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Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets aimed at fast, point‑to‑point business travel. Both typically seat about 6–9 passengers depending on configuration, with the Phenom 300E generally offering slightly more cabin flexibility and speed, while the CJ3+ is known for efficient operations. In range, both are commonly suited to roughly 1,800–2,100 nautical miles, making them strong for regional and many transcontinental U.S. missions with appropriate payload and reserves. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop rather than a jet, trading cruise speed for excellent short/rough‑field capability and lower operating costs. It is often configured for 6–9 passengers and typically offers around 1,700–1,900 nautical miles of range, with strong real‑world utility into smaller airports. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet “utility” aircraft positioned between traditional light jets and the PC‑12 conceptually, combining jet speed with robust runway performance. It commonly carries about 6–10 passengers and offers roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range, depending on payload and reserves.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Embraer Phenom 300EPilatus PC-12 NGXPilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 3.88$ 2.78$ 3.71
Min Crew1111
Total Seats91086
ManufacturerCessna CitationEmbraerPilatusPilatus
Aircraft NameCJ3+Phenom 300EPC-12 NGXPC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)18982,01018032076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.55$ 0.46$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats810910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)553069146680
Standard Cabin Seats7666
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 1,758$ 793$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Prodigy Touch (G3000)Honeywell Primus ApexPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415464290440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$9,650,000$5,350,000$11,800,000
Flight RulesIFR
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed FlushingOptional1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew1111
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNo
Total Seats9986
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats89910
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTFWDFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.99.45.89.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyNoOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats7766
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23586255601310023500
Cargo DoorYesYes
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-3ACanada PW535E1PT6E-67XPFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)5000500050005000
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 15ISA + 35ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)282033603435
No. of Engines2212
Fuel Burn (lbph)624757
Fuel Capacity (gal)703
Horsepower1200
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.251.247.2552.2
Wingspan (ft)5352.1653.3355.8
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.3Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)4.85.155.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.94.95.1
Cabin Length (ft)15.717.216.923
Overall Height (ft)15.216.751417.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.64.253.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.214.817
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)6574
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)104090