Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is typically categorized as a light jet, optimized for efficient regional missions. It generally offers the longest reach among these three in real-world light-jet usage, with a range around the low–to–mid 2,000 nautical mile class depending on payload and conditions, and it usually seats about 6 to 9 passengers in a single-pilot-capable cabin layout. The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the midsize-jet category and emphasizes a larger, more comfortable cabin and stronger short-field capability than many peers. Its range is commonly in the high 1,000s to roughly 2,000 nautical miles, and typical seating is about 7 to 9 passengers, with more cabin volume and amenities than the CJ3+. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a high-performance twin-turboprop rather than a jet, often considered in the light business aircraft category. It generally carries about 6 to 9 passengers and offers range broadly comparable to these jets (often around ~1,700–1,900 nautical miles), while trading jet cruise characteristics for turboprop efficiency and a distinctive, spacious cabin.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 5.34 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | XLS+ | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1906 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 7540 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 2,303 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 430 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $15,500,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 25230 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PW545C | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 28 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 4119 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 850 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 52.5 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 56.3 | 47.1 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 18.5 | 14.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 17.2 | 13.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 35.2 |