Citation CJ3+ vs PC-24
The PC-24 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ3+ (introduced 2014) beside the Pilatus Aircraft PC-24 (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 PC-24 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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Citation CJ3+ vs PC-24: the key differences
- The Citation CJ3+ delivers 2% more range (Citation CJ3+: 2,040 nm; PC-24: 2,000 nm).
- The PC-24 delivers 6% more cruise speed (Citation CJ3+: 416 kt; PC-24: 440 kt).
- The PC-24 delivers 22% more passenger capacity (Citation CJ3+: 9 seats; PC-24: 11 seats).
- The PC-24 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 PC-24 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (18,960 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 PC-24 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 PC-24 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PC-24 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.
More comparisons
Citation CJ3+ vs PC-24: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ3+ or the PC-24?
The Citation CJ3+ has the longer published range — 2,040 nm versus 2,000 nm for the PC-24.
Does the Citation CJ3+ or PC-24 seat more passengers?
The PC-24 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 9 on the Citation CJ3+.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ3+ or the PC-24?
The PC-24 cruises faster, at 440 kt versus 416 kt for the Citation CJ3+.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ3+ or the PC-24?
The PC-24 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2014 for the Citation CJ3+.
Is the Citation CJ3+ or the PC-24 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PC-24 is the larger aircraft — 18,960 lbs versus 13,870 lbs for the Citation CJ3+.
Should I buy the Citation CJ3+ or the PC-24?
Choose the Citation CJ3+ when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-24 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PC-24 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 PC-24?
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.