Cessna Citation X vs Learjet 45
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation X
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 1997–2017
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 X | 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 X | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,122,500 – $10,827,500 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Super-Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 480 kts (889 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 3,070 nm (5,686 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 36,100 lbs (16,375 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,050.0 gal (3974 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 260.0 GPH (984 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $600,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $500,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $3,800 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation X
Fuel$1,430/hr
Variable$3,800/hr
Annual Fixed$500,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$1,260,000/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 X or Learjet 45?
Pick the Citation X if…
- More seats — 12 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 480 kts vs 438 kts.
- Longer range — 3070 nm vs 2120 nm.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $4,122,500, you save ~$2,361,250.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2500/hr vs $3800/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1996.
- More inventory — 61 listings vs 30.
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 X or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation X cruises at 480 kts with 3,070 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 X and Learjet 45?
Citation X engine: ROLLS-ROYCE AE3007C.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 12 vs 9.
Cruise: 480 vs 438 kts.
Range: 3070 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation X: about $3800/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 X: 12 seats / 6,800 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 X: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$600,000.
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