Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet optimized for efficient short-to-medium missions. It typically carries about 6 to 9 passengers and offers roughly a 2,000‑nautical‑mile class range, making it well suited to regional business travel with lower operating costs than larger jets. The Gulfstream G280 sits in the super‑midsize category, aimed at longer nonstop legs and higher cruise performance. It generally accommodates around 8 to 10 passengers in a more spacious cabin and delivers about a 3,600‑ to 3,800‑nautical‑mile range, enabling many transcontinental and some transoceanic city pairs. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet with a distinct emphasis on versatility, including strong short/rough‑field capability compared with typical business jets. Passenger capacity is commonly 6 to 10 depending on configuration, and range is in the ~2,000‑nautical‑mile class. In practice, the CJ3+ prioritizes efficiency, the G280 prioritizes reach and cabin size, and the PC‑24 prioritizes access to more airports and runway conditions.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Gulfstream G280 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 6.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | G280 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 3600 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.82 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 15550 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 3,168 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 481 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $24,900,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 25000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | HTF7250G | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 7624 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 66.9 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 63 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 25.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 21.4 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 5.4 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 17.7 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 154 | 90 |