Charter a Beechcraft Premier 1A

The Beechcraft Premier 1A is a light business jet built from 2006 to 2013 by Hawker Beechcraft — the refined successor to the original Premier I, which entered service in 2001 as the first composite-fuselage production business jet in history. The fuselage is constructed from a carbon fiber and epoxy honeycomb structure, producing an oval cross-section that delivers one of the largest cabins in the light jet category: 4.11 m long, 1.68 m wide and 1.65 m high — comparable in width to the Hawker 800XP midsize jet. Two Williams FJ44-2A turbofan engines at 2,300 lbf each produce 451 kt maximum cruise at 41,000 ft. The Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with IFIS, EGPWS and TCAS II is standard, and single-pilot certification applies throughout the envelope. A total of 165 aircraft were built across the production run.

The Premier 1A improves upon the original model in three specific areas: a new braking system that eliminated the delayed brake engagement of the Premier I; a redesigned cabin with berthable club seats, recessed overhead lighting and flush window reveals; and the addition of the Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) to the Pro Line 21 suite. At 3,792 ft balanced field takeoff the aircraft accesses regional and secondary airports unavailable to larger jets. Charter prices start from approximately £1,800 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Beechcraft Premier 1A?

• Largest cabin cross-section in the light jet category — 1.68 m wide, comparable to the Hawker 800XP. The oval composite fuselage of the Premier 1A produces a 1.68 m cabin width — the widest in the light jet class and only 15 cm narrower than the Hawker 800XP midsize jet. The flat floor runs the full 4.11 m cabin length, with 1.65 m head clearance for passengers of average height. For groups of 4 to 6 who need genuine working space and shoulder room at light jet rates, the Premier 1A's cabin cross-section is the defining advantage over competing Citation CJ and Phenom 100 alternatives;
• First composite-fuselage production business jet — carbon fiber construction that maximises interior space. Raytheon's Viper process and CATIA digital simulation created the carbon fiber/epoxy honeycomb fuselage that makes the Premier 1A the first composite-fuselage production business jet. The composite structure is significantly thinner than a conventional aluminium fuselage, converting structural weight savings directly into usable cabin width. The resulting 315 ft³ cabin volume exceeds any competing light jet at 12,500 lb MTOW;
• 451 kt maximum cruise — one of the fastest light jets available. Two Williams FJ44-2A engines produce 451 kt true airspeed at FL310 and a 41,000 ft service ceiling. The aircraft climbs to 37,000 ft in 17 minutes. At this cruise speed the Premier 1A converts a London to Edinburgh sector into under 60 minutes and London to Geneva into approximately 80 minutes — times that approach light jet-versus-commercial airline break-even for groups of 4 to 6 on European routes;
• Single-pilot certified with Collins Pro Line 21 and IFIS — lower charter rates than twin-crew alternatives. The Premier 1A is certified for single-pilot operation through its Collins Pro Line 21 avionics with the Integrated Flight Information System added specifically on this variant. Most charter operators fly with two pilots as a matter of policy, but single-pilot certification allows a seventh passenger seat and structurally reduces operating costs versus twin-crew requirements. The Pro Line 21 suite includes EGPWS and TCAS II as standard;
• 3,792 ft takeoff distance — regional and secondary airport access. At 3,792 ft balanced field takeoff and 2,997 ft landing the Premier 1A reaches UK regional airfields and European secondary airports closed to larger business jets. For charter clients based outside London or travelling to destinations served only by shorter runways, the short-field capability combined with the widest light jet cabin is a combination unavailable from competing aircraft;
• Berthable club seats and independent dual-zone climate — Premier 1A cabin upgrades over original model. The Premier 1A cabin was substantially redesigned versus the original Premier I: four double-club seats now translate, swivel and recline to full flat-berth positions; recessed indirect overhead lighting replaces the original circular dome fittings; flush window reveals replace the earlier circular design; and the “boss seat” (right-side forward-facing position) received its own independent heat control on a separate bleed-air circuit. These specific 1A improvements address the cabin comfort criticisms that arose in the first years of the original model's operation.

