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Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Cessna Citation Xls

The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a light jet, typically seating about 7 to 9 passengers, and is optimized for efficient, shorter-to-midlength missions with a range around 2,000 nautical miles. It’s commonly chosen for regional trips and access to smaller airports while keeping operating costs comparatively lower than larger Citations. The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the midsize category, generally accommodating about 7 to 9 passengers as well, but with a larger cabin and more baggage capability than the CJ4. Its range is typically around 2,100 nautical miles, making it well suited to transcontinental-style segments that are still within midsize-jet performance. The Cessna Citation Sovereign+ is a super-midsize jet, usually configured for about 8 to 12 passengers depending on layout, and is aimed at longer nonstop missions with more space and amenities. Its range is roughly 3,000 nautical miles, giving it a clear advantage for longer city pairs and more flexible routing. Overall, the progression is from CJ4 (light) to XLS+ (midsize) to Sovereign+ (super-midsize) with increasing cabin size and range.

SpecCessna Citation CJ4Cessna Citation Sovereign+Cessna Citation XLS+
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.37$ 6.02$ 5.34
Min Crew122
Total Seats91110
ManufacturerCessna CitationCessna CitationCessna Citation
Aircraft NameCJ4Sovereign +XLS+
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)217031381906
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62$ 0.67$ 0.67
Max Cabin Seats8129
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)6914127907540
Standard Cabin Seats798
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,970$ 2,699$ 2,303
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G5000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)440458430
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$11,290,000$19,730,000$15,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew122
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNo
Total Seats91110
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats8129
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)99.39.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats798
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)240052523025230
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-4APW306DPW545C
TBO (hrs)500060005000
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 16ISA + 10
Thrust (lbs)362159074119
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (lbph)757
Fuel Capacity (gal)8701700
Dimensions
Length (ft)53.463.552.5
Wingspan (ft)5072.456.3
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.70.7
Cabin Width (ft)4.85.55.5
Cabin Height (ft)4.85.75.7
Cabin Length (ft)17.225.318.5
Overall Height (ft)15.520.417.2
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.93.9
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.817.414.3
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7010080
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)73510