Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets, while the Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop often positioned as a high‑speed “turboprop alternative,” and the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop optimized for utility and short/rough-field flexibility. In range, the Phenom 300E and CJ3+ are broadly similar, typically around the ~2,000 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves, with the Phenom often cited slightly higher. The Avanti EVO commonly falls in the same general bracket but is frequently operated a bit shorter depending on mission profile, while the PC‑12 NGX is also roughly in the ~1,800–2,000+ nautical mile class and is well suited to long legs at turboprop speeds. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ and Phenom 300E generally seat about 6–9 in typical executive layouts, with the Phenom often marketed toward the higher end of that range. The Avanti EVO is usually configured for about 6–8 passengers. The PC‑12 NGX typically carries about 6–9 in executive seating but can be configured for more in commuter-style layouts, trading cabin refinement for density.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 3.88 | — | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Piaggio | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | Phenom 300E | Avanti EVO | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 2,010 | 1530 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.55 | — | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 6914 | 3775 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,758 | — | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 464 | 400 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $9,650,000 | $ 7,695,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR | IFR |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9.4 | 9 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 25560 | 24000 | 13100 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | Canada PW535E1 | PT6A–66B | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 3600 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 28 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 3360 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 850 | 1200 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 51.2 | 47.3 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 52.16 | 47.1 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 17.2 | 14.9 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 16.75 | 13.1 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 14.8 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 74 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 35.2 | 40 |