Learjet 24 vs Cessna Citation CJ3

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Learjet 24 Cessna Citation CJ3
Learjet 24
View 1 listings →
Median $350,000
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 73 listings →
Median $5,422,500
Price Range $350,000 $4,750,000 – $5,595,000
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 6 9
Cruise Speed 391 kts (724 km/h)
Range 1,875 nm (3,472 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg)
Fuel Capacity 438.0 gal (1658 L)
Fuel Burn 125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $275,000
Annual Fixed $335,000
Hourly Variable $1,850
Engines 2 x Jet 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Learjet 24

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Learjet 24 or Cessna Citation CJ3?

Pick the 24 if…

  • Budget matters — from $350,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,400,000.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 6.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1966.
  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 1.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Learjet 24 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Learjet 24: from $350,000. Cessna Citation CJ3: from $4,750,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 24 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
24 engine: General Electric CJ610-4. Seats: 6 vs 9.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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?
24: 6 seats. Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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. 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