Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Honda HondaJet
The Cessna Citation CJ3 and Honda HondaJet are both single-pilot light jets, but at different rungs. The FJ44-powered CJ3 is a midweight CitationJet with a larger cabin, more range, and a deep support network, while the smaller HondaJet is an efficient entry-level jet with over-the-wing engines and a notably quiet cabin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ3
- For sale now
- 64
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
Honda HondaJet
- For sale now
- 39
- Model years available
- 2016–2023
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Honda HondaJet |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $2,779,000 – $4,539,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Very Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 422 kts (782 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,437 nm (2,661 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 43,000 ft (13,106 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 3,280 lbs (1,488 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 292.0 gal (1105 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 95.0 GPH (360 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $250,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $250,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $1,400 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Honda HondaJet
Fuel$522/hr
Variable$1,400/hr
Annual Fixed$250,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$530,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Honda HondaJet?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for more cabin room, range, and proven Citation support; pick the HondaJet for fuel efficiency, lower entry cost, and modern design. Mission length, cabin size, and operating economics typically decide between these two.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 7.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1437 nm.
- More inventory — 67 listings vs 37.
Pick the HondaJet if…
- Budget matters — from $2,779,000 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$2,061,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1400/hr vs $1850/hr.
- Faster cruise — 422 kts vs 391 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2015 vs 2004.
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 CJ3 and HondaJet?
Range, capacity, and engine configuration. The CJ3 (Model 525B) is a single-pilot certified twin-engine light jet — two Williams FJ44-3A-24 engines, six seats, approximately 416 kt cruise, approximately 1,900 nm range. The HondaJet Elite (HA-420) uses two over-the-wing Honda HF120 engines, seats up to five passengers, cruises approximately 422 kt, with approximately 1,440 nm range. The CJ3 has more range and seats; the HondaJet is the newer design with a distinctive over-the-wing engine layout.
CJ3 or HondaJet — which light jet should I buy?
Buy the CJ3 if range over 1,500 nm is a regular requirement, six seats are needed, or the deeper Citation service network is a priority. Buy the HondaJet if the over-the-wing engine design (freeing cabin floor space), modern avionics, and Honda's growing service network align with your needs on shorter-to-mid-range missions. The CJ3's range advantage is meaningful for transcontinental operations; the HondaJet competes well within its ~1,400-nm envelope.
How does the HondaJet's over-the-wing engine design matter?
Honda's over-the-wing engine mount frees the rear cabin floor of engine pylons — the HondaJet has a rear lavatory and more usable rear cabin space than conventional engine-on-aft-fuselage designs. This is a genuine cabin-quality advantage on shorter missions. The CJ3's conventional twin-engine configuration is the established standard with a long reliability record.
How do specs compare?
CJ3: two Williams FJ44-3A-24, six seats, ~416 kt, ~1,900 nm. HondaJet Elite: two Honda HF120, up to five seats, ~422 kt, ~1,440 nm.
Which has better service support?
The CJ3 is supported by Textron Aviation's global Citation Service Center network — one of the most extensive in business aviation. Honda Aircraft Company's service network is growing but remains smaller and younger. For operators outside major aviation hubs, the CJ3's support infrastructure is a practical advantage; in major business-aviation markets, HondaJet support access has improved significantly.
Which should I buy?
CJ3 for maximum range, six seats, and the deepest established service network in the light-jet category. HondaJet for shorter missions, innovative cabin design, and modern avionics in a current-production platform. Both are capable single-pilot certified light jets — the deciding factors are range requirement and service-network preference.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Honda HondaJet?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The HondaJet cruises at 422 kts with 1,437 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 CJ3 and Honda HondaJet?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A.
Seats: 9 vs 7.
Cruise: 391 vs 422 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 1437 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
HondaJet: about $1400/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
HondaJet: 7 seats / 3,280 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
HondaJet: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000.
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