Charter cost — Beechcraft Premier 1A prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £1,800 to £2,400 — in the light jet category, above the Citation CJ2 and comparable to the Phenom 300 for shorter sectors, reflecting the widest cabin in the light jet class and 451 kt cruise. For 4 to 6 passengers on UK regional and short European missions, the Premier 1A provides midsize-adjacent cabin width at light jet rates.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £2,700 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour);
• London to Geneva - from £3,600 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £2,250 (5 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £2,500 (5 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £2,700 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £4,000 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Zurich - from £4,500 (5 passengers, approximately 2 hours).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Beechcraft Premier 1A

Best matched to UK regional and short European missions where the widest light jet cabin, 451 kt cruise and 3,792 ft short-field performance serve groups of 4 to 6 at light jet rates:

• UK regional connections (45 to 90 minutes) — largest light jet cabin at the lowest rates. Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff and Inverness are all within comfortable range. At 451 kt the Premier 1A converts most UK domestic sectors into sub-90-minute flights. The 3,792 ft takeoff opens UK regional airfields and smaller strips unavailable to most competing jets. For groups of 4 to 6 where the cabin width matters as much as speed, the Premier 1A provides a working environment genuinely above the standard for the light jet category on these shorter sectors;
• Short European business day trips (60 to 120 minutes). Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Geneva, Zurich and Nice are all within 60 to 120 minutes at cruise speed. The flat-floor berthable cabin with dual-zone climate, individual reading lights and folding side tables provides a functioning working environment on these sectors. Four passengers can face each other in the double-club layout for the full duration of a meeting sector. The forward refreshment centre supports cold catering service on all European sectors;
• Secondary and regional airport destinations across Europe. The Premier 1A's 3,792 ft takeoff and 2,997 ft landing distance open regional airports in the Alps, Scottish Highlands and European secondary destinations served by shorter runways. For charter clients whose destination is not the main international hub, the short-field capability combined with the Premier 1A's 451 kt cruise provides both airport flexibility and competitive journey times versus competing light jets without the same short-field performance;
• Longer UK-to-Mediterranean sectors (1.5 to 2.5 hours). The Algarve, Malaga, Barcelona, Lyon and Rome are all within range. The four berthable seats allow passengers to rest on longer afternoon or evening sectors. The 41,000 ft ceiling keeps the aircraft above most European weather on Mediterranean routing. For groups of 4 to 5 on southern European leisure or business missions, the Premier 1A's cabin width reduces the confinement that affects narrower competing light jets on 2-hour sectors;
• Owner-pilot step-up from piston aircraft. The Premier 1A's single-pilot certification, Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and composite construction attracted a substantial owner-operator fleet. For charter clients who know the aircraft well from their own operation, the combination of widest-in-class cabin, 451 kt cruise and regional airport access makes the Premier 1A a natural continuation of the type they already fly.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Premier 1A cabin measures 4.11 m long, 1.68 m wide and 1.65 m high — 315 ft³ — in the oval composite cross-section that defines the type. Four double-club seats translate, swivel and recline to full flat-berth; two further aft chairs complete the six-passenger standard layout. The “boss seat” carries its own independent heat control operating on a separate bleed-air circuit from the main cabin zone. The enclosed aft lavatory with privacy door and forward refreshment centre with fold-out side tables provide the primary in-flight amenities.

Recessed indirect overhead lighting runs the full cabin length with individual reading lights at each position. Flush-to-sidewall window reveals and restyled seat cushioning distinguish the Premier 1A interior from the original model. External baggage capacity is 76.9 ft³. Cabin altitude at FL410 is 8,000 ft. Collins Pro Line 21 with IFIS manages navigation and communications.

