AIR.ONE

Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400

The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet designed for efficient short-to-midrange missions, typically offering around 6 to 9 passenger seating depending on configuration, with an IFR range in the roughly 2,000 nautical mile class. It’s well suited to regional U.S. trips or shorter international legs with one stop. The Gulfstream G280 sits in the super-midsize category, substantially larger and more capable than the CJ3+, commonly accommodating about 8 to 10 passengers in a more spacious cabin and delivering an IFR range around 3,600 nautical miles, enabling many transcontinental U.S. flights and some longer overwater city pairs. The Gulfstream G400 moves into the large-cabin, long-range class, aimed at higher-comfort, longer-haul missions. Typical layouts are about 10 to 14 passengers, with an IFR range around 4,200 nautical miles, supporting longer nonstop missions (including more transatlantic pairings) and offering greater cabin volume and amenities than the G280.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Gulfstream G280Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit22—
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 6.57—
Min Crew124
Total Seats91012
ManufacturerCessna CitationGulfstreamGulfstream
Aircraft NameCJ3+G280G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)189836004200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.82—
Max Cabin Seats81019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)55301555030650
Standard Cabin Seats78—
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 3,168—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$24,900,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit22—
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing—
Min Crew12—
Crew RestNoNo—
Jump SeatNoNo—
Total Seats910—
Galley LocationFWDFWD—
Max Cabin Seats810—
Lavatory LocationAFTAFT—
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.99.2—
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalley—
Standard Cabin Seats78—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2358625000—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)—5800—
Engine
FADECYesYes—
ModelFJ44-3AHTF7250G—
TBO (hrs)5000On-Condition—
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)28207624—
No. of Engines22—
Fuel Burn (lbph)624——
Fuel Capacity (gal)703——
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.266.9—
Wingspan (ft)5363—
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.3—
Cabin Width (ft)4.86.9—
Cabin Height (ft)4.86.3—
Cabin Length (ft)15.725.9—
Overall Height (ft)15.221.4—
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.15.4—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.217.7—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)65——
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)—154—