Aircraft Comparison
Citation CJ3+ vs. Phenom 300E: A Strategic Comparison for Light Jet Buyers
When it comes to high-performance light jets capable of true coast-to-coast missions with speed, style, and efficiency, two names dominate the conversation: the Cessna Citation CJ3+ and the Embraer Phenom 300E.
Both are favorites among experienced owner-pilots and small flight departments—but while they may appear similar on paper, key differences in performance, cabin comfort, operating economics, and mission profile can make one more suitable than the other depending on your needs.
Here’s a head-to-head breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Avionics and Technology
Citation CJ3+: Features the Garmin G3000 touchscreen suite with integrated synthetic vision, electronic charts, and pilot-friendly ergonomics.
Phenom 300E: Also features Garmin G3000 with a custom Embraer interface and touchscreen controller, adding some automation tools and cabin control integration.
Advantage: Tie. Both offer cutting-edge avionics well-suited for single-pilot IFR operations.
Performance and Range
Cruise Speed:
Phenom 300E: 464 knots
Citation CJ3+: 416 knots
The Phenom 300E is the fastest single-pilot certified jet in the world—nearly 50 knots faster than the Citation CJ3+.
Range:
Citation CJ3+: 2,040 NM
Phenom 300E: 2,010 NM
Surprisingly, despite its speed advantage, the CJ3+ holds a slight edge in range over the Phenom 300E, especially with four passengers.
Climb:
Phenom 300E: Faster climb to cruise with 3,000 fpm average
Citation CJ3+: More gradual, typically around 2,000 fpm, but more efficient
Advantage: Phenom 300E for speed and climb. Citation CJ3+ for slightly better range and fuel efficiency.
Runway and Field Performance
Takeoff Distance (SL, ISA):
Citation CJ3+: ~3,180 ft
Phenom 300E: ~3,209 ft
Landing Distance:
Citation CJ3+: ~2,770 ft
Phenom 300E: ~2,212 ft
Hot/High Performance:
The CJ3+ shines in elevated and short-field conditions, routinely operating from high-altitude airports like Aspen or Telluride with better margins.
Advantage: Citation CJ3+ for short-field and high/hot operations.
Cabin and Passenger Comfort
Cabin Dimensions:
Phenom 300E: Slightly wider and taller, with a dropped aisle like the CJ3+ and a clean, modern aesthetic.
Citation CJ3+: More traditional Citation interior, step-down aisle, and narrower cabin.
Passenger Seating:
Phenom 300E: Typically configured for 6–7 passengers
Citation CJ3+: Usually 6 passengers, expandable to 7 with side-facing seat
Noise and Ride Quality:
Phenom 300E: Cabin is quieter, especially at high cruise.
Citation CJ3+: May feel more spacious to some due to larger windows and cockpit layout.
Advantage: Phenom 300E for cabin aesthetics, space, and sound profile.
Baggage Capacity and Useful Load
Citation CJ3+:
Baggage capacity: 1,000+ lbs, spread between nose and aft
Useful load: ~6,000 lbs
Payload with full fuel: ~850–1,000 lbs
Phenom 300E:
Baggage: ~ 660 lbs
Useful load: ~5,300 lbs
Payload with full fuel: ~900–1,100 lbs
Despite its smaller cabin, the CJ3+ can carry more luggage and often more payload at full tanks.
Advantage: Citation CJ3+ for baggage and useful load flexibility.
Ownership Experience and Support
Maintenance Access:
Citation CJ3+: Supported by Textron Aviation’s extensive global network of Citation Service Centers, Aviation International News (AIN) ranks Textron support above Embraer in the U.S.
Phenom 300E: Embraer is making a significant investment in its US support network, but still lags behind Textron’s network.
Operating Cost:
Citation CJ3+: ~$1,400/hr
Phenom 300E: ~$1,500–$1,600/hr
The Citation CJ3+ benefits from lower engine reserves and better parts availability in North America.
Reliability: Both aircraft are highly reliable, but Citation has a longer service history and a broader base of type-rated pilots and mechanics.
Advantage: Citation CJ3+ for service network, cost, and long-term ownership ease.
Market and Resale Value
Fleet Size:
Citation CJ3+: Larger install base, easier to find experienced pilots
Phenom 300E: Slightly more exclusive, with newer production models and higher ramp appeal
Residual Value:
Both aircraft retain value well, but CJ3+ often resells faster due to brand familiarity and global Citation loyalty
Advantage: Citation CJ3+ for liquidity, Phenom 300E for visual appeal
Citation CJ3+ vs. Phenom 300E Comparison
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Cruise Speed | Phenom 300E |
Cabin Comfort | Phenom 300E |
Short-Field Capability | Citation CJ3+ |
Range | Citation CJ3+ |
Operating Cost | Citation CJ3+ |
Baggage & Useful Load | Citation CJ3+ |
Maintenance Network | Citation CJ3+ |
Style & Cabin Aesthetics | Phenom 300E |
Bottom Line
If speed, cabin styling, and cutting-edge design are at the top of your list, the Phenom 300E delivers on all fronts. It’s a fast, elegant, and highly capable light jet that competes well into the midsize category.
But if you value runway performance, ownership simplicity, mission flexibility, and total cost of operation, the Citation CJ3+ remains one of the most well-rounded, proven light jets ever built.
Still unsure which aircraft best fits your mission profile? Contact us today for a personalized side-by-side analysis and market availability report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denise Wilson, CAM, is the founder and President of The Jet Agent. Wilson has more than 25 years of experience in all facets of the aviation industry. This includes 20+ years of flying Citations and other jets in both business aviation and commercial operations, and 18 years assisting clients in the acquisition and sales of jet aircraft.
She previously served as founder & CEO of Desert Jet, collectively consisting of an aircraft acquisitions and sales division, a jet charter and management company, a jet maintenance business, and a popular FBO featuring a newly built private terminal, Desert Jet Center. Under her leadership, the company grew exponentially, ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the nation’s fastest growing, privately-owned companies five consecutive years.
As a jet aircraft broker and acquisition consultant, Wilson provides concierge-level acquisition representation, aircraft sales, and coaching to clients. She authored the Amazon #1 Bestseller “The Insider’s Guide to Buying and Selling Jets.”
ABOUT THE JET AGENT
The Jet Agent helps clients navigate the complex world of jet acquisitions and sales with confidence. The Jet Agent is in the top 5% of aircraft brokers worldwide by transaction volume and ranks as the #1 seller of Citation M2s and CJ3s. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with offices in Denver, Dallas and Sacramento, The Jet Agent is dedicated to elevating the aircraft brokerage experience with expert guidance and concierge-level service.
