Cessna Citation II vs Learjet 45
The Citation II (1980s/90s 500-series light, ~385 kt) is an older Citation light jet; the CJ3 (modern, ~417 kt, single-pilot) is the modern CitationJet evolution; the Learjet 45 (~460 kt swept-wing modern light) is the speed-Learjet alternative.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation II
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $770,000
- Range
- $351,775–$2,295,250
- Model years available
- 1977–1992
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 II | 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 II | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $351,775 – $2,295,250 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 345 kts (639 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,600 nm (2,963 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft (13,106 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,300 lbs (6,033 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 470.0 gal (1779 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $200,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,200 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation II
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$640,000/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 II or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for the modern Cessna light-jet platform with single-pilot certification and class-leading reliability. Choose the Learjet 45 for ramp presence and ~45 kt more cruise. Choose the Citation II only for materially lower acquisition cost — older platform with mandate-upgrade costs.
Pick the Citation II if…
- Budget matters — from $351,775 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,409,475.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
Pick the 45 if…
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 345 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1600 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1978.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation II and Learjet 45?
Class and crew. The Citation II (Model 550) uses Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 engines, seats five to six, cruises approximately 375–400 kt with approximately 1,800 nm range — single-pilot certification is available on the SP variant. The Learjet 45 uses Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, seats nine, cruises approximately 465 kt with ~2,000 nm range — two pilots required. The Citation II is the light jet; the Learjet is the midsize step up.
Citation II or Learjet 45?
Buy the Citation II if lower acquisition cost, six-seat light-jet missions within 1,800 nm, and the Citation service network are the priorities — it is one of the most produced light jets ever built, so parts, expertise, and pre-buy specialists are abundant. Buy the Learjet 45 if nine seats, higher cruise speed, and 2,000 nm range justify the two-pilot crew and significantly higher acquisition and operating cost.
How do speed and range compare?
The Learjet 45 is roughly 65–90 kt faster than the Citation II — on longer legs this is meaningful. The Citation II has comparable range (~1,800 nm versus the Learjet's ~2,000 nm). Speed is the Learjet's clearest advantage; neither aircraft outranges the other significantly.
How do specs compare?
Citation II: two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4, five to six seats, light jet, ~375–400 kt, ~1,800 nm. Learjet 45: two Honeywell TFE731-20, nine seats, midsize, ~465 kt, ~2,000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation II is less expensive — smaller engines, lower fuel burn, and single-pilot operation on the SP variant. The Learjet's higher speed and two-pilot operation push total cost well above the Citation II. For budget-conscious light-jet operations, the Citation II is the rational choice.
Which should I buy?
Citation II for light-jet ownership at the lowest cost in a well-established, deeply supported platform — one of the best-value business jets in the used market. Learjet 45 when nine seats, Learjet speed, and midsize capability justify the step up from light-jet economics.
Which is better, Cessna Citation II or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation II cruises at 345 kts with 1,600 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 II: from $839,000.
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 II and Learjet 45?
Citation II engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-4B.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 345 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1600 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation II: about $2200/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 II: 10 seats / 4,000 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 II: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
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