Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Honda Aircraft Hondajet Elite vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ and HondaJet Elite are both light jets aimed at fast, efficient short-to-medium missions, while the Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop optimized for versatility and rougher-field capability. In category, the CJ3+ is a conventional light business jet with a roomy cabin for its class and strong all-around performance; the HondaJet Elite is also a light jet but emphasizes innovation and efficiency, typically with a slightly more compact cabin feel. The PC-12 NGX sits in a different lane: it is not a jet, but it offers exceptional utility, baggage volume, and access to shorter or less-improved runways. On range, the CJ3+ generally leads among the two light jets, offering the longest typical IFR range in this comparison, with the HondaJet Elite close behind for many mission profiles. The PC-12 NGX is competitive on range for a turboprop and can cover many of the same city pairs, though usually at lower cruise speeds. For passenger capacity, the CJ3+ commonly seats around 6 to 9, the HondaJet Elite typically 5 to 7, and the PC-12 NGX can seat about 6 to 9 in executive layouts, with higher-density options possible.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Honda Aircraft HondaJet Elite | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 2.73 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Honda Aircraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | HondaJet Elite | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1495 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 3432 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 1,135 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 419 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $ 5,400,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 8.8 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 23060 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | HF120-H1A | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 2050 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 439 | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 1200 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 42.7 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 39.8 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 12.1 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14.9 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | — | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 10.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 66 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 40 |