Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Gulfstream G280 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Embraer Phenom 300E sit in the light-jet category, optimized for efficient short-to-midrange missions. The CJ3+ typically offers roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range with seating commonly arranged for about 6–9 passengers, while the Phenom 300E is a close competitor, generally around 2,000+ nautical miles and usually configured for about 6–10 passengers. The Pilatus PC-24 is also broadly in the light-jet space but is often positioned as a “super versatile” light jet due to its ability to use shorter and less-improved runways. Its range is in the same general neighborhood (around 2,000 nautical miles, depending on load), with typical seating for about 6–10 passengers. The Gulfstream G280 steps up into the super-midsize category, aimed at longer nonstop legs and more cabin comfort. It offers materially more range—about 3,600 nautical miles—and typically carries around 8–10 passengers, with some layouts accommodating more.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Gulfstream G280 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | Phenom 300E | G280 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 2,010 | 3600 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.82 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 6914 | 15550 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,758 | $ 3,168 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 464 | 481 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $9,650,000 | $24,900,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 25560 | 25000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7250G | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 3360 | 7624 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 51.2 | 66.9 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 52.16 | 63 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 17.2 | 25.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 16.75 | 21.4 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 | 5.4 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.8 | 17.7 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 74 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 154 | 90 |