Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Embraer Phenom 300
The Cessna CitationJet CJ3 and Phenom 300 are direct light-jet competitors — the CJ3 is the straight-wing efficient CitationJet (~417 kt); the Phenom 300 is the segment-leading clean-sheet Embraer (~453 kt) with the larger cabin and longer range.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 64
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
- For sale now
- 88
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 21
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 2010–2025
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $7,621,250 – $14,537,500 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 430 kts (796 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,010 nm (3,723 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 527.0 gal (1995 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Embraer Phenom 300
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Embraer Phenom 300?
Bottom line: Choose the Phenom 300 — it is the best-selling light jet in the world for good reasons: best cruise, best cabin, longest range in class, segment-leading dispatch reliability. Choose the CJ3 only when you specifically want the CitationJet handling, single-pilot certification and lower acquisition cost.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,840,000 vs $7,621,250, you save ~$2,781,250.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2200/hr.
Pick the Phenom 300 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2010 nm vs 1875 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2009 vs 2004.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 56.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.