Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet designed primarily for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel between paved airports. It typically offers a range around 2,000 nautical miles and usually seats about 6 to 9 passengers depending on configuration, with a pressurized cabin optimized for business travel. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet as well, but it is positioned as a more versatile “super versatile jet,” combining jet speed with the ability to operate from shorter and, in many cases, unimproved runways. Its typical range is roughly 2,000 nautical miles, and it commonly carries about 6 to 10 passengers depending on interior layout. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop rather than a jet, prioritizing utility, efficiency, and short‑field capability. It generally has a range on the order of 1,700 to 1,800 nautical miles and commonly seats about 6 to 9 passengers, with flexible cabin options that can support cargo and special-mission configurations.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 13100 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 | 90 |