Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs Embraer Phenom 300E

How do the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 and the Embraer Phenom 300E Light Jets compare side-by-side? What are the pros and cons offered by each model? Mike Chase analyses them side-by-side…

Mike Chase  |  01st January 2022
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Mike Chase
Mike Chase

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product...

Over the following paragraphs we’ll consider key productivity parameters for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 and the Phenom 300E, including payload, range, speed, and cabin size, to establish which aircraft provides the best value in the Light Jet market.

Does a higher purchase price with lower operating (per mile) costs drive a purchase decision? It is hoped that the following jet comparison will help clarify.

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2

As Cessna’s largest and most capable CitationJet model, the Cessna Citation CJ4, offered a longer cabin and range compared to other Citation Jet models. It also differed from the previous models through its moderately swept wing design, which it borrowed from the larger Citation Sovereign.

The first flight of the Citation CJ4 took place on May 5, 2008 with deliveries beginning in 2010. It is powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A engines each offering 3,621lbst, and proved popular with new and pre-owned aircraft buyers alike. 

The Citation CJ4 Gen2 was introduced in 2021, and began deliveries a few months later. The CJ4 Gen2 is equipped with enhanced features, including new folding airstairs with a lower step to the ground, step lighting, and handrail; added seating options; new ambient lighting; skylights in the lavatory; and a galley with improved storage.

As of this writing, there were 20 Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 business jets in operation worldwide (all wholly-owned), with 17 (85%) units based in the US.

Embraer Phenom 300E

Introducing a new interior design and avionics, the Embraer Phenom 300E represented a significant upgrade over the original Phenom 300 when it entered the market in 2018. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535-E1 turbofan engines, each producing 3,478lbst, the Phenom 300E is equipped with a Prodigy Touch Flight Deck with Garmin 3000 avionics.

As of this writing, 148 Phenom 300E business jets had been delivered worldwide, though 100 (68% of the fleet) were based in the United States. Breaking the fleet down, there were 135 wholly-owned aircraft, nine fractionally-owned, and four more in shared ownership.

Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 flying on green hills
How much do the jets cost?
Embraer Phenom 300E
$9.65 m
Cessna Citation CJ4
$10.75 m
What is the payload?
Embraer Phenom 300E
2,636 lbs
Cessna Citation CJ4
2,220 lbs
How many Passengers
Embraer Phenom 300E
7
Cessna Citation CJ4
9
What is the range?
Embraer Phenom 300E
2,010 nm
Cessna Citation CJ4
1,927 nm
What's the long range cruising speed
Embraer Phenom 300E
385 knots
Cessna Citation CJ4
377 knots
What's the cost per hour
Embraer Phenom 300E
US$1,192
Cessna Citation CJ4
US$1,153

Read More About: Light Jets | Embraer | Cessna Citation CJ4

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Mike Chase

Mike Chase

Editor, Aircraft Comparisons

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product and market research in the Commercial & Business Aviation sectors.

With over five decades of extensive experience, Michael has worked as a director of special projects for JETNET, LLC; served as Senior Management Consultant for Sabre Holding; and was Director of Market & Sales Research for Gulfstream Aerospace, leading sales and product research, including feasibility and viability studies.


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