Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Learjet 45
The Learjet 45 and Cessna CitationJet CJ3 are both light business jets, but with different DNA — the 45 is a swept-wing fast Learjet (~460 kt cruise); the CJ3 is a straight-wing CitationJet focused on field performance and operating economics.
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
- 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 CJ3 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 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 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Learjet 45
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 for speed and ramp presence — it cruises noticeably faster than the CJ3. Choose the CJ3 for better field performance, lower operating cost and single-pilot ease.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$3,078,750.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1875 nm.
- More inventory — 58 listings vs 56.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.