Nine-seat single-pilot light business jet · Light business jets · production 2014–2025 · See its reach on the 3D globe
A Cessna Citation CJ3+ costs approximately $6.77m (€6.27m) to $8.09m (€7.49m) to buy at 2018 market values, and about $540k (€500k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $6,750 (€6,250) per flight hour all-in. It seats 9, cruises at 416 kt (479 mph) and has a published range of 2,040 nm (3,778 km), needing about 3,179 ft (969 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The CJ3+ is often treated by buyers as one of the balanced points in the CitationJet line: excellent single-pilot range, cabin and efficiency, with the reliability and support that make Citations so ownable. It is a genuinely capable owner-flown or light-charter jet. The costs that matter are the recurring ones, because engine programmes, inspections and professional support set the true price of ownership, and used value tracks programme coverage closely. Buyers who understand and price those recurring items get one of the well-balanced light jets available; the airframe itself is usually only one part of the risk.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 6,291 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 2,669 kg |
| Landing distance | 844 m |
| Maximum operating altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 4,478 ft/min |
| Baggage weight | 454 kg |
| Engine | 2 x Williams International FJ44-3A turbofans, 2,820 lbf thrust each |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 9 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 2,756 lb (1,250 kg) |
| Published planning range | 2,040 nm (3,778 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 1,367 nm (2,532 km) |
| Cruise speed | 416 kt (479 mph) |
| Runway need | ~3,179 ft (969 m) |
| Landing gear | Retractable tricycle |
| Pressurised | Yes |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | $324k (€300k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $2,700 (€2,500) |
Excellent single-pilot range and efficiency, but engine programmes, inspections and professional support remain expensive.
Indicative cash costs at 2018 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $432k (€400k) | $10,800 (€10,000) | $9.52m (€8.81m) |
| 80 h / year | $540k (€500k) | $6,750 (€6,250) | $10.06m (€9.31m) |
| 120 h / year | $648k (€600k) | $5,400 (€5,000) | $10.6m (€9.81m) |
| 180 h / year | $810k (€750k) | $4,500 (€4,167) | $11.41m (€10.56m) |
Every figure above is built from a $324k (€300k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $2,700 (€2,500) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $589k (€545k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Cessna Citation CJ3+ cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2018 market price for a Cessna Citation CJ3+ is $6.77m (€6.27m) to $8.09m (€7.49m). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Cessna Citation CJ3+ works out at roughly $540k (€500k) annually, which is about $6,750 (€6,250) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $2,700 (€2,500).
Published range is 2,040 nm (3,778 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 1367 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Beyond a pilot certificate, a Cessna Citation CJ3+ requires type rating. This aircraft is turbojet-powered, so 14 CFR 61.31(a) requires a type rating for the specific type regardless of weight. Expect a formal initial course at a training provider and recurrent training every year, both of which insurers normally make a condition of cover. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
Plan on approximately 3,179 ft (969 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.