Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Legacy 450 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E sit in the light-jet category, typically carrying about 6–9 passengers in normal executive layouts. Between them, the Phenom 300E is often viewed as the more performance- and cabin-refined light jet, while the CJ4 is a proven, efficient light-jet workhorse. The Pilatus PC-24 is also generally classed as a light jet, with typical seating around 6–10, but it stands apart for utility and rough/short-field flexibility; its range is competitive within the light-jet set, though it’s usually not aimed at the longest nonstop missions. Stepping up, the Embraer Legacy 450 and Praetor 500 are midsize/super-midsize jets. They offer larger cabins and typically seat about 8–10 passengers with more comfort on longer legs than light jets. The Legacy 450 delivers strong midsize range, while the Praetor 500 pushes further into super-midsize territory with longer range and higher capability for transcontinental missions.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Legacy 450 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 6.04 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Legacy 450 | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 2973 | 2,010 | 3340 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 12908 | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 2,790 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 481 | 464 | 466 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $16,995,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.7 | 9.4 | 9.7 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 27110 | 25560 | 27110 | 23500 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6000 | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | HTF7500E | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 6540 | 3360 | 6540 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 1404 | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | 1932 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 64.6 | 51.2 | 64.6 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 66.5 | 52.16 | 70.5 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 6.9 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 6 | 4.9 | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 20.6 | 17.2 | 20.6 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 21.1 | 16.75 | 21.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 17.4 | 14.8 | 17.4 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 110 | 74 | 110 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 40 | 10 | 40 | 90 |