The Eclipse 500 is a compact twin-engine very light jet serving Mexico’s shortest jet routes, an older but capable aircraft for small groups crossing the US border or moving between close Mexican cities.
Eclipse Aviation built the 500 with two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW610F engines and single-pilot certification, aiming at low operating cost as the primary design goal. It seats four to five passengers, cruises around 369 knots to 41,000 feet, and carries a range of roughly 1,125 nautical miles. Every Eclipse 500 we arrange flies with an operator certificated under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Very Light Jet
- Manufacturer: Eclipse Aviation / Eclipse Aerospace
- Year introduced: 2006-2008
- Seating: 4 to 5
- Crew: 1 to 2
- Range: 1,125 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 369 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 33.1 feet
- Wingspan: 37.9 feet
- Height: 11 feet
- Baggage volume: 16 cubic feet
Why the Eclipse 500 Fits Mexico
The Eclipse 500’s Mexico mission is short: two or three passengers from a Texas border city to Monterrey, a quick domestic hop between Mexico’s northern industrial cities, or a US-Mexico round trip where the client wants jet speed without paying for a larger cabin they will not use. At 1,125 nautical miles the range is adequate for these sectors and limited beyond them.
Operating economics were the aircraft’s founding proposition. It is older now, and the fleet is smaller than it was at peak production, but certified twin-engine jets at this price point are not common and operators with well-maintained examples offer a legitimate option for Mexico’s short-route demand.
We confirm the specific operator’s certification status and safety history on every Eclipse 500 quote. The fleet has seen operator and oversight variations over the years, and our vetting confirms the operator holds valid FAR Part 135 certification, has an acceptable safety record, and has pilots current on the type.
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Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Eclipse 500 run $2,500 to $3,500 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The Eclipse 500 quotes at the lower end of the twin-engine jet range for Mexico and is typically the most economical twin-engine option for a very short route.
Other Very Light Jets Available
- Cessna Citation CJ1
- Cessna Citation M2
- Cessna Citation Mustang CE-510
- Cirrus Vision Jet SF50
- Embraer Phenom 100
- Honda HA-420 HondaJet
The full very light jets category page lists every very light jet we arrange for Mexico departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Eclipse 500 charter in or out of Mexico, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.