Cessna Citation III vs Learjet 45
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation III
- For sale now
- 11
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 6
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1983–1989
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 III | 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 III | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,103,750 – $1,171,250 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 431 kts (798 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 2,054 nm (3,804 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,800 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation III
Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$910,000/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 III or Learjet 45?
Pick the Citation III if…
- Budget matters — from $1,103,750 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$657,500.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
Pick the 45 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $2800/hr.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 431 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 2054 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1983.
- More inventory — 58 listings vs 10.
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 III or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation III cruises at 431 kts with 2,054 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 III and Learjet 45?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 431 vs 438 kts.
Range: 2054 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation III: about $2800/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 III: 10 seats.
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 III: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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