Cessna Citation V vs Learjet 45
The Cessna Citation V and Learjet 45 are light jets with different priorities. The straight-wing, two-crew Citation V is a durable, comfortable jet with gentle handling and good field performance, while the swept-wing, TFE731-powered Learjet 45 is faster, climbs higher, and offers a sleeker, more modern profile.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation V
- For sale now
- 104
- Median asking
- $2,047,500
- Range
- $473,625–$3,660,250
- Model years available
- 1989–2008
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 V | 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 V | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $473,625 – $3,660,250 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 390 kts (722 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,800 nm (3,334 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 500.0 gal (1892 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation V
Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$700,000/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 V or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the Citation V for easy handling, runway flexibility, and lower operating costs; pick the Learjet 45 for greater speed, altitude, and a modern feel. Performance needs, operating costs, and cabin preference typically decide this light-jet pairing.
Pick the Citation V if…
- Budget matters — from $473,625 vs $1,761,250, you save ~$1,287,625.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2500/hr.
Pick the 45 if…
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 390 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1800 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1989.
- More inventory — 61 listings vs 4.
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 V and Learjet 45?
Cabin, speed and cost. The Citation V (Model 560) uses Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 engines, seats six, cruises approximately 430 kt with approximately 1,500 nm range. The Learjet 45 uses Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, seats nine, cruises approximately 465 kt with approximately 2,000 nm range. Both are flown by a two-pilot crew; the Learjet is faster and larger, while the Citation V is the more economical six-seat option.
Citation V or Learjet 45 — which business jet?
Buy the Citation V if lower acquisition and operating cost and six-seat missions within 1,500 nm define the requirement. Buy the Learjet 45 if nine seats, 465 kt cruise, and 2,000 nm range are planned. Both are two-crew aircraft, so cabin size, speed/range, and operating cost — not crew requirement — differentiate them.
How much faster is the Learjet 45?
Approximately 35 kt (465 versus 430 kt) — on a 1,000-nm leg, this saves about 5 minutes, not operationally decisive. The Learjet's range advantage (about 500 nm more) is more meaningful, enabling non-stop city pairs the Citation V cannot cover.
How do specs compare?
Citation V: two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5, six seats, two-crew, ~430 kt, ~1,500 nm. Learjet 45: two Honeywell TFE731-20, nine seats, two-pilot, ~465 kt, ~2,000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation V is less expensive per flight hour — smaller engines, lower fuel burn, and lower acquisition cost. The Learjet 45's higher speed and larger airframe carry higher fuel and operating cost. For cost-focused six-seat operations, the Citation V's total cost is meaningfully lower.
Which should I buy?
Citation V for economical six-seat business travel within 1,500 nm — a capable, well-supported light jet. Learjet 45 when nine seats, 2,000 nm range, and higher speed define the requirement. For cost-focused buyers, the Citation V's lower operating cost drives the choice.
Which is better, Cessna Citation V or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 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?
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 V and Learjet 45?
Citation V engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-5A.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Cruise: 390 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1800 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation V: about $2000/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 V: 9 seats / 4,250 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 V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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