Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
All four are light-to-superlight business jets, but they span slightly different niches. The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a light jet optimized for efficient point-to-point travel, typically offering roughly 2,000+ nautical miles of range and seating commonly around 7–9 passengers depending on layout. The Embraer Phenom 300E is also a light jet, generally similar in passenger count (often 6–9) with range in the ~2,000 nautical mile class, and is frequently positioned as a fast, modern light-jet alternative with strong short-trip efficiency. The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the “superlight” category, usually carrying about 8–9 passengers with a range often around ~2,000 nautical miles; it’s commonly chosen for a slightly larger cabin feel and operational flexibility compared with typical light jets. The Pilatus PC-24 is also broadly considered superlight, usually seating about 6–10, with range typically in the ~2,000 nautical mile class; it stands out for utility-oriented capability (including operation into more challenging or shorter runways) while still offering business-jet speed and comfort.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | XLS+ | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1906 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 7540 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 430 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $15,500,000 | $9,650,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25230 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | PW545C | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 4119 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | — | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 52.5 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 56.3 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 18.5 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 17.2 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 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 | 90 |