It's neither a bird nor a plane—a it's VLJ. Well, VLJs are technically planes, but they are not like other planes. Very light jets, also called microjets, personal jets, and minijets, are a hot topic right now. These super-sleek, super-economical jets look like something from "The Jetsons." They have made a new category in the private aircraft industry and are eagerly awaited in the charter world. So why is everyone so upset? Well, VLJs cost a lot less than small cabin jets, which means that more people will be able to afford private flights. Also, because they can take off and land easily at small local airports, travellers can avoid high-traffic airports and get to their destinations faster.
"What's the catch, then?" the smart passenger on a plane might ask. Well, even though they are efficient and flexible, the name "minijet" fits the cabins of most VLJs. The word is "cosy," but the cabin interior can be different depending on the type of jet (ie: single-engine, small-cabin, large-cabin). Also, VLJ flights should last no more than a couple of hours and have no more than four people on board. This is because the services and performance on board are limited. But VLJs may be the right jet for short, direct flights to and from smaller airports. And because it's easy to fly privately, VLJS may be a better choice than first-class for business travellers.