• Cabin. 4.11 m × 1.68 m × 1.65 m; 315 ft³; flat floor; oval composite;
• Seats. 4 berthable double-club + 2 aft chairs = 6; 7th seat with single-pilot;
• Climate. Dual-zone independent — cockpit and cabin on separate bleed-air circuits;
• Lighting. Recessed indirect overhead + individual reading at each position;
• Lavatory. Enclosed aft with privacy door;
• Galley. Forward refreshment centre; cold catering service;
• Baggage. 76.9 ft³ external hold;
• Avionics. Collins Pro Line 21 with IFIS; EGPWS; TCAS II; single-pilot certified.

Technical specifications

Beechcraft Premier 1A vs similar aircraft

• Beechcraft Premier 1A vs Cessna Citation CJ3. The Citation CJ3 has greater range (1,875 nm vs 1,380 nm), two engines with comparable single-pilot certification, and a slightly higher maximum altitude. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The Premier 1A counters with the widest cabin in the light jet class (1.68 m vs CJ3's 1.47 m), 315 ft³ cabin volume (vs CJ3's approximately 230 ft³), berthable flat-floor seats and the composite construction that delivers more usable interior per unit of gross weight than any competing light jet;
• Beechcraft Premier 1A vs Embraer Phenom 300. The Phenom 300 is faster (453 kt vs 451 kt — comparable), has more range (approximately 2,010 nm vs 1,380 nm), modern Garmin G3000 avionics and a highly regarded cabin. Charter rates for the Phenom 300 run 15 to 25% higher. The Premier 1A counters with the wider cabin cross-section (1.68 m vs Phenom 300's 1.53 m), 315 ft³ volume and the berthable seats — relevant on sectors where cabin comfort per seat is the priority over range;
• Beechcraft Premier 1A vs Cessna Citation Mustang. The Citation Mustang is a VLJ with significantly less cabin space (less than 200 ft³ vs 315 ft³), lower cruise speed and shorter range. Charter rates are lower. For groups of 4 to 6 where shoulder room and berthable seats matter, the Premier 1A's cabin cross-section is the decisive difference. The Mustang is appropriate for 2 to 3 passengers on short sectors where the lowest possible rate is the primary selection criterion.

Frequently asked questions — Beechcraft Premier 1A charter

How much does it cost to charter a Beechcraft Premier 1A?
Charter rates run from approximately £1,800 to £2,400 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £3,600 for 5 passengers. London to Edinburgh costs from £2,700. London to Paris costs from £2,250. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What makes the Premier 1A cabin unusual for a light jet?
The oval composite fuselage produces 1.68 m width — the widest in the light jet class and comparable to the Hawker 800XP midsize jet. The carbon fiber/epoxy construction is thinner than conventional aluminium fuselage, converting structural weight savings into cabin volume. The result is 315 ft³ of flat-floor space at a 12,500 lb MTOW — well above competing light jets of similar weight.

Can the Beechcraft Premier 1A fly London to Rome non-stop?
Yes — London to Rome (approximately 900 nm) is well within the 1,380 nm range at 4 passengers. London to Nice (approximately 700 nm), London to Zurich (approximately 450 nm) and London to Malaga (approximately 900 nm) are all within comfortable non-stop range. At 451 kt cruise, the Rome sector takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.

How many passengers can fly on a Beechcraft Premier 1A?
Six in standard configuration: four in double-club berthable positions plus two aft chairs. Seven maximum when flown by a single pilot, with the co-pilot seat available for an additional passenger. The typical charter mission carries 4 to 5 passengers for maximum comfort in the double-club layout.

What is the difference between the Premier I and Premier 1A?
Three specific improvements distinguish the Premier 1A from the original: an updated braking system that eliminated the delayed engagement of the original Premier I; a redesigned cabin with berthable seats, recessed lighting and flush window reveals; and the Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) added to the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. Performance figures (engines, speed, range) are unchanged between the two variants.