Citation CJ3+ vs Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300E leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ3+ (introduced 2014) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 300E (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Phenom 300E carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Citation CJ3+ vs Phenom 300E: the key differences
- The Citation CJ3+ delivers 1% more range (Citation CJ3+: 2,040 nm; Phenom 300E: 2,010 nm).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 9% more cruise speed (Citation CJ3+: 416 kt; Phenom 300E: 453 kt).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 11% more passenger capacity (Citation CJ3+: 9 seats; Phenom 300E: 10 seats).
- The Phenom 300E is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2014 for the Citation CJ3+), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Phenom 300E is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (17,968 lbs versus 13,870 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Phenom 300E seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Citation CJ3+ when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Phenom 300E when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Phenom 300E holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Citation CJ3+ vs Phenom 300E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ3+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation CJ3+ has the longer published range — 2,040 nm versus 2,010 nm for the Phenom 300E.
Does the Citation CJ3+ or Phenom 300E seat more passengers?
The Phenom 300E carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 9 on the Citation CJ3+.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ3+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 416 kt for the Citation CJ3+.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ3+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2014 for the Citation CJ3+.
Is the Citation CJ3+ or the Phenom 300E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Phenom 300E is the larger aircraft — 17,968 lbs versus 13,870 lbs for the Citation CJ3+.
Should I buy the Citation CJ3+ or the Phenom 300E?
Choose the Citation CJ3+ when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Phenom 300E when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Phenom 300E holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Citation CJ3+ vs Phenom 300E?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.