Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Phenom 300e
Both the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300E are light business jets aimed at owner-operators and small corporate missions, but they sit slightly differently within the segment. The CJ4 is often viewed as a “large light jet” or entry-level midsize alternative because it offers a more spacious cabin feel for its class and is commonly configured to carry around 8 to 10 passengers, depending on interior layout. The Phenom 300E is a benchmark light jet that typically seats about 7 to 9 passengers and emphasizes a premium cabin experience and strong short-to-medium trip efficiency. On range, the CJ4 generally has the edge, commonly quoted around roughly 2,000 nautical miles class, enabling longer nonstop city pairs with typical reserves. The Phenom 300E is usually cited in the high-1,900 nautical mile class, very close in practical mission capability, but slightly shorter on paper. In summary, choose the CJ4 if maximum range and capacity flexibility are priorities, and the Phenom 300E if you want a top-tier light-jet cabin and performance balance.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300E |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.88 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Phenom 300E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 2,010 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 6914 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,758 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 464 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $9,650,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.4 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25560 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | Canada PW535E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 3360 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 757 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 51.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 52.16 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 16.75 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 14.8 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 74 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 10 |