Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Learjet 45
The Cessna CJ4 (largest CitationJet) and the Learjet 45 are competitive light jets, both modern. The CJ4 emphasises efficiency and single-pilot ease; the 45 emphasises speed and Learjet identity.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,500,000 – $12,700,000 | $1,495,000 – $12,000,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $325,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ4
Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,150/hr
Annual Fixed$385,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$815,000/yr
Learjet 45
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$850,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ4 or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ4 for class-leading economics, single-pilot certification and the modern Garmin G3000 cockpit. Choose the Learjet 45 for outright speed (~30 kt faster than the CJ4) and Learjet ramp presence — at higher fuel burn.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2150/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 2120 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1997.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,495,000 vs $4,500,000, you save ~$3,005,000.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 420 kts.
- More inventory — 70 listings vs 34.
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 CJ4 or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 nm range.
The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation CJ4: from $6,250,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ4 and Learjet 45?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 420 vs 438 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/hr variable cost.
45: about $2500/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 CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 lb useful load.
45: 9 seats / 5,200 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 CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000.
45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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