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.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | $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 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | 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 | 11 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | 74 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 | 40 |