Charter a Citation CJ3
A light jet that seats six to seven and flies up to about four hours nonstop.
Cessna Citation CJ3 Specifications
- Passengers
- 6–7
- Range
- 2,040 nm
- Cruise speed
- 416 kt
- Nonstop
- ~4 hr
- Ceiling
- 45,000 ft
- Cabin height
- 4 ft 9 in
- Cabin width
- 4 ft 10 in
- Cabin length
- 15 ft 8 in
- Baggage
- 65 cu ft
- Wingspan
- 53 ft 4 in
- Class
- Light jet
- Hourly rate
- $3,800–$5,500
Specifications are manufacturer figures. Range assumes typical passenger loads and fuel reserves; winds and altitude reduce it.
About the Cessna Citation CJ3
The Citation CJ3 is one of the most widely available light jets for charter, and it has a reputation for reliability. It is also easy to fly, so a single pilot can be certified on it, although most charter operators fly it with two pilots.
A range of about 2,000 nautical miles means Northeast-to-Florida trips are nonstop, and so are most Midwest-to-mountain trips. The cabin seats six in a club layout plus a side-facing seat.
Citation CJ3 Variants
These versions share the same basic design, so we cover them on one page. Tell us if you prefer a specific one.
Citation CJ3+
The updated CJ3, with a newer Garmin cockpit and cabin systems. The cabin, speed and range are essentially the same as the CJ3.
Is the Citation CJ3 Right for Your Trip?
Best For
- Flights of 1,000 to 1,800 miles, such as New York to Palm Beach or Chicago to Aspen
- Families or small teams of up to six who need more range than a very light jet
- Mountain and island airports with shorter runways
Keep in Mind
- You cannot stand up in the cabin; it is about 4 ft 9 in tall.
- Baggage space is 65 cubic feet, so skis and golf bags should be declared when you book.
Citation CJ3 Sample Trips
Estimated one-way flight times and prices, calculated from this aircraft’s cruise speed and range. Short trips are billed at least the 2.5-hour daily minimum. Prices exclude taxes, fees and repositioning.
| Trip | Distance | Time | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Aspen VNY–ASE | 730 mi | 1 hr 50 mindaily minimum | $10,900–$15,900 |
| New York to Miami TEB–OPF | 1,092 mi | 2 hr 50 min | $12,300–$17,800 |
| New York to Aspen TEB–ASE | 1,728 mi | 4 hr 30 min | $19,600–$28,500 |
| Miami to Aspen OPF–ASE | 1,791 mi | 5 hr 40 min1 fuel stop | $21,500–$31,000 |
| New York to Los Angeles TEB–VNY | 2,450 mi | 7 hr 20 min1 fuel stop | $28,500–$41,500 |
Citation CJ3 Compared
| Aircraft | Seats | Range | Cruise | Cabin height | Per hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ3 | 6–7 | 2,040 nm | 416 kt | 4 ft 9 in | $3,800+ |
| Phenom 100 | 4–5 | 1,178 nm | 406 kt | 4 ft 11 in | $2,800+ |
| Gulfstream G450 | 12–16 | 4,350 nm | 476 kt | 6 ft 2 in | $8,500+ |
Citation CJ3 Charter Questions
How much does it cost to charter a Citation CJ3?
The Citation CJ3 is priced as a light jet: about $3,800 to $5,500 per flight hour, with a 2.5-hour daily minimum. For example, New York to Miami (2 hr 50 min) estimates at $12,300 to $17,800 one way before taxes and fees. Your quote itemizes every cost.
Which Citation CJ3 versions can I charter?
This page covers the Citation CJ3 and Citation CJ3+. They share the same basic airframe and cabin; the differences are described above. Availability depends on the operators near your departure airport.
How many passengers fit on a CJ3?
Six fit comfortably, and seven with the side-facing seat. For heavy luggage or long legs, plan on five or six.
Can a Citation CJ3 fly into Aspen?
Yes. The CJ3 is a common sight at Aspen. Performance at 7,800 ft on a warm day can limit how much fuel it can carry out, so longer return legs may need a stop.
