Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Pilatus PC-24 are typically positioned in the light-jet segment, while the Embraer Legacy 650E sits firmly in the large-cabin, long-range class. In range terms, the CJ4 and PC-24 are broadly similar for typical missions: the CJ4 is commonly quoted around 2,000+ nautical miles depending on conditions, and the PC-24 is in the same general bracket, often a bit over 2,000 nautical miles. The Legacy 650E offers substantially more reach, commonly cited around 3,900 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs. Passenger capacity also separates them by category. The CJ4 is usually configured for about 8 to 10 passengers in a light-jet cabin. The PC-24 is often arranged for roughly 6 to 10 passengers, with flexibility that can favor fewer passengers for more space or special mission layouts. The Legacy 650E typically carries about 13 passengers in a standard executive configuration, delivering a noticeably larger cabin and higher comfort on long flights.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 8.41 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Legacy 650E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 3980 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 22510 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 3,860 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus Elite | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 458 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $26,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 14 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 12 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 21650 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | AE3007A2 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 9020 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 1901 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 86.5 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 69.5 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 42.4 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 22.2 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 5.2 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 30.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 286 | 90 |