Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Gulfstream G280
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E sit in the light-jet category, while the Gulfstream G280 is a super-midsize jet with substantially greater capability. In range, the CJ4 is typically around 2,000–2,200 nautical miles, making it well suited to shorter regional and some transcontinental missions with favorable winds and payload. The Phenom 300E generally offers slightly more range, roughly 2,000–2,300 nautical miles depending on configuration, and is often positioned as a high-performance light jet for frequent city-pair flying. The G280 is in a different class, commonly cited around 3,600 nautical miles, enabling longer nonstop missions and more flexibility with headwinds, reserves, and payload. For passenger capacity, both the CJ4 and Phenom 300E are commonly configured for about 6–9 passengers, with typical layouts around 7–8. The G280 usually accommodates about 8–10 passengers in a more spacious cabin and can be configured for higher-density seating if needed.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Phenom 300E | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 2,010 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 6914 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,758 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 464 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $9,650,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25560 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 3360 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 51.2 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 52.16 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 17.2 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 16.75 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 14.8 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 10 | 154 |