Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Honda Aircraft Hondajet Elite vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation M2 and HondaJet Elite sit in the light-jet category, optimized for shorter regional missions. The M2 typically carries about 5–7 passengers with an approximate range around 1,200–1,300 nautical miles, while the HondaJet Elite is similar in capacity (about 5–7) and range (roughly 1,200–1,400 nautical miles), often emphasizing cabin refinement and efficiency. The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a step up into the light jet/small midsize “light-plus” space, generally accommodating about 6–9 passengers and stretching practical range to roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs than the M2 or HondaJet. The Pilatus PC-24 is typically positioned as a light jet with “super versatile” capability, commonly seating about 6–10 passengers with a range around 1,700–2,000 nautical miles. Compared with the others, it stands out less on pure range and more on flexibility, including strong short-field performance and the ability to use more challenging runways.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Honda Aircraft HondaJet Elite | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.73 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Honda Aircraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | HondaJet Elite | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 1495 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | 3432 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | $ 1,135 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 419 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | $ 5,400,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | 23060 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | HF120-H1A | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | 2050 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | 439 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | 42.7 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | 39.8 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 11 | 12.1 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 14.9 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | 10.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | 66 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | — | 90 |