Citation CJ3+
Charter

Citation CJ3+ charter rates typically range from $4,500 to $6,500 per flight hour. A short regional flight under 1 hour costs approximately $10,000-$14,000 all-in (minimum flight charge applies). Short-haul domestic flights of 1.5-3 hours run $14,000-$26,000. Medium-range flights of 3-4 hours cost $26,000-$40,000. Maximum-range missions reach $40,000-$56,000. All quotes include aircraft, crew, fuel, landing fees, handling, and catering.

The CJ3+ (introduced in 2014) is the upgraded variant of the original CJ3. The primary improvement is the Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics suite, replacing the older Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21. The G3000 provides synthetic vision, improved weather radar, and a more intuitive pilot interface. The aircraft also received interior refinements and aerodynamic improvements. Performance specifications are essentially identical between variants.

The Citation CJ3+ seats up to 7-8 passengers. Typical charter configurations seat 6-7 in a comfortable club arrangement with fold-out work tables. The cabin measures 15 ft 8 in long, 4 ft 10 in wide, and 4 ft 8 in tall. An enclosed lavatory and an industry-leading 68 cu ft baggage compartment are standard.

Three factors drive the CJ3 popularity among owner-operators. First, single-pilot certification means lower crew costs and simpler scheduling. Second, the Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, keeping per-hour operating costs well below midsize jets. Third, the Garmin G3000 avionics (CJ3+) are intuitive and reduce pilot workload. For people who fly 200-400 hours per year, these economics compound into significant savings.

The Citation CJ3+ has a maximum range of 1,875 nautical miles with NBAA IFR reserves. This covers routes like New York to Miami, Chicago to Dallas, Boston to the Bahamas, or Denver to Seattle nonstop. The CJ3+ is optimized for missions of 2-4 hours, which represent the majority of private aviation flights in North America.

Yes. The CJ3+ requires approximately 3,180 feet for takeoff, giving it access to thousands of smaller regional and general aviation airports that larger jets cannot use. This is a significant advantage — departing from a quiet field 15 minutes from your home rather than driving an hour to a major hub airport. The CJ3 opens access to resort destinations, mountain communities, and business parks with nearby airfields.

The Embraer Phenom 300 is a direct competitor — slightly larger, faster (Mach 0.78 vs 0.737), and longer-ranged (2,077 nm vs 1,875 nm). However, the CJ3+ typically charters at a lower hourly rate and has a larger baggage compartment (68 cu ft vs 66 cu ft). The CJ3+ Garmin G3000 avionics are widely considered the best in the light jet class. For budget-conscious travelers on missions under 4 hours, the CJ3+ offers the better value proposition.

Yes. The CJ3 is one of the most commonly available light jets for empty leg flights, thanks to its popularity among charter operators and owner-operators. Discounts typically range from 25-75% off standard charter rates. CJ3 empty legs appear frequently on popular domestic corridors. Contact us for current availability — date and route flexibility maximizes your chances.