Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation M2 is the smallest option here, best viewed as a light jet for shorter regional trips, typically carrying about 4–6 passengers with range around 1,500 nm. Moving up, the Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet with more cabin and capability, commonly seating about 6–9, with roughly 2,000 nm of range. The Embraer Phenom 300E sits at the top of the light-jet class, often configured for about 6–9 passengers, and typically offers the longest range among the light jets listed at about 2,000–2,200 nm. The Cessna Citation CJ4 is often described as a “light-plus” jet, bridging toward midsize capability; it usually carries about 7–10 passengers and reaches roughly 2,100–2,200 nm. The Pilatus PC-24 is a “super versatile jet” often grouped as light or light-midsize, usually seating about 6–10, with range around 2,000 nm and an emphasis on operational flexibility (including more rugged runway capability) rather than maximum speed or range alone.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | CJ4 | M2 | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 2170 | 1400 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 6914 | 3810 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 440 | 404 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $9,650,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9 | 8.5 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 24005 | 22027 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 3621 | 1965 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 757 | 516 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 870 | 492 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 53.4 | 42.6 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 50 | 47.3 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 17.2 | 11 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 15.5 | 14 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.8 | 8.8 | 14.8 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 70 | 46 | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 7 | — | 10 | 90 |