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Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Embraer Praetor 600 vs Gulfstream G280

The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet, best for shorter regional missions, typically offering about 4–9 passengers with an NBAA range around 2,000 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation Sovereign+ steps up to the super-midsize class, generally seating about 8–12 passengers and reaching roughly 3,200 nautical miles, making it better for longer nonstop city pairs while retaining good runway performance. Embraer’s Praetor 500 is also super-midsize, usually configured for about 7–10 passengers, with an NBAA range near 3,300 nautical miles and a notably modern cabin and avionics suite. The Praetor 600 pushes into the larger end of super-midsize, commonly 8–12 passengers, with about 4,000 nautical miles of range, enabling more transcontinental and some transatlantic capability. The Gulfstream G280 is a super-midsize with a large-cabin feel, typically around 8–10 passengers, and roughly 3,600 nautical miles of NBAA range, emphasizing high-speed cruise and long legs. Overall, CJ3+ prioritizes efficiency on shorter trips, while Praetor 600 and G280 lead for longer nonstop missions.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation Sovereign+Embraer Praetor 500Embraer Praetor 600Gulfstream G280
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 6.02$ 6.02$ 6.74$ 6.57
Min Crew12222
Total Seats91191010
ManufacturerCessna CitationCessna CitationEmbraerEmbraerGulfstream
Aircraft NameCJ3+Sovereign +Praetor 500Praetor 600G280
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)18983138334040183600
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.67$ 0.86$ 0.84$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats81291210
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)55301279015550
Standard Cabin Seats79788
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 2,699$ 2,779$ 3,141$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Garmin G5000Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionRockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415458466542481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$19,730,000$16,995,000$20,995,000$24,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew12222
Crew RestNoNoNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNoNoNo
Total Seats91191010
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats81291210
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.99.39.79.79.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats79788
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2358625230271102714025000
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5Gogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)580058005800
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-3APW306DHTF7500EHTF7500EHTF7250G
TBO (hrs)50006000On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 16ISA + 18ISA + 18ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)28205907654075287624
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (lbph)624
Fuel Capacity (gal)70317001963
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.263.564.668.166.9
Wingspan (ft)5372.470.570.563
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.7Flat FloorFlat Floor0.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.85.56.96.86.9
Cabin Height (ft)4.85.7666.3
Cabin Length (ft)15.725.320.624.125.9
Overall Height (ft)15.220.421.12121.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.94.74.75.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.217.417.421.317.7
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)65100110110
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)354045154