Light Jet
Cessna Citation CJ3+ Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Cessna Citation CJ3+ Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ Gen2 is Textron Aviation's mid-fleet light jet, delivering 2,040 nautical miles of range, 416 ktas (Mach 0.737) maximum cruise, and single-pilot certification with the Garmin G3000-based avionics suite. Announced by Cessna in October 2025 as the next-generation upgrade to the proven CJ3+ platform, the Gen2 retains the Williams FJ44-3A propulsion and adds modernized cabin technology and avionics enhancements. Factory list price: $11,000,000.
For owner-operators stepping up from the M2 or CJ2, and for light corporate flight departments seeking a stable midpoint in the Cessna single-pilot lineup, the CJ3+ Gen2 is the proven workhorse.
Citation CJ3+ Gen2 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet |
| First Flight (Model 525B) | April 17, 2003 |
| CJ3 FAA Certified | October 2004 |
| CJ3+ Introduced | 2014 (with Garmin G3000 upgrade) |
| CJ3 Gen2 Announced | October 2025 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 in club configuration |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,040 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 416 ktas (Mach 0.737) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams FJ44-3A |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,820 lbf |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 with autothrottle |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 13,870 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 15.67 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 286 cubic ft |
| New Price (2025) | $11,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average | $4.9M to $6.2M (CJ3+) |
History and Development
The Citation CJ3 traces back to the Model 525B, a stretched derivative of the proven CJ2 platform. Cessna unveiled the CJ3 at the September 2002 NBAA convention, with first flight on April 17, 2003 and FAA certification in October 2004. First deliveries followed in December 2004.
The platform lineage:
- Citation CJ3 (2004 to 2014): Original Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics
- Citation CJ3+ (2014 to 2024): Upgraded with Garmin G3000 avionics, refreshed M2-style seats with foldable armrests
- Citation CJ3+ Gen2 (October 2025 announcement, 2026 production): Wireless cabin technology, refreshed interior, Garmin autothrottle, GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar, optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS)
Between 2004 and 2018, Cessna delivered approximately 500 CJ3 and CJ3+ aircraft. As of mid-2025, there are more than 400 CJ3s and over 100 CJ3+ aircraft in active service worldwide. The platform is one of the most successful light jets in business aviation history.
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The CJ3+ Gen2 retains the time-proven Model 525 aluminum airframe with natural laminar flow wings, which contribute significantly to its fuel efficiency.
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 51 ft 2 in |
| Wingspan | 53 ft 4 in |
| Height | 15 ft 2 in |
The natural laminar flow wing design is uncommon at this airframe weight and is part of why the CJ3+ achieves 2,040 nm range on relatively modest engines.
Cabin Interior and Passenger Experience
The CJ3+ Gen2 offers a meaningfully larger cabin than the M2 Gen2, providing genuine six-passenger executive space with executive foldout tables and a fully enclosed lavatory.
Cabin Dimensions
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 15.67 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 286 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
The standard layout seats six passengers in a center club configuration around two executive foldout tables. Configurations available:
- Standard Club Six: Two facing club pairs plus two additional forward seats
- Eight-Seat Charter Configuration: With side-facing seat and belted lavatory
- Nine-Occupant Maximum: With cockpit jumpseat plus belted lav
Cabin Features
- Fully enclosed lavatory: With pocket door for full privacy
- Two executive foldout tables: Standard between facing club seats
- 14 cabin windows: Generous natural light
- LED cabin lighting: Wireless cabin management on Gen2
- Wireless device charging: Standard on Gen2
- USB-A and USB-C ports: Every passenger position
- 110V AC power outlets: Standard
- Polished wood refreshment center: Galley with ice drawer, hot beverage capability
- External and internal baggage compartments: Both accessible
Baggage Capacity
The CJ3+ provides ample baggage space across forward and aft compartments, accommodating large items including golf bags, ski equipment, and full luggage for eight passengers.
Performance Specifications
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 416 ktas (Mach 0.737) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,040 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Time to FL450 | Approximately 28 minutes |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,180 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,770 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm)
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- Houston to Aspen (974 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
- Geneva to Marrakech (1,127 nm)
- Seattle to Dallas (1,470 nm)
The CJ3+ Gen2 covers nearly every U.S. transcontinental city pair with four passengers and bags.
Engines and Systems
Two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofans power the CJ3+ Gen2, each producing 2,820 lbf of thrust. The Williams platform is renowned for fuel efficiency, low operating cost, and proven reliability across thousands of in-service hours.
Systems highlights:
- FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control
- Garmin Autothrottle: Standard on Gen2 (optional retrofit available for earlier CJ3+ aircraft)
- Dual hydraulic systems: Full redundancy
- Anti-skid braking: Standard
- Wing anti-ice: Bleed air heated leading edges
- Single-Point Pressure Refueling: Standard
- Externally serviceable lavatory: Standard
Avionics and Flight Deck
The CJ3+ Gen2 features the Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck (first introduced on the CJ3+ in 2014, now refined for Gen2).
