Aircraft Guides / Aircraft comparisons
Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Embraer Phenom 300E: range, cabin and specifications compared
- The Cessna Citation CJ3 and the Embraer Phenom 300E have similar range (2,040 nm vs 2,010 nm).
- The Embraer Phenom 300E has the longer cabin, by about 1 ft 6 in.
- The Cessna Citation CJ3 entered service in 2004; the Embraer Phenom 300E in 2018.
| Cessna Citation CJ3 | Embraer Phenom 300E | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Light jet | Light jet |
| Range | 2,040 nm (maximum) | 2,010 nm (with 5 occupants, IFR reserves) |
| Speed | 416 ktas maximum cruise | 464 kt maximum |
| Passengers | Up to 9 occupants | 6 to 8 typical, up to 10 |
| Cabin | 15 ft 8 in long, 4 ft 10 in wide, 4 ft 9 in high | 17 ft 2 in long, 5 ft 1 in wide, 4 ft 11 in high |
| Engines | 2 × Williams FJ44-3A | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E1 |
| Maximum altitude | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| In service since | 2004 | 2018 |
Manufacturers publish range under different conditions (passenger numbers, speed and reserves). Compare like for like with each manufacturer before deciding.
Cessna Citation CJ3
The CJ3 has been in production since 2004 and can be flown by a single pilot. The latest version, the CJ3 Gen2, received FAA certification in October 2025; the figures shown are for it.
What to check before buying
Compare earlier CJ3s with the CJ3+ (certified 2014), which added Garmin avionics. Check Williams TAP coverage and the time to the next engine overhaul.
Embraer Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300 family has been the most-delivered light jet for more than a decade. The 300E, launched in 2018 and upgraded in 2020, adds more thrust and a redesigned cabin.
What to check before buying
Large charter and fractional fleets mean a steady supply of pre-owned aircraft: compare hours and cycles with the fleet average and check Pratt & Whitney ESP coverage.
Sources
Figures are published manufacturer or industry values and vary with configuration, payload and conditions. Confirm them with the manufacturer or seller before relying on them.