AIR.ONE

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.

SpecCessna Citation CJ3+Honda Aircraft HondaJet ElitePilatus PC-12 NGX
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.05$ 2.73$ 2.78
Min Crew111
Total Seats968
ManufacturerCessna CitationHonda AircraftPilatus
Aircraft NameCJ3+HondaJet ElitePC-12 NGX
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)189814951803
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.58$ 0.68$ 0.46
Max Cabin Seats869
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)55303432
Standard Cabin Seats746
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,680$ 1,135$ 793
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000Garmin G3000Honeywell Primus Apex
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)415419290
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$9,915,000$ 5,400,000$5,350,000
Flight RulesIFR
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed FlushingOptional
Min Crew111
Crew RestNoNo
Jump SeatNoNo
Total Seats968
Galley LocationFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats869
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.98.85.8
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyNo
Standard Cabin Seats746
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)235862306013100
Cargo DoorYes
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-3AHF120-H1APT6E-67XP
TBO (hrs)500050005000
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 10ISA + 35
Thrust (lbs)28202050
No. of Engines221
Fuel Burn (lbph)624
Fuel Capacity (gal)703439
Horsepower1200
Usable Fuel (gal)402
Dimensions
Length (ft)51.242.747.25
Wingspan (ft)5339.853.33
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.4
Cabin Width (ft)4.855
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.84.9
Cabin Length (ft)15.712.116.9
Overall Height (ft)15.214.914
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.14.25
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)12.210.2
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)6566
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)40