Learjet 45 vs Cessna Citation CJ3
The Learjet 45 and Cessna CitationJet CJ3 are both light business jets, but with different DNA — the 45 is a swept-wing fast Learjet (~460 kt cruise); the CJ3 is a straight-wing CitationJet focused on field performance and operating economics.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Learjet 45 | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,495,000 – $12,000,000 | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 438 kts (811 km/h) | 391 kts (724 km/h) |
| Range | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) |
| Useful Load | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 575.0 gal (2176 L) | 438.0 gal (1658 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $275,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $335,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,500 | $1,850 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLearjet 45
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$850,000/yr
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 45 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
Bottom line: Choose the Learjet 45 for speed and ramp presence — it cruises noticeably faster than the CJ3. Choose the CJ3 for better field performance, lower operating cost and single-pilot ease.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,495,000 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$3,255,000.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2120 nm vs 1875 nm.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2500/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.
- More inventory — 73 listings vs 69.
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 45 or Cessna Citation CJ3?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 45 cruises at 438 kts with 2,120 nm range.
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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Learjet 45 and Cessna Citation CJ3?
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Cruise: 438 vs 391 kts.
Range: 2120 vs 1875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
45: about $2500/hr variable cost.
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?
45: 9 seats / 5,200 lb useful load.
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?
45: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
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