Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets aimed at fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel. Both typically seat about 6 to 9 passengers depending on layout, with the CJ4 usually offering the longer range at roughly 2,000 nautical miles, while the Phenom 300E is commonly around 1,900 to 2,000 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop rather than a jet; it trades speed for flexibility and operating economy, often configured for about 6 to 9 passengers, with a range commonly around 1,700 to 1,800 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet positioned closer to a “super versatile” category, combining jet speed with strong short/rough-field capability; it typically carries about 6 to 10 passengers and generally offers the longest range of this group at roughly 2,000 nautical miles or a bit more depending on payload and conditions. Overall, the CJ4 and Phenom 300E focus on classic light‑jet efficiency, the PC‑12 NGX emphasizes turboprop versatility, and the PC‑24 blends jet performance with exceptional airport access.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.88 | $ 2.78 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Phenom 300E | PC-12 NGX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 2,010 | 1803 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,758 | $ 793 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Honeywell Primus Apex | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 464 | 290 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $9,650,000 | $5,350,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | Optional | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | — | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.4 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25560 | 13100 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | Canada PW535E1 | PT6E-67XP | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 35 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 3360 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | 1200 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 51.2 | 47.25 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 52.16 | 53.33 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 17.2 | 16.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 16.75 | 14 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.25 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 14.8 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 74 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 10 | 40 | 90 |