Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets optimized for efficient point‑to‑point business travel. Both typically seat about 6 to 9 passengers, with ranges around 2,000 to 2,200 nautical miles depending on load and conditions; the Phenom 300E is often cited as slightly longer‑legged and faster, while the CJ4 is known for a roomy cabin in its class. The Cessna Citation XLS+ steps up to the midsize category, usually carrying about 7 to 9 passengers with a larger cross‑section cabin, but with a somewhat shorter range than the CJ4/Phenom in many real‑world configurations (roughly 1,700 to 2,100 nautical miles). The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop rather than a jet; it commonly seats 6 to 9 passengers, offers strong short/rough‑field flexibility, and has range in the roughly 1,600 to 1,800 nautical mile class. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet with “super versatile” runway performance, typically seating 6 to 10 passengers, and range around 2,000 nautical miles.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.88 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | XLS+ | Phenom 300E | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1906 | 2,010 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 7540 | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,758 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 430 | 464 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $15,500,000 | $9,650,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25230 | 25560 | 13100 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | PW545C | Canada PW535E1 | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 4119 | 3360 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | — | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | — | 1200 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 52.5 | 51.2 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 56.3 | 52.16 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 18.5 | 17.2 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 17.2 | 16.75 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 14.3 | 14.8 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 80 | 74 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 10 | 10 | 40 | 90 |