Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Beechcraft Kingair 250
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light business jet, optimized for faster point‑to‑point travel at higher altitudes. It typically offers the longest range of the three (around 2,000 nautical miles) and usually seats about 6 to 9 passengers, depending on configuration. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop, valued for efficiency and the ability to use shorter or less‑developed runways. Its range is generally in the 1,700 to 1,800 nautical mile class, and it commonly carries about 6 to 9 passengers, with flexible cabin layouts and strong cargo capability for its size. The Beechcraft King Air 250 is a twin‑engine turboprop positioned between utility and executive transport, often chosen for redundancy and rugged performance. Its typical range is roughly 1,500 to 1,700 nautical miles, and it usually accommodates about 7 to 9 passengers. Overall, the CJ3+ tends to lead on speed and range, while the PC‑12 NGX and King Air 250 emphasize versatile runway performance and turboprop efficiency, with similar passenger counts.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 |