seeking fast, flexible point-to-point service, this VLJ delivers exceptional value.

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How the Eclipse 500 Compares to Other Entry Level Jet (VLJ)

The Eclipse 500 was developed by Eclipse Aviation, with its first deliveries beginning in the mid-2000s, marking a new chapter in private jet accessibility. Conceived to bring turbine-powered flight to a wider market, the Eclipse 500 became a pioneer of the very light jet movement and set new standards for affordability and efficiency in private aviation.


The innovative Avio integrated avionics suite was among its early hallmarks, streamlining cockpit management and reducing pilot workload. Its composite and aluminum airframe, advanced systems, and fuel-sipping engines made it a favorite for owner-operators, air taxi services, and charter fleets seeking the ultimate in operational economy.


Though production was limited, the Eclipse 500 continues to serve a devoted client base, supported by a robust aftermarket network. Its legacy endures as the first aircraft to make private jet travel truly accessible for a new generation of flyers.

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Eclipse 500 History and Background

The Eclipse 500 was developed by Eclipse Aviation, with its first deliveries beginning in the mid-2000s, marking a new chapter in private jet accessibility. Conceived to bring turbine-powered flight to a wider market, the Eclipse 500 became a pioneer of the very light jet movement and set new standards for affordability and efficiency in private aviation.


The innovative Avio integrated avionics suite was among its early hallmarks, streamlining cockpit management and reducing pilot workload. Its composite and aluminum airframe, advanced systems, and fuel-sipping engines made it a favorite for owner-operators, air taxi services, and charter fleets seeking the ultimate in operational economy.


Though production was limited, the Eclipse 500 continues to serve a devoted client base, supported by a robust aftermarket network. Its legacy endures as the first aircraft to make private jet travel truly accessible for a new generation of flyers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Eclipse 500 Carry?

The Eclipse 500 seats up to four passengers in a club-style layout, with some configurations accommodating a fifth seat. Its cozy cabin is ideal for business professionals, couples, or small groups seeking a quick, private escape.

What Is the Range of the Eclipse 500?

The Eclipse 500 has a range of approximately 1294 nautical miles, or roughly 1489 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Eclipse 500 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 370 knots (about 425 mph), with a long-range cruise near 330 knots. The aircraft's 41000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Eclipse 500?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2300 and $3100 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Eclipse 500 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Eclipse 500 cabin is designed for comfort on short flights, with ample headroom for its size and plenty of natural light. While it does not include an enclosed lavatory, the jet’s efficient layout and premium seating ensure a pleasant experience for regional travel.

Is the Eclipse 500 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional flights, yes. The Eclipse 500 covers routes like Dallas to Chicago or Los Angeles to Denver with ease, and its short-field performance means you can often land closer to your final destination than with larger jets.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Eclipse 500 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Eclipse 500, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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