AIR.ONE

Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2

The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑turboprop in the utility/business category, typically seating about 6–9 passengers, with range generally around 1,700–2,000 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The Beechcraft King Air Denali is a newer, larger single‑engine turboprop positioned above many traditional singles; it’s aimed at premium owner‑operator and corporate missions, typically around 6–9 passengers, with a projected range roughly in the 1,500–1,600 nautical mile class. The Cessna Citation M2 is an entry‑level light jet, usually 4–6 passengers, optimized for shorter missions with range roughly around 1,200–1,500 nautical miles. The Citation CJ3+ is a light jet step up, commonly 6–9 passengers, with range typically about 2,000 nautical miles. The Citation CJ4 is the largest of these Citations, often 7–10 passengers, delivering the longest jet range here at roughly 2,100–2,200 nautical miles. Overall, the turboprops emphasize runway flexibility and efficiency, while the Citations emphasize speed and higher-altitude cruise.

SpecBeechcraft King Air 260Beechcraft KingAir DenaliCessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation CJ4Cessna Citation M2
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 4.30$ 4.08$ 4.05$ 4.37$ 3.45
Min Crew11111
Total Seats811998
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftGE® AerospaceCessna CitationCessna CitationCessna Citation
Aircraft NameKingAir 250KingAir DenaliCJ3+CJ4M2
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)14201600189821701400
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.72$ 0.68$ 0.58$ 0.62$ 0.58
Max Cabin Seats89887
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37603280553069143810
Standard Cabin Seats67776
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,333$ 1,111$ 1,680$ 1,970$ 1,395
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionRockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGarmin G3000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)310285415440404
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,450,000$4,150,000$9,915,000$11,290,000$5,150,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Lavatory1 Flushing1 Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew11111
Total Seats811998
Max Cabin Seats89887
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.558.998.5
Galley / RefreshmentNoNoGalleyGalleyNo
Standard Cabin Seats67776
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)1529311065235862400522027
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNo
Galley LocationFWDFWD
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelPT6A-52Catalyst™FJ44-3AFJ44-4AFJ44-1AP-21
TBO (hrs)3600500050003500
Horsepower850
Flat RatingISA + 37ISA + 11ISA + 11ISA + 7
No. of Engines11222
Fuel Capacity (gal)544703870492
Thrust (lbs)282036211965
Fuel Burn (lbph)624757516
Dimensions
Length (ft)43.814.8651.253.442.6
Wingspan (ft)57.954.3535047.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.54.54.84.84.8
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.84.84.84.8
Cabin Length (ft)16.712.615.717.211
Overall Height (ft)14.84.6515.215.514
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.14.13.13.13.1
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.712.612.214.88.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)55487
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.40.4
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)657046