Eclipse 500

The Eclipse 500 entered service in 2006 and helped create the very light jet category, designed to deliver jet performance at operating costs closer to a turboprop. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines and built using pioneering friction stir welding for a light, strong airframe, it is one of the most fuel-efficient twin-engine jets ever produced. With a 41,000-foot ceiling, short-field performance, and access to over 10,000 airports, it became a favorite for cost-focused short-trip flying. The upgraded Eclipse 550 and Special Edition added avionics and systems improvements. The Eclipse trades cabin size and amenities for efficiency and value.

The Eclipse 500 is a very light jet, or VLJ, the entry point to jet travel, and it was one of the aircraft that created the category. Very light jets are the smallest and lightest jets, typically seating four passengers, often single-pilot certified, and designed for short trips. They are a clear step up from turboprops in speed and the smoothness of jet travel, and a step below light jets in cabin size and range. The Eclipse stands out for fuel efficiency and value.

• Entry to jets: a VLJ is the most affordable way into a jet cabin, and the Eclipse pushes that value further with low fuel burn.
• Very efficient: the Eclipse 500 is one of the most fuel-efficient twin-engine jets ever built, with operating costs closer to a turboprop.
• Short-field access: it reaches over 10,000 airports, far more than larger jets, opening many smaller fields.
• Best mission: cost-focused short trips for up to four passengers who value efficiency and jet speed over cabin size and amenities.

The Eclipse 500 has a compact, efficient cabin seating up to 4, designed for shorter trips where speed, cost, and airport access matter more than cabin size. It is sleek and well-finished, with a focus on getting four passengers there quickly and economically.

• The cabin seats up to 4 in leather club seating with folding tables, LED lighting, soundproofing, and power outlets.
• The interior is sleek and modern, optimized for short-leg comfort rather than long-haul amenities.
• There is no onboard lavatory and baggage space is a modest 40 cubic feet, so the Eclipse is best suited to shorter trips.
• The upgraded Eclipse 550 and Special Edition add improved soundproofing and refreshed interiors. Confirm specific amenities at booking.

Note: Baggage note for the Eclipse 500: Baggage space is a modest 40 cubic feet and there is no onboard lavatory, so the Eclipse is best for shorter trips with light luggage. For more baggage and an enclosed lavatory, the Phenom 100 or HondaJet is the better choice.

The Eclipse 500 performs well on efficient short regional routes within its 1,125nm range, especially to small airports. These represent its most common charter missions.

Eclipse 500 charter rates run $1,600 to $2,800 per flight hour, the standard very light jet band and strong value given its low fuel burn. Total one-way trip pricing depends on route distance, positioning, and demand.

For a current Eclipse 500 quote, contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.

Note: Please note that the hourly rate is not the total trip cost. Final pricing includes known fees such as landing and handling, crew, overflight permits, and taxes, plus variable costs like repositioning, de-icing, wait time, and overnights. Contact Hogani Jets for an accurate all-in quote.

The $1,600 to $2,200 hourly rate for an Eclipse 500 charter covers core operational costs. Additional fees and services are quoted separately on every trip, which is important to understand when comparing total trip prices.

• Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
• Pilots: the Eclipse 500 is often operated with two pilots in charter service for added safety.
• Federal excise tax and segment fees: federally mandated, quoted separately.
• Positioning costs: charged if the aircraft must reposition to your departure airport.
• International handling fees: these apply on Bahamas and other international hops.

Contact Hogani jets for current pricing and more details about Eclipse 500 private charter.

When buyers cross-shop the Eclipse 500, the most common comparisons are the Citation Mustang, the original certified VLJ, and the Phenom 100, the roomiest entry jet. The Eclipse wins on fuel efficiency and short-field access; the Mustang on baggage and support, the Phenom on cabin and a lavatory. The table below shows where each fits.

The Eclipse 500 is most frequently chartered on efficient short regional routes. Links below connect to relevant route and destination pages.

• Miami to the Bahamas:short-field island access.
• Miami to Nassau, Bahamas: a quick island hop.
• New York to Miami:best flown on a longer-range jet for this distance.
• Bahamas private jet charter: a popular Eclipse 500 destination region.

Hogani Jets coordinates each Eclipse 500 charter through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.

Ready to book Eclipse 500 private jet or want to check availability? Contact Hogani Jets for a tailored Eclipse 500 quote. 

Call +1-855-660-0573 or email charter@hoganijets.com, and our team will coordinate the right aircraft and operator for your trip.

How much does it cost to charter an Eclipse 500?

Eclipse 500 charter rates run $1,600 to $2,200 per flight hour, the standard very light jet band. One-way trip pricing ranges from about $5,000 for short hops to $10,000 for longer regional legs. Pricing varies by route, positioning, and season.

Why is the Eclipse 500 so fuel-efficient?

The Eclipse 500 has a very light, aerodynamically clean airframe built using pioneering friction stir welding, paired with efficient Pratt & Whitney PW610F engines. The result is one of the lowest fuel burns of any twin-engine jet, with operating costs closer to a turboprop, which is its main appeal.

Does the Eclipse 500 have a bathroom?

No. The Eclipse 500 does not have an onboard lavatory, and its baggage space is a modest 40 cubic feet. This makes it best suited to shorter trips. For an enclosed lavatory and more baggage, the Phenom 100 or HondaJet is the better choice.

How many airports can the Eclipse 500 use?

The Eclipse 500 can access over 10,000 airports in the United States, far more than larger jets, because it needs only about 2,540 feet of runway. This short-field capability lets it land closer to your final destination at many smaller fields.

How many passengers can the Eclipse 500 carry?

The Eclipse 500 seats up to 4 passengers in a compact club layout, the standard charter configuration. It is best suited to shorter trips where efficiency and speed matter more than cabin size.

What is the range of the Eclipse 500?

The Eclipse 500 has a range of 1,125 nautical miles (1,295 miles), suited to short regional trips. For longer legs or more cabin space, another very light jet or a light jet is the better fit.

Is the Eclipse 500 still available for charter?

Yes. Despite the manufacturer's turbulent history, the Eclipse 500 fleet remains in charter service, supported by refurbishment programs and the upgraded Eclipse 550 and Special Edition. It is valued for its efficiency, jet speed, and small-airport access.

Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?

No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All Eclipse 500 charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers, who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.