When a majority of po dunk 135 operators can afford to buy and operate a VLJ in the black I will agree with you. I just don't see how this VLJ thing is ever going to make financial sense. It simply costs to much and provides to little in return.

Heck I'd love to be able to fly from KAPA to KSAF in under an hour in a small jet with no security issues no parking hassels ETC ETC for comparable prices to an airline ticket. That'd be heaven no doubt about it. BUT the last time I checked I can fly from DEN to ABQ round trip for like $200 USD. Now are you going to tell me that I'll ever be able to charter a VLJ down to Santa Fe and back for a comparable price? That's where I seperate the hype from reality. These things will always have an air of exclusivity to them and they will always be considered a luxury. They will never be affordable to your average air traveler. Will there be a niche market for the VLJ? No doubt. Will they ever be a mainstream form of travel? Nope not a chance.

So when these articles say that the VLJ will have comparable pricing to airline tickets. What airline tickets are they speaking of? Possibly multiple first class non discounted ones. But the devil is always in the details isn't it?

Here are some charter rates for the Mustang.

CITATION MUSTANG AND ECLIPSE 500 VLJs FOR CHARTER

NOW AVAILABLE BASED IN CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA AND CHICAGO

New Flight Charters is proud to announce the first of what promises to be numerous Very Light Jets available for charter in the US. In this revolutionary new aircraft category, the Citation Mustang was one of the last aircraft announced, but the first to certification and delivery, a credit to legendary aircraft manufacturer Cessna.

Contact us now for availability and a quote for either of these aircraft, and more as they become available.

Cessna Citation Mustang
Citation Mustang VLJ jet charter
Hourly rates $1,750 plus surcharges & fees
Passenger Seating 4-5
Cabin Dimensions
4'6" / 9'9"/ 4'6"
Baggage Space 80 cubic feet
Cruise Speed 390 statute miles per hour
Range 1320 statute miles