Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is typically categorized as a light jet, optimized for efficient short-to-medium business missions. It offers a range of roughly 2,000+ nautical miles (about 2,160 nm typical) and commonly seats 6 to 10 passengers depending on configuration, with 7 to 8 being a common real-world layout. The Embraer Praetor 500 sits in the midsize/super-midsize class, delivering notably longer legs and a larger cabin feel than the CJ4. Its range is about 3,300+ nautical miles (around 3,340 nm), and it generally carries 8 to 10 passengers, with higher comfort at those counts than most light jets. The Pilatus PC-24 is often described as a light jet with “super versatile” utility, bridging business-jet comfort and rugged-field capability. Its range is typically around 2,000+ nautical miles (about 2,000 nm), and it is commonly arranged for 6 to 10 passengers, with many operators choosing 8.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Praetor 500 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 6.02 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Praetor 500 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 3340 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 2,779 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 466 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $16,995,000 | $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 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.7 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 27110 | 23500 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | HTF7500E | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 6540 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 64.6 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 70.5 | 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 | 20.6 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 21.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 17.4 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 110 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 40 | 90 |