Archived 27 May 2026
Archived side-by-side comparison from the Freestream library
The Citation CJ3+, Pilatus PC-24, and Phenom 300E represent three distinct approaches within the light jet category. The CJ3+ is the smallest and most economical of the set, certificated under FAR 23 with Williams FJ44-3A engines and a range of 1,410 nautical miles seats-full. The PC-24 occupies a unique position with its short-field and cargo capability. The Phenom 300E offers the greatest range at 1,811 nautical miles and the highest cruise speed at 464 knots.
All three platforms are in active service. The CJ3+ entered production in 2014 and continues under the current Cessna model. The PC-24 entered service in 2018. The Phenom 300E is the current production variant of Embraer's Phenom 300 series, updated in 2018. This archived comparison uses Conklin & de Decker data pulled 27 May 2026.
The Citation CJ3+ is the current production variant of the CitationJet 3, certificated under FAR 23 and in production since 2014. It is powered by twin Williams FJ44-3A engines with a Garmin G3000 flight deck, and delivers 1,410 nautical miles seats-full at a maximum cruise speed of 415 knots. The six-passenger cabin measures 15.67 ft in length, 4.83 ft wide, and 4.75 ft tall.
| Production | 2014 – Present |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 352 kts |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 415 kts |
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,410 nm |
| Ferry Range | 1,904 nm |
| Rate of Climb | 4,478 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 26,250 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,440 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L × W × H) | 15.67 × 4.83 × 4.75 ft |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 65 cu ft (external) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 13,870 lb |
| Basic Operating Weight | 8,740 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 4,710 lb |
| Variable Cost Per Hour | $2,066 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $572,521 |
The Pilatus PC-24 is the Swiss-built twinjet that occupies a separate sub-category by virtue of its short-field and unimproved-runway capability. Powered by twin Williams FJ44-4A engines, it delivers 1,525 nautical miles seats-full at a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots. The cabin is the longest in this comparison set at 23.0 ft, 5.7 ft wide and 5.1 ft tall, with a large aft cargo door enabling roll-on freight or modular medical fit.
| Production | 2015 – Present |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 375 kts |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 440 kts |
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,525 nm |
| Ferry Range | 1,950 nm |
| Rate of Climb | 3,960 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 30,000 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 2,930 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L × W × H) | 23.0 × 5.7 × 5.1 ft |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 90 cu ft (external) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,300 lb |
| Basic Operating Weight | 11,720 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 5,964 lb |
| Variable Cost Per Hour | $2,243 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $562,396 |
The Phenom 300E is the enhanced variant of the Phenom 300, updated in 2018. It is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with the Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck. At 1,811 nautical miles seats-full and a maximum cruise of 464 knots, it leads the comparison set on both range and speed. The single-zone cabin measures 17.17 ft in length, 5.08 ft wide, and 4.92 ft tall.
Phenom 300 shown; the E is the current production variant.
| Production | 2018 – Present |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 383 kts |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 464 kts |
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,811 nm |
| Ferry Range | 2,077 nm |
| Rate of Climb | 3,851 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 29,146 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,643 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L × W × H) | 17.17 × 5.08 × 4.92 ft |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 85 cu ft (19 internal, 66 external) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,387 lb |
| Basic Operating Weight | 11,783 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 5,353 lb |
| Variable Cost Per Hour | $2,576 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $565,761 |
Key metrics across the three platforms. Hover a column to highlight; best values in each row are accented. Acquisition cost excluded by design.
| Citation CJ3+ | Pilatus PC-24 | Phenom 300E | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,410 nm | 1,525 nm | 1,811 nm |
| Ferry Range | 1,904 nm | 1,950 nm | 2,077 nm |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 415 kts | 440 kts | 464 kts |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 352 kts | 375 kts | 383 kts |
| Maximum Altitude | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| Rate of Climb | 4,478 ft/min | 3,960 ft/min | 3,851 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 26,250 ft | 30,000 ft | 29,146 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,440 ft | 2,930 ft | 3,643 ft |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 13,870 lb | 18,300 lb | 18,387 lb |
| Cabin | |||
| Cabin Length | 15.67 ft | 23.0 ft | 17.17 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft | 5.7 ft | 5.08 ft |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft | 5.1 ft | 4.92 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 65 cu ft | 90 cu ft | 85 cu ft |
| Operating Economics | |||
| Variable Cost / Hour | $2,066 | $2,243 | $2,576 |
| Fuel / Hour | $740 | $955 | $915 |
| Maintenance / Hour | $571 | $501 | $739 |
| Engine Reserves / Hour | $554 | $580 | $714 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $572,521 | $562,396 | $565,761 |
Assumes 250 flight hours per year, $5.00 per US gallon Jet A, $105 per hour maintenance labour, 600 nm average trip.
All performance and operating cost figures are drawn from Conklin & de Decker (JSSI) via Freestream's subscription account, pulled 27 May 2026. Figures reflect the specific variant records held by C&D at that date.
Hourly variable and annual fixed costs are modelled at 250 flight hours per year, $5.00 per US gallon Jet A, $105 per hour maintenance labour, and a 600 nm average trip. Crew, hangar, insurance, and training are included in the fixed line. Acquisition cost is excluded.
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