Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Cessna Citation M2 is an entry-level light jet designed for short regional missions, typically carrying about 4–6 passengers with a range around 1,300–1,550 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Citation CJ3+ steps up within the light-jet category, generally accommodating about 6–9 passengers and offering roughly 1,800–2,050 nautical miles of range, making it better suited for longer nonstop legs and fuller cabins than the M2. The Citation XLS+ sits in the midsize segment, usually configured for about 7–9 passengers, with range commonly around 1,900–2,100 nautical miles; it emphasizes a larger cabin cross-section and strong runway performance for access to more airports. The Citation Sovereign+ is a super-midsize jet, typically carrying about 8–12 passengers and providing the longest reach of this group at roughly 2,900–3,200 nautical miles, making it the best fit for longer transcontinental routes with higher passenger loads.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | $ 6.02 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | Sovereign + | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 3138 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | 12790 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | $ 2,699 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 458 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | $19,730,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | 25230 | 25230 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW306D | PW545C |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 6000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 16 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | 5907 | 4119 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | 1700 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | 63.5 | 52.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | 72.4 | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 11 | 25.3 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 20.4 | 17.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | 17.4 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | 100 | 80 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 35 | 10 |