AIR.ONE

Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna Citation CJ4 is a light jet, typically carrying about 7–10 passengers with a range around 2,000–2,200 nautical miles, making it well suited to efficient regional trips with relatively low operating complexity. The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the midsize category, usually accommodating about 7–9 passengers, with a similar but slightly longer real-world reach (roughly 2,000–2,100 nautical miles) and a broader, more comfortable cabin than the CJ4. The Embraer Praetor 500 is a super-midsize jet, commonly configured for about 8–9 passengers, and offers a notably longer range around 3,300 nautical miles, enabling many transcontinental and some transatlantic-style missions with reserves depending on conditions. The Pilatus PC-24 is often described as a “light jet with super-versatility,” typically seating about 6–10 passengers with a range around 2,000 nautical miles, and stands out for its ability to use shorter, rougher runways than the others, trading pure long-range capability for operational flexibility.

SpecCessna Citation CJ4Cessna Citation XLS+Embraer Praetor 500Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 4.37$ 5.34$ 6.02$ 3.71
Min Crew1221
Total Seats91096
ManufacturerCessna CitationCessna CitationEmbraerPilatus
Aircraft NameCJ4XLS+Praetor 500PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)2170190633402076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62$ 0.67$ 0.86$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats89910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)691475406680
Standard Cabin Seats7876
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,970$ 2,303$ 2,779$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)440430466440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$11,290,000$15,500,000$16,995,000$11,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew1221
Crew RestNoNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoNoNoNo
Total Seats91096
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats89910
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)99.39.79.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalleyOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats7876
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24005252302711023500
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Cargo DoorYes
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes
ModelFJ44-4APW545CHTF7500EFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)50005000On-Condition5000
Flat RatingISA + 11ISA + 10ISA + 18ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3621411965403435
No. of Engines2222
Fuel Burn (lbph)757
Fuel Capacity (gal)870
Dimensions
Length (ft)53.452.564.652.2
Wingspan (ft)5056.370.555.8
Aisle Step (ft)0.40.7Flat FloorFlat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)4.85.56.95.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.85.765.1
Cabin Length (ft)17.218.520.623
Overall Height (ft)15.517.221.117.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.13.94.73.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.814.317.417
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7080110
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)7104090