Introduction to Citation CJ3 Jet
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a light jet in the CitationJet family, the Model 525 series. It is a stretched version of the CJ2, so it carries more people and more fuel while keeping the same simple, single-pilot cockpit concept that made the CJ line popular with owner-pilots and charter operators.
Cessna unveiled the CJ3 at the National Business Aviation Association convention in September 2002. It first flew on April 17, 2003, was certified by the FAA in October 2004, and deliveries began that December. Between late 2004 and spring 2018, 500 CJ3s and CJ3+s were delivered.
The design has been updated several times:
- CJ3+, FAA certified in 2014, with Garmin G3000 avionics and M2-style cabin seats.
- CJ3 Gen2, which received its FAA type certificate in October 2025, with improved avionics, a customizable cabin, 4.5 more inches of cockpit legroom and a Garmin autothrottle.
- CJ3 Gen3, the model on Textron Aviation's current Citation lineup, which is expected to enter service in 2026.
Features and Specifications of Citation CJ3 Jet
These are the manufacturer's figures for the current CJ3 Gen3. Earlier CJ3s were published with a shorter range, 1,875 nautical miles, so check the exact model and year of the aircraft you fly.
| Specification | Citation CJ3 Gen3 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 x Williams FJ44-3A turbofans |
| Maximum range | 2,040 nm |
| Maximum cruise speed | 416 ktas |
| Takeoff field length | 3,180 ft |
| Maximum occupants | 9 |
| Avionics | Garmin G3000 with autothrottles |
Cabin Interiors
The cabin typically has six club seats in a center-facing layout, with a baggage compartment you can reach in flight and a separate external baggage hold. On the Gen3, Textron Aviation offers a choice between extra seating or an extended refreshment center, plus an optional folding side-facing seat and a lavatory vanity with sink.
Practical touches on the Gen3 include USB-C and wireless charging at every pedestal seat, seats that track along the floor so the layout can be adjusted, CoolView lavatory skylights and RGB cabin lighting.
Wings and Engine
Two Williams FJ44-3A turbofans power the CJ3 and CJ3+. Textron Aviation describes the Gen3 wing as a computer-sculpted airfoil that keeps airflow smooth over more of the surface, for more lift with less drag.
Performance and Design
The CJ3 sits at the long-range end of the light-jet category. With 2,040 nautical miles of maximum range, it can cover many regional and some cross-country trips without a fuel stop, while the 3,180-foot takeoff field length lets it use smaller airports that larger jets cannot.
Fuel Efficiency
Reported hourly fuel burn for the CJ3 is about 165 US gallons. Actual burn depends on load, altitude, speed and weather, so ask the operator for a trip estimate rather than relying on an average.
Comparison with other Jets in its Class
Within its own family, the CJ4 offers slightly more range and carries more passengers with full tanks, and it is faster. The Embraer Phenom 300 has better fuel efficiency and more payload with full tanks. The CJ3's strengths are its single-pilot cockpit, its runway performance and its long record in service.
Avionics and Cockpit of the CJ3 Jet
The original CJ3 cockpit used Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and was designed for single-pilot operation, with room for two crew. The CJ3+ moved to the Garmin G3000.
The CJ3 Gen3 keeps the single-pilot flight deck and adds standard autothrottles. It also adds Garmin Emergency Autoland, a first for the CJ series.
Market Value and Cost of a CJ3 Jet
In 2023, the equipped price of a new CJ3+ was listed at $10.415 million. Used aircraft vary widely by year, model, hours and equipment, so a current listing or an aircraft broker is the right place to check values.
For most travelers, chartering is simpler than owning. You pay for the trips you take, and the operator provides the aircraft and the crew.
Chartering a Citation CJ3 with BLADE
BLADE arranges private jet charters, including light jets like the CJ3, through licensed operators. All BLADE flights in the United States are operated by FAA-licensed carriers. Tell BLADE your route, date and group size, and you can compare the aircraft available for your trip.
The CJ3 suits small groups on regional flights, such as a family weekend or a short business trip, where a larger cabin would add cost without adding much.
FAQs about What Is An Citation Cj3 Jet?
What is a Citation CJ3+ aircraft?
The CJ3+ is an upgraded version of the Citation CJ3, a twin-engine light business jet built by Cessna. It received FAA certification in 2014 and introduced Garmin G3000 avionics and new cabin seats.
What are the main features and specifications of the Citation CJ3+ aircraft?
The CJ3+ has two Williams FJ44-3A turbofans, a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles, a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots and room for up to nine passengers. Its cockpit is designed for a single pilot.
What makes the Citation CJ3+ aircraft a popular choice for business travelers?
It combines long range for a light jet with short-runway performance and a cabin that seats a small team. That makes it practical for regional business trips to airports closer to where you need to be.
What is the buying price of a Citation CJ3+ aircraft?
In 2023, the equipped price of a new CJ3+ was $10.415 million. Used prices depend on the year, hours and equipment.
What are some of the main competitors of the Citation CJ3+ aircraft?
The closest comparisons are Cessna's own CJ4, which is larger and faster, and the Embraer Phenom 300, which offers more payload with full tanks.