Cessna Citation CJ vs Learjet 31
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna Citation CJ
- For sale now
- 292
- Median asking
- $2,395,000
- Range
- $595,000–$6,795,000
- Model years available
- 1993–2026
Learjet 31
- For sale now
- 21
- Model years available
- 1990–2002
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna Citation CJ | Learjet 31 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 4 |
| % Fatal | — | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ | Learjet 31 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $595,000 – $6,795,000 | $518,200 – $1,368,412 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 350 kts (648 km/h) | 445 kts (824 km/h) |
| Range | 1,090 nm (2,019 km) | 1,488 nm (2,756 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg) | 17,000 lbs (7,711 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 318.0 gal (1204 L) | 413.0 gal (1563 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 116.0 GPH (439 L/h) | 145.0 GPH (549 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 4,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $300,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ
Fuel$638/hr
Learjet 31
Fuel$798/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$740,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ or Learjet 31?
Pick the Citation CJ if…
- Newer design — production from 1993 vs 1988.
Pick the 31 if…
- Budget matters — from $518,200 vs $595,000, you save ~$76,800.
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 445 kts vs 350 kts.
- Longer range — 1488 nm vs 1090 nm.
- More inventory — 19 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ or Learjet 31?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ cruises at 350 kts with 1,090 nm range.
The 31 cruises at 445 kts with 1,488 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 CJ and Learjet 31?
Citation CJ engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-1A.
31 engine: Garrett TFE731-2.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 350 vs 445 kts.
Range: 1090 vs 1488 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
31: about $2200/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 CJ: 6 seats / 2,600 lb useful load.
31: 8 seats / 3,600 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 CJ: 3,500-hour TBO.
31: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data