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Citation CJ3 Light Jet Specifications and Charter Rates

The Citation CJ3 is a cutting-edge light jet renowned for its blend of performance, economy, and refined comfort, accommodating up to seven passengers in a sophisticated environment. Introduced as an evolution of the popular CJ series, the CJ3 is engineered to deliver fast, efficient travel across North America and beyond, making it a favorite among discerning private flyers and business executives alike.


With its spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and class-leading range, the CJ3 is the jet of choice for those who demand seamless connectivity and premium comfort on every journey. This profile details the aircraft’s capabilities, cabin features, operational advantages, and the questions clients most often ask when considering the CJ3 for charter.

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Citation CJ3 Overview

Occupying a leading position in the light jet category, the Citation CJ3 is celebrated for its efficiency, agility, and comfort. Its executive seating arrangement comfortably fits six to seven guests, providing ample space to work or relax on flights up to three hours. Twin Williams International FJ44-3A turbofans propel the CJ3 to a 45,000-foot ceiling, easily bypassing commercial traffic for a smoother, quieter experience.


Efficiency is at the heart of the CJ3’s design, with low fuel consumption and exceptional reliability, making it a go-to choice for last-minute charters and frequent business trips. The model’s popularity ensures excellent availability, so travelers can count on a CJ3 being ready when they need it most.


Operators appreciate its advanced avionics, Pro Line 21 suite, and robust safety features, translating into consistently smooth flights and operational peace of mind. For travelers, the CJ3’s combination of cost-effectiveness and comfort turns regional and mid-range journeys into elevated experiences.

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Citation CJ3 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Light Jet

Passenger capacity:

Up to 6 (typical), 7 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1581 nautical miles (around 1820 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

415 knots (about 479 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 389 knots

Service ceiling:

45000 fee

Engines:

Two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 2820 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3180 feet

Landing distance:

About 2770 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 172 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 65 cubic feet

First delivered:

2004

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Citation CJ3 Range and Performance

With a maximum range of approximately 1,581 nautical miles, the Citation CJ3 is perfectly suited for nonstop missions such as New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Denver, or London to Rome. These routes are well within its capabilities, even with a full passenger load and luggage onboard. | The CJ3’s high-speed cruise of 415 knots ensures rapid transit times, while its 45,000-foot service ceiling allows the crew to avoid congested airspace and inclement weather for a consistently smooth ride. Its takeoff requirement of around 3,180 feet opens access to hundreds of smaller airports, allowing travelers to get closer to their final destinations and avoid the delays of major hubs. | For business or leisure flyers, the CJ3’s efficiency and flexibility deliver unmatched convenience, cutting overall travel time and providing a seamless private aviation experience.

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Citation CJ3 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Citation CJ3’s cabin is designed to maximize passenger comfort in the light jet segment, offering a height of nearly 4 feet 10 inches and a width of just over 4 feet 10 inches. This allows guests to move comfortably and enjoy the journey, not merely endure it. | The typical layout features six executive seats in a club configuration, plus an optional seventh seat, providing an intimate, productive setting for small groups. The cabin is appointed with luxury finishes, adjustable seating, fold-out work tables, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. | Amenities include a private aft lavatory, in-flight Wi-Fi on many aircraft, and a generous baggage compartment of approximately 65 cubic feet—ample for golf clubs, skis, or business essentials. Whether you’re working en route or unwinding, the CJ3’s quiet, well-lit cabin ensures every flight is a pleasure.

Citation CJ3 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Citation CJ3 typically runs in the range of $2750 to $3750 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Citation CJ3 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Citation CJ3?

The Citation CJ3 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the CJ3 is not intended for long-haul international journeys, it is the ideal solution for regional trips, business shuttles, or family getaways where speed, comfort, and cost efficiency are paramount. For groups of four to seven seeking a private, tailored travel experience, the CJ3 stands out as an exceptional value in the light jet segment.

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How the Citation CJ3 Compares to Other Light Jet

The Citation CJ3’s heritage traces back to the original CitationJet of the early 1990s—an aircraft that revolutionized the light jet market with its simplicity and performance. The CJ3, introduced in 2004, built upon this legacy, bringing enhanced range, improved avionics, and increased cabin size to the class.


Among its innovations, the CJ3 was one of the first in its category to integrate the Pro Line 21 avionics suite, setting a new standard for pilot situational awareness and safety. Its efficient design, powered by twin Williams International engines, made it a favorite among operators for both charter and ownership.


Over the years, the CJ3 has remained a top seller for Cessna and a staple of premium charter fleets worldwide, thanks to its reliability, low operating costs, and exceptional passenger experience. Today, the CJ3 continues to represent the cutting edge of light jet design and is supported by an extensive global service network.

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Citation CJ3 History and Background

The Citation CJ3’s heritage traces back to the original CitationJet of the early 1990s—an aircraft that revolutionized the light jet market with its simplicity and performance. The CJ3, introduced in 2004, built upon this legacy, bringing enhanced range, improved avionics, and increased cabin size to the class.


Among its innovations, the CJ3 was one of the first in its category to integrate the Pro Line 21 avionics suite, setting a new standard for pilot situational awareness and safety. Its efficient design, powered by twin Williams International engines, made it a favorite among operators for both charter and ownership.


Over the years, the CJ3 has remained a top seller for Cessna and a staple of premium charter fleets worldwide, thanks to its reliability, low operating costs, and exceptional passenger experience. Today, the CJ3 continues to represent the cutting edge of light jet design and is supported by an extensive global service network.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Citation CJ3 Carry?

The Citation CJ3 is typically configured for six passengers in a club seating arrangement, with an optional seventh seat available. This setup provides comfort and flexibility for both leisure and business groups.

What Is the Range of the Citation CJ3?

The Citation CJ3 has a range of approximately 1581 nautical miles, or roughly 1820 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Citation CJ3 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 415 knots (about 479 mph), with a long-range cruise near 389 knots. The aircraft's 45000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Citation CJ3?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2750 and $3750 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Citation CJ3 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Absolutely. The CJ3 features a spacious cabin for its class, a private aft lavatory, and generous baggage space of about 65 cubic feet, ensuring travelers enjoy both comfort and practicality on every flight.

Is the Citation CJ3 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and cross-country trips in the U.S. and Europe, yes. The CJ3’s range covers city pairs such as New York to Miami or London to Rome without the need for fuel stops, making it an efficient choice for nonstop travel within its range.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Citation CJ3 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Citation CJ3, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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