Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Citation M2 are light business jets, while the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop that trades jet speed for cabin and runway versatility. In range, the CJ3+ typically leads at roughly 2,000 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs. The PC‑12 NGX is generally in the same ballpark but usually a bit shorter, around 1,700–1,800 nautical miles depending on load and conditions, while the Citation M2 is the shortest‑legged of the three at about 1,500–1,600 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ and M2 are commonly configured for about 6–8 passengers, with the CJ3+ tending to offer a slightly roomier, more flexible cabin. The PC‑12 NGX often seats 6–9 in executive layouts and can be configured for more seats in commuter arrangements, with notably strong baggage and cabin utility compared with the jets.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation M2 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | M2 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1400 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3810 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,395 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 404 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,150,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.5 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 22027 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 1965 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 516 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 492 | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 1200 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 47.3 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 11 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 8.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 46 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 40 |