Cessna Citation CJ1 vs Hawker 400
The Beechjet/Hawker 400 (light jet, ~462 kt, JT15D engines) and Cessna CitationJet CJ1 (entry light jet, ~389 kt, single-pilot) are light-jet entry competitors — the Hawker 400 is faster with a larger cabin; the CJ1 is single-pilot certified with lower operating cost.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ1
- For sale now
- 83
- Median asking
- $1,549,000
- Range
- $999,000–$2,159,000
- Model years available
- 1993–2008
Hawker 400
- For sale now
- 44
- Median asking
- $1,285,000
- Range
- $635,000–$1,631,850
- Model years available
- 1986–2017
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 CJ1 | Hawker 400 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ1 | Hawker 400 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $999,000 – $2,159,000 | $635,000 – $1,631,850 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 359 kts (665 km/h) | 450 kts (833 km/h) |
| Range | 1,150 nm (2,130 km) | 1,351 nm (2,502 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,600 lbs (4,808 kg) | 16,300 lbs (7,394 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,850 lbs (1,293 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 357.0 gal (1351 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) | 160.0 GPH (606 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $260,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $280,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $1,800 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ1
Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,800/hr
Annual Fixed$280,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$640,000/yr
Hawker 400
Fuel$880/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ1 or Hawker 400?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ1 for single-pilot certification, Williams FJ44 fuel economy and the largest light-jet support network. Choose the Hawker 400 for ~70 kt more speed and the larger cabin — accepting two-crew operations and higher JT15D fuel burn.
Pick the Citation CJ1 if…
- More inventory — 74 listings vs 43.
Pick the 400 if…
- Budget matters — from $635,000 vs $999,000, you save ~$364,000.
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 450 kts vs 359 kts.
- Longer range — 1351 nm vs 1150 nm.
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 Hawker 400 and Citation CJ1?
Two-crew vs single-pilot and heritage. The Hawker 400 (Mitsubishi Diamond lineage, JT15D-5, ~460 kt, ~1,500 nm, 7–8 seats, two-crew) is faster but requires two pilots. The Citation CJ1 (Williams FJ44-1A, ~380 kt, ~1,300 nm, 6 seats, single-pilot certified) is the entry Citation jet — single-pilot, Citation service network, but slower with less range.
Hawker 400 or Citation CJ1 — which light jet?
Buy the CJ1 if: single-pilot certified light jet entry, the Citation service network, and lower operating cost are the priorities. Buy the Hawker 400 if: higher speed (~460 kt), more seats, and Hawker heritage appeal — accepting two-pilot operation.
How significant is the single-pilot certification?
For owner-operators, single-pilot certification eliminates co-pilot cost on every flight — a major annual operating cost saving. The CJ1's single-pilot approval is its defining practical advantage. Only operators who already employ a dedicated crew find the Hawker 400's two-pilot requirement less burdensome.
How do specs compare?
Citation CJ1: FJ44-1A, 6 seats, single-pilot, ~380 kt, ~1,300 nm. Hawker 400XP: JT15D-5, 7–8 seats, two-crew, ~460 kt, ~1,500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The CJ1 is less expensive — smaller engines, lower fuel burn, and single-pilot operation saves co-pilot cost. The Hawker's larger engines and two-crew requirement add significantly to annual cost for owner-operators.
Which should I buy?
Citation CJ1 for single-pilot light jet entry — economical, well-supported, no co-pilot cost. Hawker 400 for more speed, more seats, and Hawker prestige — when two-crew operations are planned regardless.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ1 or Hawker 400?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ1 cruises at 359 kts with 1,150 nm range.
The 400 cruises at 450 kts with 1,351 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ1 and Hawker 400?
Citation CJ1 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-1A.
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 359 vs 450 kts.
Range: 1150 vs 1351 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ1: about $1800/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 CJ1: 6 seats / 2,850 lb useful load.
400: 8 seats / 3,000 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 CJ1: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$260,000.
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