The Cessna Citation CJ3 holds a particular place in the European charter market. The direct successor to the CJ2, it long dominated the upper light jet segment before the Phenom 300 came to challenge its position. Today, there are still good CJ3s available in Europe at competitive rates — depending on availability and aircraft positioning, it can be a genuine alternative to the Phenom 300.
At MK Partnair, we follow the CJ3 market closely. When a good aircraft is well-positioned on your route, we will put it in front of you — honestly and with full knowledge of what we’re proposing.
On board the CJ3 — The passenger experience
A well-sized light jet cabin, comfortable for short and medium-haul flights
The CJ3 takes the CJ2 airframe and improves on several points: slightly longer cabin, revised seats, and enhanced soundproofing on the CJ3+. For a 1h to 3h flight with 5 to 7 passengers, it delivers genuine comfort in a compact format.
- 7 leather seats in club configuration — 4 face-to-face + 3 rear seats
- Fold-out tables at every seat
- Private enclosed lavatory at the rear
- Galley with refreshments and snacks
- Improved soundproofing on the CJ3+ — noticeably quieter flight
- Wi-Fi and entertainment available on some CJ3+ aircraft depending on the operator
- Power outlets on board
💡 MK Partnair’s take: The CJ3 is a solid aircraft, well-known among European operators. It lacks the modernity of the Phenom 300 and its generous hold — but depending on the day and the route, a good CJ3 well-positioned can be a very smart choice. It’s a proven aircraft, and when the price works in its favour, it genuinely deserves consideration.
What you need to know
- Cabin height: 1.45 m — not full standing height
- Cabin width: 1.47 m
- Optimal configuration: 5 to 6 passengers — at 7, the rear seats are less comfortable
- Limited hold — less generous than the Phenom 300 (1.50 m³ vs 2.15 m³). Plan 1 case per passenger.
- Tunnel floor — like most light jets in the CJ family
Why choose the Citation CJ3?
✈️ Key specs at a glance
| Specification | CJ3 | CJ3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 passengers | 7 passengers |
| Range | ~3,100 km (1,680 nm) | ~3,260 km (1,760 nm) ✓ |
| Cruise speed | 770 km/h (416 kts) | 788 km/h (425 kts) ✓ |
| Cabin length | 4.80 m | 4.80 m (identical) |
| Cabin height | 1.45 m | 1.45 m (identical) |
| Baggage hold | ~1.50 m³ | ~1.50 m³ (identical) |
| Lavatory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Soundproofing | Standard | Enhanced ✓ |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pro Line 21 updated ✓ |
| Production | 2004–2015 | 2014–present |
| Ideal for | Short/medium European legs, 5–6 pax, value-conscious travel | |
CJ3 vs CJ3+ — What’s the practical difference?
As with the CJ2/CJ2+, both versions are virtually identical for a passenger on board. The CJ3+ brings slightly more range (~3,260 km vs ~3,100 km), a slightly higher cruise speed (788 km/h vs 770 km/h), improved soundproofing, and updated avionics. For standard short flights, both versions are perfectly adequate — the CJ3+ takes the advantage on longer missions.
CJ3 vs Phenom 300 — Is it worth it?
This is the key question on this segment. The Phenom 300 has outpaced the CJ3 on many objective criteria — larger hold, greater range, slightly higher speed. But the CJ3 retains real advantages:
| Criteria | CJ3 / CJ3+ | Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 pax | 6–7 pax |
| Cabin length | 4.80 m | 5.23 m ✓ |
| Baggage hold | ~1.50 m³ | 2.15 m³ ✓ |
| Range | ~3,260 km (CJ3+) | 3,720 km ✓ |
| Lavatory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charter price | €€ — often cheaper ✓ | €€€ |
| European availability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Our recommendation:
- Choose the Phenom 300 if you have significant luggage, range matters, or you want the best option in the segment without second-guessing.
- Choose the CJ3 if the rate is significantly more attractive that day, you’re travelling light, or a well-maintained aircraft is well-positioned on your route. On a Paris–Geneva or Paris–Nice flight with 4 or 5 passengers, the difference in comfort doesn’t always justify the price gap.
Performance and accessible destinations
Strong performance across Europe
Powered by 2 Williams FJ44-3A engines, the CJ3 cruises at 770 km/h (788 km/h on the CJ3+) with a range that covers all European destinations from Paris non-stop.
Sample routes from Paris
| Destination | Flight time | Recommended airport |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | ~50 min | Geneva-Cointrin |
| Nice | ~1h10 | Nice Côte d’Azur |
| London | ~1h | Farnborough, Biggin Hill |
| Barcelona | ~1h25 | El Prat or Sabadell |
| Milan | ~1h10 | Linate |
| Ibiza | ~1h40 | Ibiza Airport |
| Dublin | ~1h50 | Dublin Airport |
| Lisbon | ~2h10 | Humberto Delgado |
How much does it cost to charter a Citation CJ3?
Indicative pricing
This is where the CJ3 can make a compelling case: depending on availability and aircraft positioning, a CJ3 can be offered at rates significantly below a Phenom 300 on the same routes. That price gap, combined with a well-maintained aircraft, makes it a serious option to consider. Here are indicative one-way ranges:
| Route | Indicative price (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Paris → Geneva | €8,000 – €11,000 |
| Paris → Nice | €9,500 – €13,000 |
| Paris → London | €9,000 – €12,000 |
| Paris → Barcelona | €10,500 – €14,000 |
| Paris → Ibiza | €14,000 – €18,000 |
*Net prices, including airport taxes and crew. Variable based on availability, version (CJ3 or CJ3+) and aircraft positioning.*
Frequently asked questions — Citation CJ3 charter
What is the difference between the CJ3 and the CJ3+?
For a passenger, both versions are practically identical on board — same cabin, same dimensions, same seats. The CJ3+ offers slightly more range (~3,260 km vs ~3,100 km), a slightly higher cruise speed (788 km/h vs 770 km/h), improved soundproofing, and updated avionics. For standard short flights, both versions are perfectly adequate.
How many passengers can a Citation CJ3 carry?
The CJ3 seats 7 passengers in its standard configuration. The optimal configuration for comfort is 5 to 6 passengers — the 2 or 3 rear seats are less spacious than the 4 club seats.
Is the CJ3 still competitive against the Phenom 300?
The Phenom 300 is objectively superior on several criteria — larger hold, greater range, more modern cabin. But the CJ3 remains competitive when well-positioned and offered at a lower rate. On a sub-2-hour flight with 4 to 5 light passengers, the comfort difference is minimal and the price gap can be significant. We will always tell you honestly whether the CJ3 on offer is worth the alternative.
What is the range of the CJ3?
The CJ3 has a range of approximately 3,100 km (1,680 nm); the CJ3+ reaches 3,260 km (1,760 nm) — sufficient for all European destinations from Paris non-stop.
How much does a Paris–Nice flight cost on a CJ3?
A Paris–Nice charter on a Citation CJ3 costs between €9,500 and €13,000 one-way, depending on availability and aircraft positioning. Request a personalised quote →
Book your Citation CJ3 with MK Partnair
Since 2012, MK Partnair has been helping clients charter private jets across France and Europe. Our approach:
- ✅ Free quote within 2 hours
- ✅ Net prices, no surprises
- ✅ Access to a worldwide fleet
- ✅ Dedicated advisor 24/7
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, we find the best option for your route — CJ3 or otherwise, depending on what the market offers that day.
