Light Jet (Flagship)
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the flagship of Textron Aviation's single-pilot CJ series, delivering 2,165 nautical miles of range, 451 ktas (Mach 0.77) maximum cruise, and the longest cabin in the CJ family at 17 feet 3 inches. Powered by twin Williams FJ44-4A turbofans producing 3,621 lbf each, the CJ4 Gen2 entered service in March 2021 with substantial cabin upgrades, CoolView skylights, wireless cabin management, and the proven Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite. Factory list price: $9,610,000 to $11,600,000 equipped.
For pilots who want the most capable single-pilot Citation, the CJ4 Gen2 is the top of the lineup.
Citation CJ4 Gen2 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Flagship Light Jet (Single-Pilot) |
| Citation CJ4 First Delivery | April 2010 |
| CJ4 Gen2 Entry Into Service | March 2021 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 to 8 in club configuration |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,165 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 451 ktas (Mach 0.77) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 405 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams FJ44-4A |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,621 lbf |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 17,110 lbs |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,412 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,038 ft |
| Cabin Length | 17.25 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 311 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 77 cu ft (6 internal + 71 external) |
| New Price (2025) | $9.61M base / $11.6M equipped |
History and Development
The Citation CJ4 (Model 525C) was announced in 2006 and certified by the FAA in 2010, debuting as the largest member of the Cessna 525 series. It introduced more powerful Williams FJ44-4A engines and a substantial cabin stretch over the CJ3.
The lineage:
- Citation CJ4 (2010 to 2020): Original production
- Citation CJ4 Gen2 (March 2021 to present): Reimagined cabin with CoolView skylights, upgraded seating, wireless cabin management system, refreshed entry stairs with lighted handrail
Over 300 CJ4s had been delivered before the Gen2 launch. The CJ4 Gen2 retains all proven performance characteristics while bringing the cabin experience up to current premium standards.
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The CJ4 Gen2 is the largest 525-series airframe in production, with a meaningfully stretched fuselage over the CJ3 and a larger cabin door inspired by the Citation Mustang.
| Exterior Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 53 ft 4 in |
| Wingspan | 50 ft 10 in |
| Height | 14 ft 7 in |
The wing is a moderately swept design with winglets, optimized for high-altitude cruise efficiency.
Cabin Interior and Passenger Experience
The CJ4 Gen2 cabin is the largest in the single-pilot Citation lineup, with a meaningful jump in cabin length over the CJ3+.
Cabin Dimensions
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17.25 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 311 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
The standard layout seats six club passengers with an extended galley. Operators can also specify:
- Six-Seat Standard: With extended forward galley
- Eight-Seat Couch Layout: Most popular, with double divan
- Nine-Occupant Maximum: With belted lavatory seat
- Forward-Facing Charter Configurations: For high-utilization operators
All seats recline completely flat, providing genuine inflight rest capability.
Cabin Features (New on Gen2)
- CoolView skylights: Standard on Gen2, dramatically enhances cabin light and feel
- Wireless cabin management system: Instant control of lighting, window shades, cabin temperature from any device
- Rockwell Collins Venue HD cabin management: 180GB onboard media server
- Upgraded leather seating: Deeper cushions, three-direction seat tracking
- Fresh Air System: Brings outside air through engines for pathogen elimination
- Dual climate control zones: Pilot and cabin
- Refreshed entry stairs: Lighted handrail, additional step, projected lower step floodlight
- AC outlets capable of running a coffee maker: Standard
- USB-A and USB-C ports: Every cabin sidewall
Baggage Capacity
The CJ4 Gen2 provides 77 cubic feet of total baggage capacity:
- Aft external baggage: 71 cubic feet, 600 lb capacity (largest in CJ series)
- Internal in-cabin baggage: 6 cubic feet, accessible during flight
- Nose compartment: Two doors for flexible loading of walkers, folding wheelchairs, garment bags
This is among the most generous baggage configurations in the single-pilot light jet class.
