Frequently Asked Questions?

Cessna CJ4 Gen 3: What kind of plane is this and what should I consider when buying?

The CJ4 Gen 3 is the flagship of the CitationJet line, with deliveries starting in 2026. It is the first light jet with the certified Garmin Emergency Autoland system as part of the G3000 PRIME. It seats eight to nine, has a range of approximately 4,010 km, and a speed of 830 km/h (520 mph). Powered by Williams FJ44-4A engines, it is the longest-range and fastest CitationJet while maintaining single-pilot certification. There is no flight attendant or hot meals, resulting in a compact cabin. Baggage access is not available in-flight; it is loaded on the ground. Typical routes include Moscow–Samarkand, Almaty–Dubai, and Tashkent–Goa. Submit a request—we will prepare a proposal, calculate the content, and analyze options tailored to your needs.

How much does Cessna CJ4 Gen 3 cost: purchase and maintenance?

Guidelines for the Cessna CJ4 Gen 3: average used price is $9.5 million; new price is $11.9 million. Maintenance with 300-400 flight hours per year is approximately $1.61 million/year, flight hours are $4,038/hour. The final price depends on the year, flight hours, engine life, and configuration. Send us a request – we will prepare a proposal, calculate maintenance, and analyze options for your needs.

What is Cessna known for: which lines and for what tasks?

Cessna (Textron Aviation) is the creator of the Citation, the most widely produced family of business jets in the world, with over 8,000 aircraft produced. The lineup is structured in a ladder-like fashion: the very light M2 Gen 2, the light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, the mid-size XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and the super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, simple piloting, and the most extensive service network in the industry.

How reliable are Citation and what is the service like?

The Citation has the largest fleet size, making it easier to support than any competitor: there are over 40 authorized Textron centers, and standard spare parts are stocked in warehouses in Europe and the Middle East. Williams FJ44 and P&W 500 series engines operate for 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. Fleet availability for the CJ series is consistently higher than that of the %.

How do Citations hold their value on the secondary market?

Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $81,000–$8,000,000, compared to a new CJ3 Gen2 for around $81,000–$11,500,000, representing a loss of significantly less than half its value. The average display period is 60–90 days. Aircraft with TAP-compliant engines and current Garmin G3000 avionics sell the fastest; jets with empty engines sell for $81,000–$1,500,000.

What is the difference between Citation and Embraer Phenom?

The eternal rivalry in the light class: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (Mach 0.80 versus Mach 0.77) and has a more refined cabin, while the CJ4 gets more fuel and performs more confidently on short runways. The Citation fleet is significantly larger, which improves liquidity and spare parts availability. Ownership costs for the models are comparable: $ ~2.5–3 million per year with 400 flight hours.

What routes are light jets suitable for?

Light jets are the most popular business aviation class for flights of 2-4 hours: Almaty-Dubai, Moscow-Istanbul, Astana-Moscow. With a range of 3,700-4,000 km, the 80% covers real business routes across the CIS, Middle East, and Europe. At the same time, this class maintains access to short runways (starting from 1,200 m) and a reasonable hourly rate—the golden mean between light jets and midsize aircraft.

How many passengers and luggage can a light jet carry?

The standard configuration is 6-8 seats, with a maximum of 10 (Phenom 300E). Comfortable long-haul seating is 4-6 passengers. The luggage compartments hold 0.9-1.9 m³: that's 6-8 suitcases plus carry-on luggage; the CJ4 and Phenom 300 can fit skis and golf bags. A full cabin and full fuel tanks are not available simultaneously—with eight passengers, the range drops by approximately a quarter.

What is the difference between a light jet, a very light jet, and a medium jet?

It's 1,000-1,500 km longer than the VLJ, has a full-size toilet, and twice the luggage space. It's also cheaper than the mid-size jet: the $1 costs 500-2,500 rubles per hour, but the cabin is lower (you can't stand up straight) and there's no separate crew compartment. The choice is as follows: 2-4 hours of flying with four people is the Easy Jet; 5+ hours, 8+ people, or a standing cabin is required—the Mid-size Jet.

What 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 fuel economy, the high-speed Learjet 40XR/45XR/70/75 with a cruise speed of up to 860 km/h, the remanufactured Nextant 400XTi - jet speed at the price of a turboprop, and the Beechcraft Premier IA with a composite fuselage and the widest cabin in its class.

How to choose the right aircraft for your needs?

Start with two figures: the typical route length and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 passengers – a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km – a medium jet; nonstop intercontinental flights – a long-haul jet. Add adjustments for short runs, baggage volume, and berths. We'll select a model that matches your profile and calculate the economics of ownership. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the content, and analyze options tailored to your needs.

A new plane or a used one – which is more profitable to buy?

A new aircraft comes with a factory warranty and a 1-3 year waiting list, but the price is maximum. A used aircraft offers immediate delivery and a lower price for the 30-60%, but it's important to check the engine life and history. For most buyers, a new aircraft, 3-7 years old, is optimal: the main discount has already been applied, and the aircraft still has a long service life. We consider both options. Send us a request – we'll prepare a proposal, calculate the cost, and analyze the options for your needs.