Cessna Citation I vs Learjet 45
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna Citation I
- For sale now
- 22
- Median asking
- $399,950
- Range
- $342,000–$1,119,160
- Model years available
- 1972–1981
Learjet 45
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $2,345,000
- Range
- $1,761,250–$7,125,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2012
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 I | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 16 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 15 |
| % Fatal | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation I | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $342,000 – $1,119,160 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Very Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 350 kts (648 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,500 nm (2,778 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 11,850 lbs (5,375 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 229.0 gal (867 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $200,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,400 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation I
Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$460,000/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 I or Learjet 45?
Pick the Citation I if…
- Budget matters — from $342,000 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,419,250.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1400/hr vs $2500/hr.
Pick the 45 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 7.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 350 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1971.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 36.
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 I or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation I cruises at 350 kts with 1,500 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 I: from $720,000.
Learjet 45: from $3,995,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation I and Learjet 45?
Citation I engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-1A.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 7 vs 9.
Cruise: 350 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1500 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation I: about $1400/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 I: 7 seats / 3,000 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 I: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$200,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data