Cessna Citation CJ2 vs Learjet 45
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ2
- For sale now
- 38
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 11
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2000–2019
Learjet 45
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $2,345,000
- Range
- $1,761,250–$7,125,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 25
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1999–2012
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna Citation CJ2 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ2 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,402,000 – $2,780,000 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 389 kts (720 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,520 nm (2,815 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,450 lbs (1,565 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 430.0 gal (1628 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $250,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $230,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ2
Fuel$715/hr
Variable$1,600/hr
Annual Fixed$230,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$550,000/yr
Learjet 45
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$850,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ2 or Learjet 45?
Pick the Citation CJ2 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1600/hr vs $2500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1997.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $2,402,000, you save ~$640,750.
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 389 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1520 nm.
- More inventory — 58 listings vs 37.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ2 or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ2 cruises at 389 kts with 1,520 nm range.
The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ2 and Learjet 45?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 8 vs 9.
Cruise: 389 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1520 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ2: about $1600/hr variable cost.
45: about $2500/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation CJ2: 8 seats / 3,450 lb useful load.
45: 9 seats / 5,200 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation CJ2: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data