Frequently asked questions
Cessna CJ3 Gen 3: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The CJ3 Gen 3 is the newest generation of the best-seller, delivering since 2025: Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics with auto-throttle and a refreshed six-to-seven-seat cabin. A range of about 3,780 km, 774 km/h and economical Williams FJ44-3A engines. Single-pilot certification is retained — rare at this range. Its niche is 2,000–3,500 km business legs. There is no flight attendant or hot meal service — the cabin is compact. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On typical legs it covers routes such as Vienna–Munich · Geneva–Istanbul. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the Cessna CJ3 Gen 3 cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the Cessna CJ3 Gen 3: average pre-owned price — $8.5M; new — $11.5M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $1.60M/year, or $3,998 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Cessna known for: which lines and for what tasks?
Cessna (Textron Aviation) created the Citation, the best-selling business-jet family in the world: more than 8,000 built. The line is built as a ladder: the very light M2 Gen 2, light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, midsize XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, easy handling and the most developed service network in the industry. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are Citations and what about service?
The Citation holds the record for fleet size, so support is easier than for any rival: Textron alone has over 40 authorised centres, and common parts are stocked in Europe and the Middle East. The Williams FJ44 and P&W 500-series engines run 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. CJ-series fleet dispatch reliability is steadily above 99.5%. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well do Citations hold value on the pre-owned market?
Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $6.5–8M against a new CJ3 Gen 2 at about $11.5M — losing well under half its value. Average exposure is 60–90 days. The quickest to sell have engines on the TAP programme and current Garmin G3000 avionics; jets with 'bare' engines are discounted $1–1.5M. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the Citation differ from the Embraer Phenom?
An eternal light-class rivalry: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (M0.80 versus M0.77) and more fashionable inside; the CJ4 carries more fuel and works more confidently off short strips. The Citation fleet is far larger — a plus for liquidity and parts availability. Ownership costs are comparable: ~$2.5–3M a year at 400 hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit light jets?
The light jet is the most in-demand class of business aviation for 2–4-hour legs: Geneva–Dubai, London–Athens, Vienna–London. A range of 3,700–4,000 km covers 80% of real business routes across Europe, the Middle East and the CIS. The class keeps access to short strips from 1,200 m and a reasonable hourly price — the sweet spot between VLJ and midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How many passengers and how much baggage does a light jet take?
The typical layout is 6–8 seats, the maximum up to 10 (Phenom 300E). A comfortable long-leg load is 4–6 people. Holds take 0.9–1.9 m³: 6–8 suitcases plus hand luggage, and the CJ4 and Phenom 300 fit skis and golf bags. A full cabin and full tanks are not available at once — with eight passengers, range falls by about a quarter. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a light jet differ from neighbouring classes?
From a VLJ it is set apart by an extra 1,000–1,500 km of range, a full lavatory and a hold twice as large; from a midsize by price: an hour is $1,500–2,500 cheaper, but the cabin is lower (no standing) and there is no separate crew area. The choice: 2–4 hours for four — light; 5+ hours, 8+ people or a stand-up cabin needed — midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Ten models to choose from: the best-selling Embraer Phenom 300E (up to 10 seats, 3,720 km), the Cessna CJ2+/CJ3/CJ4 family with best-in-class economics, the fast Learjet 40XR/45XR/70/75 cruising up to 860 km/h, the remanufactured Nextant 400XTi — jet speed at a turboprop price — and the Beechcraft Premier IA with a composite fuselage and the widest cabin in class. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
