Cessna Citation CJ3

“Spacious, efficient, and versatile, the Citation CJ3 is a best-seller in the CitationJet family, offering longer range, excellent performance, and comfort for up to seven passengers.”

Cessna Citation CJ3 light jet on runway, versatile 6–7 passenger private jet for European and Middle Eastern flights
Cessna Citation CJ3 cabin interior with spacious club seating for up to 7 passengers and compact enclosed lavatory

Introduction & Fun Facts

The Citation CJ3, certified in 2004, is the larger and more powerful successor to the CJ2. With an extended cabin, improved avionics, and enhanced fuel efficiency, the CJ3 quickly became one of the most successful models in the CitationJet lineup. Known for its balance of range, comfort, and operating costs, it’s equally popular among business travelers and families. The CJ3 is also certified for single-pilot operation, keeping charter costs competitive while delivering midsize jet-like performance.

Cabin & Comfort

  • Seats: 6–7 passengers

  • Cabin Dimensions: 4.78 m (15 ft 8 in) length × 1.47 m (4 ft 10 in) width × 1.45 m (4 ft 9 in) height

  • Luggage Capacity: Fits up to 7 medium suitcases plus hand luggage

  • Layout: Club seating with additional forward-facing seats

  • Lavatory: Compact enclosed rear lavatory

  • Flight Attendant: Not standard, but can be arranged on longer flights

The CJ3 cabin provides more legroom and flexibility compared to earlier CJ models, with improved seating ergonomics and a quieter cabin.

Catering

Standard catering includes sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, or champagne). Hot catering can be pre-arranged for longer flights such as Geneva–Riyadh.

Performance & Specs

  • Range: up to 3,500 km (≈ 2,175 mi / 1,890 nm) — 4.5 to 5 hours of flight

  • Cruising Speed: 770 km/h (≈ 478 mph / 416 knots)

  • Engines: 2 × Williams FJ44-3A turbofans

  • Take-off Distance: approx. 971 m (≈ 3,186 ft)

  • Maximum Ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 ft)

Popular Routes & Prices in Europe & Beyond

The Citation CJ3’s extended range allows it to cover both regional and mid-haul routes efficiently.

  • Geneva – Riyadh King Khalid: from 16,000 EUR

  • Zurich – Lisbon: from 8,500 EUR

  • Paris Le Bourget – Athens: from 9,200 EUR

Prices are indicative, subject to aircraft positioning, seasonality, and request preparation time.

Why Choose the Citation CJ3

  • Extended range compared to CJ1 and CJ2

  • Spacious cabin with up to 7 passenger seats

  • Single-pilot certified for cost efficiency

  • Reliable and versatile for both business and leisure missions

Technical Data

  • Aircraft Type: Light Jet

  • Manufacturer: Cessna (Textron Aviation)

  • Range: 3,500 km (2,175 mi / 1,890 nm)

  • Cruise Speed: 770 km/h (478 mph / 416 knots)

  • Seats: 6–7 passengers

  • Cabin Dimensions: 4.78 m × 1.47 m × 1.45 m (15 ft 8 in × 4 ft 10 in × 4 ft 9 in)

  • Luggage Capacity: 7 medium suitcases plus hand luggage

  • Lavatory: Compact enclosed rear lavatory