Comparing the Hawker 400XP and Premier 1A Light Business Jets
Light jets are a popular choice for short to mid-range private flights, offering speed, convenience, and cost-efficiency without compromising on comfort.
Two notable contenders in this category are the Hawker 400XP and the Beechcraft Premier 1A. Each jet brings unique strengths to the table, catering to different traveler preferences.
Let’s take a detailed look at these two light business jets.
Performance and Speed
The Hawker 400XP delivers a solid top speed of 450 knots (approximately 518 mph), making it ideal for regional charter flights; its range of 1,519 nautical miles allows for nonstop travel between popular city pairs, such as New York to Chicago or Los Angeles to Denver.
In contrast, the Premier 1A is slightly faster, with a cruise speed of 454 knots (523 mph) and a slightly lower range of 1,485 nautical miles.
This nearly indiscernible performance makes the Hawker 400XP & Premier 1A near even when it comes to speed and range.
The Hawker 400XP does offer an additional 4,000 feet of service ceiling and can takeoff from shorter runways than the Premier 1A, offering a slight advantage in accessibility and flight planning.
Cabin Comfort and Space
The Hawker 400XP is celebrated for its wide, comfortable “vertical squared-oval” cabin, featuring a height of 4 feet 8 inches, a width of 4 feet 9 inches, and a length of nearly 15 and a half feet.
This spacious design accommodates up to 8 passengers in standard configuration, offering club seating arrangements that enhance in-flight interaction and comfort. Its noise-reduced cabin ensures a peaceful environment, ideal for work or relaxation.
The Premier 1A, on the other hand, is known for its groundbreaking composite fuselage, which allows for a taller cabin height of 5 feet 6 inches—among the highest in its class. With a width of 5 feet 5 inches and a length of 13 and a half feet, the Premier 1A comfortably seats 6 passengers.
The extra headroom makes the Premier 1A a preferred choice for travelers seeking more vertical space during their private flight.
Baggage Capacity
Both jets provide ample space for luggage, with the Hawker 400XP offering an expanded rear baggage hold and 56 cubic feet of storage, while the Premier 1A provides slightly more total storage with 77 cubic feet of space available. These capacities are sufficient for most passenger needs, whether traveling for business or leisure.
Avionics and Technology
The Hawker 400XP features the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite, ensuring reliable navigation and safety for all flights. Its systems are user-friendly for pilots, enhancing operational efficiency.
The Premier 1A is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, offering state-of-the-art systems that rival larger aircraft. This avionics package improves performance and ensures smooth operations for pilots, adding to the jet’s overall appeal.
Later models of the Hawker 400XPR would include either the same Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, or Garmin G5000 avoinics.
Operating Costs
The Premier 1A boasts slightly lower operating costs of around $1,500 per hour, thanks to its modern composite design reducing fuel consumption and maintenance requirements.
The Hawker 400XP, with an operating cost of around $2,000, has a long-standing reputation for reliability and widespread availability of parts, ensuring it remains a cost-effective option in the light jet market.
Summary
The choice between the Hawker 400XP and the Beechcraft Premier 1A comes down to specific preferences and travel requirements – if you value a spacious, well-established cabin layout with proven reliability, the Hawker 400XP is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, the Premier 1A’s innovative design and superior headroom make it an excellent option for those prioritizing modernity and comfort.
Both aircraft exemplify the benefits of light jets in private aviation, offering flexibility and efficiency for a variety of missions.
To book a flight on either of these exceptional jets, contact Air Charter Advisors for personalized service for all your private aviation needs.