Jet Comparison: Cessna Citation CJ2+ vs CJ3+ vs M2

How do the Cessna Citation CJ2+, CJ3+ and M2 compare side-by-side? What are the advantages offered by each, and where does the need to step up or down in the Citation family arise? Mike Chase analyses the performance and productivity parameters.

Mike Chase  |  01st September 2020
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Mike Chase
Mike Chase

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product...

Over the following paragraphs we’ll consider key productivity parameters for the Cessna Citation CJ2+, CJ3+ and the M2 (including payload, range, speed, and cabin size) to establish which aircraft provides the better value in the Light Jet market.

Where does the case for an operator to upsize or downsize lay within a product line? It is hoped that the following jet comparison will help clarify.

Cessna Citation CJ2+

The original CJ2 (Model 525A) was produced between 2000 and 2005. In 2006 the Cessna Citation CJ2+ was introduced with updated avionics, increased performance and FADEC controls. In fact, when it was introduced, the CJ2+ came with 17 of the CJ2’s most popular equipment options as standard.

Today, there are 210 wholly owned CJ2+ aircraft in operation worldwide, an additional eight in shared ownership, and five in fractional ownership giving a total global fleet of 223.

Cessna Citation CJ3+

The original CJ3 received FAA type certification in October 2004, ending production ten years later in 2014 when the Cessna Citation CJ3+ was introduced with a number of upgrades. The CJ3+ remains in production today, and is permitted to operate with a single pilot under the US registry only.

When it was introduced to the market, the model offered an additional two feet in cabin length over the CJ2/CJ2+, and the wingspan was extended by three feet.

Today, there are 150 wholly-owned Cessna Citation CJ3+ jets in operation worldwide. A further eight are in shared ownership, and three more are fractionally-owned, giving a total fleet of 161.

Cessna Citation CJ2+ jet in sunset sky
How much do the jets cost?
Cessna Citation CJ2+
$4.4 m
Cessna Citation CJ3+
$5.5 m
Cessna Citation M2
$3.1 m
What is the payload?
Cessna Citation CJ2+
1,720 lbs
Cessna Citation CJ3+
2,135 lbs
Cessna Citation M2
1,510 lbs
How many Passengers
Cessna Citation CJ2+
6
Cessna Citation CJ3+
6
Cessna Citation M2
4
What is the range?
Cessna Citation CJ2+
1,538 nm
Cessna Citation CJ3+
1,825 nm
Cessna Citation M2
1,183 nm
What's the long range cruising speed
Cessna Citation CJ2+
357 knots
Cessna Citation CJ3+
352 knots
Cessna Citation M2
323 knots
What's the cost per hour
Cessna Citation CJ2+
US$1,677
Cessna Citation CJ3+
US$1,615
Cessna Citation M2
US$1,564

Read More About: Light Jets

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Mike Chase

Mike Chase

Editor, Aircraft Comparisons

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product and market research in the Commercial & Business Aviation sectors.

With over five decades of extensive experience, Michael has worked as a director of special projects for JETNET, LLC; served as Senior Management Consultant for Sabre Holding; and was Director of Market & Sales Research for Gulfstream Aerospace, leading sales and product research, including feasibility and viability studies.


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