Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Embraer Phenom 100ev vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation M2 and Embraer Phenom 100EV are entry-level very light jets, typically flown with about 4–5 passengers in comfort and offering roughly 1,000–1,200 nm of range, making them best for short regional trips. Stepping up, the Citation CJ3+ sits in the light-jet class, usually seating around 6 passengers with about 1,800–2,000 nm range, suited to longer nonstop city pairs. The Citation CJ4 is a larger light jet at the top of the CJ line, commonly accommodating about 7–8 passengers with roughly 2,000+ nm range. The Embraer Phenom 300E is often considered a “super light” jet, generally carrying about 6–8 passengers with around 1,900–2,000+ nm range and strong overall speed/range capability. The Pilatus PC-24 occupies a unique light/“super versatile” niche, typically 6–8 passengers with about 2,000 nm range, differentiated less by cabin count and more by rugged/short-field capability compared with the others.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Embraer Phenom 100EV | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.84 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | CJ4 | M2 | Phenom 100EV | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 2170 | 1400 | 1,178 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 6914 | 3810 | 3451 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 1,152 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 440 | 404 | 406 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $4,250,000 | $9,650,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No | No | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 24005 | 22027 | 21280 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW617F1-E | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 8 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 3621 | 1965 | 1730 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 757 | 516 | 543 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 870 | 492 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 53.4 | 42.6 | 42.1 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 50 | 47.3 | 40.4 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 17.2 | 11 | 11 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 15.5 | 14 | 14.3 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.8 | 8.8 | 9 | 14.8 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 70 | 46 | 60 | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 7 | — | 10 | 10 | 90 |