Performance Specifications
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 451 ktas (Mach 0.77) |
| High-Speed Cruise | 425 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 405 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,165 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Initial Climb to FL450 | Approximately 28 minutes |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 3,412 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,038 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- San Francisco to Honolulu (2,082 nm)
- San Diego to Orlando (1,981 nm)
- New York to Phoenix (1,991 nm)
- Los Angeles to Atlanta (1,939 nm)
- London to Casablanca (1,219 nm)
- Geneva to Cairo (1,888 nm)
- Lugano (Switzerland) and Saint-Tropez short-runway operations
The CJ4 Gen2 has the longest range in the single-pilot Citation lineup, with the ability to cover San Francisco to Honolulu nonstop.
Engines and Systems
Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans power the CJ4 Gen2, each producing 3,621 lbf of thrust (7,242 lbf total).
Engine and systems highlights:
- FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control
- TBO: 5,000 hours on-condition
- Single-Point Pressure Refueling: Standard
- Externally serviceable lavatory: Standard
- Dual hydraulic systems: Full redundancy
- Anti-skid braking with carbon brakes: Standard
- Wing anti-ice: Bleed air heated leading edges
Fuel represents approximately 30% of total cost of ownership, meaning a 20% fuel price increase translates to only a 6% increase in operating cost (per Jet OUT operator data).
Avionics and Flight Deck
The CJ4 Gen2 uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 advanced avionics suite. Unlike the Garmin G3000 in the M2 Gen2 and CJ3+ Gen2, the CJ4 stayed with Pro Line 21 for production continuity and operator preference.
Standard avionics features:
- Hazard Detection System: Integrated weather and terrain awareness
- Synthetic Vision System: 3D terrain display
- Triple Integrated FMS: With graphical flight planning
- TCAS II: Traffic collision avoidance
- ADS-B Out and In: Compliance
- WAAS/LPV-capable: Standard
- Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Cabin Management: HD integrated entertainment and productivity system
The cockpit is purpose-designed for single-pilot operation with category-leading ergonomics.
Operating Costs and Economics
Direct Operating Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (approximately 180 gph) | $1,260 to $1,620 |
| Engine Reserve | $480 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $300 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,200 to $2,600/hr |
Annual Fixed Cost Estimates (450 hours per year)
| Cost Item | Annual |
|---|---|
| Crew (single-pilot or two-crew) | $0 to $220,000 |
| Hangar | $55,000 to $70,000 |
| Insurance | $40,000 to $55,000 |
| Recurrent Training | $25,000 |
| Subscriptions, Connectivity | $20,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed | ~$280,000 to $390,000 |
Total annual budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.5 to $1.9 million, working out to roughly $3,300 to $4,200 per hour all-in.
Charter Rates
CJ4 Gen2 charter rates run $4,500 to $6,000 per flight hour.
Pricing: New and Pre-Owned
| Market | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New CJ4 Gen2 (2025 base) | $9,610,000 |
| New CJ4 Gen2 (2025 equipped) | $11,500,000 to $11,820,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ4 (2018 to 2020) | $7,500,000 to $10,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ4 (2014 to 2017) | $5,800,000 to $7,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned CJ4 (2010 to 2013) | $4,500,000 to $5,800,000 |
CJ4 Gen2 used inventory is tight, with pre-owned Gen2 examples often trading above new factory list price due to wait-list dynamics.
Mission Profile: Who Should Buy a Citation CJ4 Gen2?
Best fit profiles:
- Owner-Operators Stepping Up From CJ3+: Maximum capability in the single-pilot Citation family
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Long-range single-pilot capability with executive cabin
- Charter Operators Targeting Premium Light Jet: Strong utilization and revenue economics
- Operators Needing San Francisco to Hawaii Capability: Among the few single-pilot jets that can cover this leg
Less suited if:
- You need Mach 0.80+ speed (Phenom 300E faster at Mach 0.80)
- You require larger cabin (Praetor 500 or super-midsize better)
- You operate primarily from very short or unimproved runways (PC-24 better)
Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs. Direct Competitors
| Aircraft | Range (nm) | Max Cruise | Cabin Volume | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ4 Gen2 | 2,165 | 451 ktas | 311 cu ft | $9.61M to $11.6M |
| Embraer Phenom 300E | 2,010 | 464 ktas (M 0.80) | 324 cu ft | $10.995M |
| Pilatus PC-24 | 2,000 | 440 ktas | Largest in class | $11.9M |
| Citation CJ3+ Gen2 | 2,040 | 416 ktas | 286 cu ft | $11.0M |
The CJ4 Gen2 leads on range, sitting between the Phenom 300E and PC-24 on cabin size, with a competitive base price.
