Cessna Citation Bravo vs Cessna Citation CJ3

Both the Citation Bravo and CJ3 carry the Cessna Citation badge, but they reflect two different eras of jet design. The Citation Bravo (Model 550B) is the evolved twin of the original Citation II — a straight-wing light jet with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofans that Cessna refined through the 1990s into one of the more capable small cabin jets of its class. The CJ3 (Model 525C) arrived in 2004 with a Williams FJ44-3A engine, a swept wing borrowed from larger jets, and single-pilot certification from the factory. The cross-shop surfaces when a buyer asks "which is the smarter Citation under $2M?" and realizes the answer depends entirely on what "smart" means for their operation.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation Bravo
For sale now
35
Median asking
$2,195,000
Range
$458,500–$2,850,000
Model years available
1997–2006
Cessna Citation CJ3
For sale now
64
Model years available
2004–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation Bravo Cessna Citation CJ3
Cessna Citation Bravo
View 31 listings →
Median $2,195,000
 Cessna Citation CJ3
View 67 listings →
Median $5,422,500
Price Range $458,500 – $2,850,000 $4,840,000 – $5,580,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 8 9
Cruise Speed 370 kts (685 km/h) 391 kts (724 km/h)
Range 1,680 nm (3,111 km) 1,875 nm (3,472 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 14,800 lbs (6,713 kg) 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg)
Fuel Capacity 470.0 gal (1779 L) 438.0 gal (1658 L)
Fuel Burn 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 4,500 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $280,000 $275,000
Annual Fixed $300,000 $335,000
Hourly Variable $1,900 $1,850
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation Bravo

Fuel$715/hr
Variable$1,900/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $680,000/yr

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Bravo or Cessna Citation CJ3?

Bottom line: Choose the Citation Bravo for more cabin — the Bravo's interior is modestly wider and seats up to nine passengers, comfortably outspacing the CJ3 for missions that fill both sides of the aisle. Established PW530A engine support and a large Bravo fleet keep maintenance options open. Choose the CJ3 for modernity — swept wing brings meaningful cruise speed and altitude performance (FL450 certified), and factory-standard single-pilot approval allows a Part 91 owner-pilot operation that the Bravo's typical two-pilot precedent makes more complicated. Safety axis: the CJ3's modern avionics suite integrates terrain, traffic, and weather in a way the Bravo's older Primus-era package does not approach. For single-pilot IFR operations, situational awareness tools are an accident-prevention differentiator, not a luxury preference.

Pick the Citation Bravo if…

  • Budget matters — from $458,500 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$4,381,500.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $1900/hr.
  • More seats — 9 vs 8.
  • Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 370 kts.
  • Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1680 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.
  • More inventory — 67 listings vs 31.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citation Bravo certified for single-pilot operations?
No — the Citation Bravo (Model 550) is type-certificated for two-crew operation; single-pilot operation is not part of its type certificate. Within the 550 family, only the Model 551 (Citation II/SP) carries single-pilot type certification. The CJ3, by contrast, was factory-certified for single-pilot operation from introduction, and its training ecosystem and avionics integration fully support that model. Buyers planning owner-pilot operations should plan for the Bravo's two-crew requirement, or consider a single-pilot-certified type such as the CJ3.
What engines does the Citation Bravo use?
The Bravo uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofans — the engine upgrade that distinguishes the Bravo from the earlier Citation II's JT15D-4 powerplant. These are mature, well-supported engines with decades of fleet experience and numerous MRO options. The CJ3 uses Williams FJ44-3A turbofans — a newer design with excellent in-service reliability. Both engines have straightforward hot section inspection programs available through multiple maintenance providers.
How do the ranges compare between the Bravo and CJ3?
The Citation Bravo achieves approximately 1,900 nm NBAA IFR range; the CJ3 achieves approximately 1,845 nm under the same standards — ranges are broadly comparable. The meaningful performance differentiator is speed: the CJ3 cruises at approximately 416 kt vs the Bravo's roughly 360 kt, completing the same leg about 15% faster. The Bravo's advantage is cabin volume for shorter legs where space matters more than block time.
Which is better, Cessna Citation Bravo or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation Bravo cruises at 370 kts with 1,680 nm range. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Bravo and Cessna Citation CJ3?
Citation Bravo engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW530A. Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A. Seats: 8 vs 9. Cruise: 370 vs 391 kts. Range: 1680 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Bravo: about $1900/hr variable cost. Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation Bravo: 8 seats / 3,850 lb useful load. Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation Bravo: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$280,000. Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data