Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Learjet 45
The Learjet 45 and Cessna Citation CJ3 are both capable light jets with different DNA. The swept-wing, TFE731-powered Learjet 45 is a fast two-crew jet with strong high-altitude cruise, while the FJ44-powered CJ3 is a single-pilot-capable Citation prized for easy handling, low operating costs, and the deep Cessna support network.
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
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 CJ3 | 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 CJ3 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,500 |
| 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
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 CJ3 or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 for swept-wing speed and a classic high-flying feel; pick the CJ3 for single-pilot capability, operating economy, and broad Citation support. Crew requirements, operating costs, and parts support typically decide this light-jet pairing.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.
- More inventory — 68 listings vs 64.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$3,078,750.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1875 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 Learjet 45 and Citation CJ3?
Class and size. The Learjet 45 is a midsize business jet — two Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, up to nine seats, approximately 465 kt cruise, approximately 2,000 nm range. The Citation CJ3 is a light jet — two Williams FJ44-3A-24 engines, six seats, approximately 416 kt cruise, approximately 1,900 nm range. The Learjet is faster, carries more, and costs significantly more to acquire and operate.
Learjet 45 or CJ3 — which jet?
Buy the CJ3 if six seats, single-pilot certification, and Citation service-network support are the requirement — it is a capable light jet covering most owner-pilot business travel. Buy the Learjet 45 if nine seats, higher speed (465 vs 416 kt), or a midsize cabin standard are needed and a two-pilot crew is acceptable. The Learjet 45 requires two qualified pilots; the CJ3 is single-pilot certified.
What does the single-pilot certification of the CJ3 mean in practice?
The CJ3's type certificate permits FAR Part 91 operation with one qualified pilot — significantly lower crew cost for owner-pilots. The Learjet 45 requires a two-pilot crew for legal operation, adding a co-pilot for every flight. For owner-operators who fly themselves, the CJ3's single-pilot approval is a meaningful operational and cost advantage.
How do specs compare?
CJ3: two Williams FJ44-3A-24, six seats, ~416 kt, ~1,900 nm. Learjet 45: two Honeywell TFE731-20, up to nine seats, ~465 kt, ~2,000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The CJ3 is substantially less expensive to operate — smaller engines, lower fuel burn, single-pilot operation, and a lighter airframe. The Learjet 45's TFE731 engines have higher fuel burn and overhaul costs, and two-pilot crews add co-pilot cost on every flight. For owner-pilots where self-flying is the plan, the total operating-cost gap is significant.
Which should I buy?
CJ3 for single-pilot owner-operator missions — the most capable single-pilot certified light jet in the Citation family. Learjet 45 when nine seats, midsize speed, or the Learjet heritage are the requirements and a two-pilot crew is already planned. Most owner-pilots in the light-jet market choose the CJ family over the Learjet specifically for single-pilot certification.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 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 CJ3 and Learjet 45?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Cruise: 391 vs 438 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
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