Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Pilatus PC-24: Light Jets for Business
Sergei Filippov · CEO, Wingform
1 min read1
Introduction
The light business jet segment is one of the most dynamic in private aviation. The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 and Pilatus PC-24 hold a special place: both offer unique capabilities at a price well below heavy jets.
The Key Difference: PC-24 Versatility
The Pilatus PC-24 can operate from unpaved and short runways as short as 2,930 ft — the only business jet capable of landing at virtually any airfield. The CJ4 requires at least 3,280 ft of paved runway.
Flight Performance
| Parameter | CJ4 Gen2 | PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Max range | 2,005 nm | 1,950 nm |
| Cruise speed | 451 ktas | 440 ktas |
| Ceiling | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| Takeoff distance | 3,330 ft | 2,930 ft |
| Landing distance | 2,940 ft | 2,375 ft |
Cabin
| Parameter | CJ4 Gen2 | PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | up to 10 | up to 11 |
| Cabin length | 17.3 ft | 23.0 ft |
| Width | 4.8 ft | 5.5 ft |
| Height | 4.8 ft | 5.0 ft |
The PC-24 is significantly more spacious, and its large cargo door (4.1 x 4.3 ft) allows loading oversized cargo.
Cost
New
- CJ4 Gen2: ~$10.2M
- PC-24: ~$11.5M
Pre-Owned (2020–2022)
- CJ4: $6.5–8.5M
- PC-24: $8–10M
Operating Costs (300 hours/year)
- CJ4: ~$1.4M/year
- PC-24: ~$1.6M/year
Bottom Line
City-to-city routes — CJ4 wins on cost. Remote airfields and cargo — PC-24 is unmatched.
