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.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 4.37 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | CJ4 | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 2170 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 6914 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,970 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 440 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $11,290,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 24005 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-4A | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 3621 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 757 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 870 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 53.4 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 50 | 52.16 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 17.2 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 15.5 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.8 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 70 | 74 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 7 | 10 | 40 |