Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are both light jets aimed at efficient regional missions. The CJ4 is typically positioned as a light jet with a longer reach than many peers, while the Phenom 300E is a light jet known for strong speed and range for its class; both generally seat about 6–9 passengers depending on layout. The Pilatus PC-24 is commonly described as a “super versatile” light jet: it offers light-jet category economics with a larger cabin feel, usually accommodating roughly 6–10 passengers, and it trades some range versus the longest-leg light-jet missions in exchange for access to shorter or more rugged runways. The Embraer Legacy 650E sits in a different category altogether as a large-cabin, long-range business jet, typically carrying around 10–14 passengers with significantly more cabin volume and intercontinental-capable range compared with the other three. In short, Legacy 650E leads on cabin size and range, CJ4 and Phenom 300E focus on fast, efficient light-jet travel, and PC-24 emphasizes flexibility and cabin utility with solid mid-range performance.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 8.41 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Legacy 650E | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 3980 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 22510 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 3,860 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus Elite | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 458 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $26,500,000 | $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 | 14 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.4 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 21650 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | AE3007A2 | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 9020 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 1901 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 86.5 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 69.5 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 6.9 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 6 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 42.4 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 22.2 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 5.2 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 30.3 | 14.8 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | — | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 286 | 10 | 90 |