Embraer Phenom 300 vs Cessna Citation CJ3

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

Embraer Phenom 300
For sale now
88
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
21
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2010–2025
Cessna Citation CJ3
For sale now
64
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
5
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
2004–2026

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

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Embraer Phenom 300 Cessna Citation CJ3
Embraer Phenom 300
View 73 listings →
Median $9,245,000
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 56 listings →
Median $5,422,500
Price Range $7,621,250 – $14,537,500 $4,840,000 – $5,580,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 10 9
Cruise Speed 430 kts (796 km/h) 391 kts (724 km/h)
Range 2,010 nm (3,723 km) 1,875 nm (3,472 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg) 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg)
Fuel Capacity 527.0 gal (1995 L) 438.0 gal (1658 L)
Fuel Burn 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $275,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $335,000
Hourly Variable $2,200 $1,850
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Embraer Phenom 300

Fuel$852/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $790,000/yr

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Embraer Phenom 300 or Cessna Citation CJ3?

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 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.

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.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Embraer Phenom 300 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Phenom 300 cruises at 430 kts with 2,010 nm range. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 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 Embraer Phenom 300 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Seats: 10 vs 9. Cruise: 430 vs 391 kts. Range: 2010 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Phenom 300: about $2200/hr variable cost. Citation CJ3: about $1850/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?
Phenom 300: 10 seats / 4,800 lb useful load. Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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?
Phenom 300: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000. 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