Pros and Cons
What the CJ4 Gen2 Does Well
- Longest range in single-pilot Citation lineup (2,165 nm)
- Largest cabin in single-pilot Citation family (311 cu ft)
- Largest baggage capacity in light jet class (77 cu ft)
- CoolView skylights are a distinctive cabin feature
- Wireless cabin management system
- Strong dispatch reliability and Textron service network
- Williams FJ44-4A engines: proven, low cost
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Slower than Phenom 300E at maximum cruise (Mach 0.77 vs 0.80)
- Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 is mature but not as modern as Garmin G3000
- Pre-owned Gen2 inventory is essentially non-existent
- Premium-equipped pricing approaches $12M, where super-midsize alternatives become viable
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Citation CJ4 Gen2 fly?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 2,165 nautical miles with four passengers. This makes it capable of San Francisco to Honolulu, San Diego to Orlando, and most U.S. transcontinental city pairs.
How many passengers does the Citation CJ4 Gen2 carry?
Standard configuration seats six to eight passengers. Maximum certified capacity is nine occupants with a belted lavatory seat.
Is the Citation CJ4 Gen2 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The CJ4 Gen2 is certified for single-pilot operation under FAR Part 23 and is the largest single-pilot Citation in production.
What is the difference between the Citation CJ4 and CJ4 Gen2?
The CJ4 Gen2 (March 2021) adds CoolView skylights, wireless cabin management, refreshed leather seating with three-direction tracking, redesigned entry stairs with lighted handrail, AC outlets capable of running coffee makers, and enhanced cabin materials. Performance specifications are unchanged from the original CJ4.
What does it cost to charter a Citation CJ4?
Charter rates for the CJ4 Gen2 typically range $4,500 to $6,000 per flight hour.
How much does the CJ4 Gen2 cost to operate per year?
A typical owner flying 450 hours per year should budget $1.5 to $1.9 million annually, working out to approximately $3,300 to $4,200 per hour all-in.
What is the baggage capacity of the Citation CJ4 Gen2?
The CJ4 Gen2 provides 77 cubic feet of total baggage capacity, with a 71 cu ft external compartment (600 lb capacity), a 6 cu ft internal compartment accessible during flight, and additional nose baggage. This is among the most generous in the light jet class.
Can the Citation CJ4 Gen2 fly from San Francisco to Honolulu?
Yes. With a 2,165 nm range, the CJ4 Gen2 can complete the 2,082 nm San Francisco to Honolulu leg nonstop with reasonable headwind margins, making it among the few single-pilot jets capable of this mission.
The Bottom Line
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the most capable single-pilot Citation ever built. It delivers more range, more cabin, and more baggage than any of its CJ family siblings while preserving the simplicity and economy that have defined the platform. For operators who want a flagship light jet without stepping up to super-midsize or beyond, the CJ4 Gen2 is the established premium choice.
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Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for current CJ4 Gen2 market intelligence, pre-buy diligence, or acquisition advisory. With Gen2 supply constrained and demand strong, getting in front of the right airframe matters.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Cessna Citation CJ3+ Gen2: Smaller CJ Family Option
- Embraer Phenom 300E: Faster Direct Competitor
- Pilatus PC-24: Rough-Field Capable Alternative
- Cessna Citation Latitude: Mid-Size Step Up
Specifications and pricing accurate as of 2026. All performance figures based on standard atmospheric conditions and NBAA IFR fuel reserves unless otherwise noted.