Learjet 45 vs Cessna Citation CJ4
The Cessna CJ4 (largest CitationJet) and the Learjet 45 are competitive light jets, both modern. The CJ4 emphasises efficiency and single-pilot ease; the 45 emphasises speed and Learjet identity.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- For sale now
- 29
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 13
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 2010–2024
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) | Learjet 45 | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 16 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 3 | — |
| Fatalities | 15 | — |
| % Fatal | 19% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Learjet 45 | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 438 kts (811 km/h) | 420 kts (778 km/h) |
| Range | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) |
| Useful Load | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 575.0 gal (2176 L) | 581.0 gal (2199 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $325,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $385,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,500 | $2,150 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLearjet 45
Cessna Citation CJ4
Which Should You Buy: Learjet 45 or Cessna Citation CJ4?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ4 for class-leading economics, single-pilot certification and the modern Garmin G3000 cockpit. Choose the Learjet 45 for outright speed (~30 kt faster than the CJ4) and Learjet ramp presence — at higher fuel burn.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$3,176,250.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 420 kts.
- More inventory — 58 listings vs 30.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2150/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 2120 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1997.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.