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Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500

The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300E are all typically considered light jets, while the Embraer Praetor 500 is generally positioned as a midsize jet. In range, the CJ3+ is the shortest-legged of the four at roughly around 2,000 nautical miles class, the Phenom 300E is similar but usually a bit longer in the low‑to‑mid 2,000 nautical mile class, and the CJ4 stretches further into the mid‑2,000 nautical mile class. The Praetor 500 is the clear range leader, commonly cited around the 3,000+ nautical mile class, enabling more true transcontinental missions with greater reserves. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ is commonly configured for about 6 to 8 passengers, the Phenom 300E and CJ4 are often laid out for about 7 to 10 passengers depending on interior options, and the Praetor 500 typically seats about 8 to 9 in a more spacious cabin, sometimes with higher-density layouts available.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation CJ4Embraer Phenom 300EEmbraer Praetor 500
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 4.37$ 3.88$ 6.02
Min Crew1112
Total Seats99109
ManufacturerCessna CitationCessna CitationEmbraerEmbraer
Aircraft NameCJ3+CJ4Phenom 300EPraetor 500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)189821702,0103340
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.62$ 0.55$ 0.86
Max Cabin Seats88109
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)553069146914
Standard Cabin Seats7767
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 1,970$ 1,758$ 2,779
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Prodigy Touch (G3000)Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415440464466
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$11,290,000$9,650,000$16,995,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew1112
Crew RestNoNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNoNo
Total Seats9999
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats8899
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.999.49.7
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats7777
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23586240052556027110
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-3AFJ44-4ACanada PW535E1HTF7500E
TBO (hrs)500050005000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 11ISA + 15ISA + 18
Thrust (lbs)2820362133606540
No. of Engines2222
Fuel Burn (lbph)624757757
Fuel Capacity (gal)703870
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.253.451.264.6
Wingspan (ft)535052.1670.5
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.40.3Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)4.84.85.16.9
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.84.96
Cabin Length (ft)15.717.217.220.6
Overall Height (ft)15.215.516.7521.1
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.13.64.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.214.814.817.4
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)657074110
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)71040