AIR.ONE

Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500

The Cessna Citation M2 and CJ3+ are both light jets, with the M2 positioned as an entry-level option and the CJ3+ offering a step up in capability. The M2 typically seats about 4–6 passengers in practical corporate layouts and is suited to shorter missions, with an approximate range around 1,550 nautical miles. The CJ3+ generally accommodates about 6–8 passengers and stretches mission flexibility with roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range. The Embraer Phenom 300E is also a light jet but sits at the top of the category, often configured for about 6–9 passengers and offering around 2,000–2,010 nautical miles of range, combining strong speed, cabin comfort, and runway performance. The Embraer Praetor 500 moves into the super-midsize class, with a larger cabin and typically about 8–9 passengers (up to around 12 depending on layout) and a much longer range near 3,300 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs and more payload-fuel flexibility.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation M2Embraer Phenom 300EEmbraer Praetor 500
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 3.45$ 3.88$ 6.02
Min Crew1112
Total Seats98109
ManufacturerCessna CitationCessna CitationEmbraerEmbraer
Aircraft NameCJ3+M2Phenom 300EPraetor 500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)189814002,0103340
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.58$ 0.55$ 0.86
Max Cabin Seats87109
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)553038106914
Standard Cabin Seats7667
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 1,395$ 1,758$ 2,779
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Garmin G3000Prodigy Touch (G3000)Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415404464466
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$5,150,000$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 Seats9899
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats8799
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.98.59.49.7
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyNoGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats7677
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23586220272556027110
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-3AFJ44-1AP-21Canada PW535E1HTF7500E
TBO (hrs)500035005000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 7ISA + 15ISA + 18
Thrust (lbs)2820196533606540
No. of Engines2222
Fuel Burn (lbph)624516757
Fuel Capacity (gal)703492
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.242.651.264.6
Wingspan (ft)5347.352.1670.5
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)15.71117.220.6
Overall Height (ft)15.21416.7521.1
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.13.64.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.28.814.817.4
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)654674110
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1040