AIR.ONE

Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Praetor 500

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 500 sit in the super-midsize category, offering the longest reach and the most cabin volume of this group. Both typically seat about eight to ten passengers, with ranges around 3,300–3,400 nautical miles, making them well suited to longer nonstop missions and higher-comfort expectations. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet with a larger, stand-up-friendly cabin compared with the CJ-series, commonly configured for about eight to nine passengers and delivering roughly 2,100 nautical miles of range, favoring medium-length trips and strong short-field versatility. The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and CJ4 are light jets. The CJ3+ generally carries about six to nine passengers with approximately 2,000 nautical miles of range, while the CJ4 is the larger, faster step-up light jet, usually seating about seven to ten passengers and stretching range to roughly 2,100–2,200 nautical miles. Overall, the CJ3+/CJ4 prioritize efficient regional flying, the XLS+ emphasizes cabin comfort in midsize missions, and the Challenger 3500/Praetor 500 lead for longer-range, higher-end travel.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Cessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation CJ4Cessna Citation XLS+Embraer Praetor 500
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 4.05$ 4.37$ 5.34$ 6.02
Min Crew21122
Total Seats1099109
ManufacturerBombardierCessna CitationCessna CitationCessna CitationEmbraer
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500CJ3+CJ4XLS+Praetor 500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)34001898217019063340
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.58$ 0.62$ 0.67$ 0.86
Max Cabin Seats108899
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)15950553069147540
Standard Cabin Seats87787
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 1,680$ 1,970$ 2,303$ 2,779
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGarmin G3000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533415440430466
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$9,915,000$11,290,000$15,500,000$16,995,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew21122
Crew RestNoNoNoNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNoNoNo
Total Seats1099109
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats108899
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.88.999.39.7
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats87787
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2333823586240052523027110
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500FJ44-3AFJ44-4APW545CHTF7500E
TBO (hrs)On-Condition500050005000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 11ISA + 11ISA + 10ISA + 18
Thrust (lbs)73232820362141196540
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (lbph)624757
Fuel Capacity (gal)703870
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.751.253.452.564.6
Wingspan (ft)69535056.370.5
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.40.40.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)7.24.84.85.56.9
Cabin Height (ft)64.84.85.76
Cabin Length (ft)25.215.717.218.520.6
Overall Height (ft)2015.215.517.221.1
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.13.13.13.94.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.612.214.814.317.4
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10671040
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)657080110