Standard avionics suite includes:
- Three high-resolution displays with two GTC 570 touchscreen controllers
- Garmin GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar: Standard
- Garmin Autothrottle: Reduces pilot workload through all flight phases
- Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT): 3D terrain awareness
- Optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS) camera: For low-visibility operations
- TCAS I traffic system: Standard
- ADS-B Out and In: Compliance
- WAAS/LPV-capable GPS navigation: Standard
- Dual-channel digital autopilot: With auto-trim and envelope protection
- Cessna Citation Auto Throttle (CAT): Integrated with G3000
Operating Costs and Economics
Direct Operating Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (approximately 165 gph) | $1,150 to $1,500 |
| Engine Reserve | $313 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $251 |
| Labor | $298 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,000 to $2,400/hr |
Annual Fixed Cost Estimates (450 hours per year)
| Cost Item | Annual |
|---|---|
| Crew (single-pilot or two-crew) | $0 to $200,000 |
| Hangar | $45,000 to $60,000 |
| Insurance | $30,000 to $45,000 |
| Recurrent Training | $22,000 |
| Subscriptions, Connectivity | $18,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed | ~$250,000 to $345,000 |
Total annual budget at 450 hours: $1.2 to $1.4 million, working out to roughly $2,700 to $3,100 per hour all-in for owner-operated missions.
Charter Rates
CJ3+ charter rates run $4,000 to $5,500 per flight hour.
Pricing: New and Pre-Owned
| Market | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New CJ3+ Gen2 (2025 list) | $11,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ3+ (2015 to 2023) | $6,200,000 to $9,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ3 (2009 to 2014) | $5,000,000 to $6,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ3 (2004 to 2008) | $3,000,000 to $4,500,000 |
Mission Profile: Who Should Buy a Citation CJ3+ Gen2?
Best fit profiles:
- Owner-Operators Stepping Up From M2 or CJ2: Natural progression with familiar handling
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse with U.S. transcontinental range
- Charter Operators: Williams FJ44 engines deliver favorable cost economics
- Fractional Operators: FlyExclusive and Nicholas Air operate substantial CJ3 fleets
Less suited if:
- You need light-jet capability with the largest cabin (PC-24 or Phenom 300E better)
- You routinely fly 9+ passengers
- You want the fastest light jet (CJ4 Gen2 or Phenom 300E faster)
Citation CJ3+ Gen2 vs. Direct Competitors
| Aircraft | Range (nm) | Max Cruise | Cabin Volume | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ3+ Gen2 | 2,040 | 416 ktas | 286 cu ft | $11.0M |
| Embraer Phenom 300E | 2,010 | 464 ktas (M 0.80) | 324 cu ft | $10.995M |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 2,000 | 440 ktas | Largest cabin in class | $11.9M |
| Citation CJ4 Gen2 | 2,165 | 451 ktas | 311 cu ft | $11.6M |
The CJ3+ Gen2 sits at the lower-priced end of the light jet category while delivering competitive range. The Phenom 300E and CJ4 Gen2 offer more speed; the PC-24 offers a larger cabin and rough-field capability.
Pros and Cons
What the CJ3+ Gen2 Does Well
- Largest installed base of any light jet (500+ CJ3 family aircraft delivered)
- Textron's unmatched global service and parts network
- Williams FJ44-3A engines: low operating cost, proven reliability
- Natural laminar flow wing for excellent fuel economy
- Garmin G3000 avionics with new autothrottle and GWX 8000 radar
- Single-pilot certified
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Cabin is narrower than oval-cross-section Phenom 300E
- Slower than CJ4 Gen2 and Phenom 300E
- Slower than top of the light jet category (Mach 0.737 vs Mach 0.80)
- Some legacy systems remain unchanged from CJ3 era
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Citation CJ3+ Gen2 fly?
The CJ3+ Gen2 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 2,040 nautical miles, capable of nearly all U.S. transcontinental missions.
How many passengers does the Citation CJ3+ Gen2 carry?
Standard configuration seats six passengers. Maximum configurations support up to 9 occupants.
Is the CJ3+ Gen2 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The Citation CJ3+ Gen2 is certified for single-pilot operation under FAR Part 23.
What is the difference between the CJ3, CJ3+, and CJ3+ Gen2?
The original CJ3 (2004) used Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The CJ3+ (2014) introduced Garmin G3000 avionics and M2-style cabin seats. The CJ3+ Gen2 (announced October 2025) adds wireless cabin management, refreshed interior, Garmin autothrottle, GWX 8000 weather radar, and optional Enhanced Vision System.
What does it cost to charter a Citation CJ3+?
Charter rates for the CJ3+ typically run $4,000 to $5,500 per flight hour.
How much does the CJ3+ Gen2 cost to operate per year?
A typical owner flying 450 hours per year should budget $1.2 to $1.4 million annually, working out to approximately $2,700 to $3,100 per hour all-in.
What engines power the CJ3+ Gen2?
The CJ3+ Gen2 is powered by two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan engines, each producing 2,820 lbf of thrust.
Can the CJ3+ Gen2 use short runways?
Yes. With a balanced field length of 3,180 ft, the CJ3+ Gen2 operates comfortably at most U.S. business airports.
The Bottom Line
The Citation CJ3+ Gen2 is the safe, proven middle ground in the Cessna light jet lineup. It does not chase the speed records or the largest cabin, but it delivers consistent performance with the largest installed base and service network in business aviation. For owner-operators and corporate departments who value reliability and resale value above all else, the CJ3+ Gen2 is among the safest acquisition choices in the segment.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2: Larger Cabin Light Jet
- Embraer Phenom 300E: Direct Competitor
- Pilatus PC-24: Rough-Field Alternative
- Cessna Citation M2 Gen2: Entry-Level Step Down
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. All performance figures based on standard atmospheric conditions and NBAA IFR fuel reserves unless otherwise noted.