Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Learjet 45
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Learjet 45 are both fast light jets with airline-style performance. The single-pilot-capable, FJ44-powered CJ4 is the largest CitationJet with a roomy cabin and modern Garmin avionics, while the swept-wing, TFE731-powered Learjet 45 is a quick two-crew light jet with strong high-altitude cruise.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation CJ4
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2010–2024
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 CJ4 | 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 CJ4 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $325,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ4
Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,150/hr
Annual Fixed$385,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$815,000/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 CJ4 or Learjet 45?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ4 for single-pilot capability, modern avionics, and CitationJet simplicity; pick the Learjet 45 for swept-wing speed and a classic high-flying character. Crew requirements, operating costs, and parts support typically decide this light-jet pairing.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2150/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 2120 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1997.
Pick the 45 if…
- Budget matters — from $1,761,250 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$3,176,250.
- Faster cruise — 438 kts vs 420 kts.
- More inventory — 64 listings vs 39.
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 CJ4 and Learjet 45?
Single-pilot certification versus a crew requirement. The CJ4 (Model 525C) uses two Williams FJ44-4A engines, seats up to ten, cruises approximately 453 kt with approximately 2,165 nm range — and is single-pilot certified. The Learjet 45 uses Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, seats nine, cruises approximately 465 kt — and requires two pilots. Both are mid-light jets; the CJ4's single-pilot certification is the decisive operational difference for owner-pilots.
CJ4 or Learjet 45 — which jet?
Buy the CJ4 if single-pilot operation is the plan — lower crew costs and owner-pilot flexibility define its advantage here, and it has the longer range (~2,165 nm versus ~2,000 nm). Buy the Learjet 45 if a two-pilot operation is planned, the Learjet heritage and cabin are preferred, and the modest speed advantage (465 versus 453 kt) matters. For most owner-pilots, the CJ4's single-pilot certification drives the decision.
How do range and speed compare?
The CJ4 has the edge in range — approximately 2,165 nm versus the Learjet 45's approximately 2,000 nm. Speed is similar (453 versus 465 kt); the Learjet is marginally faster. On a 1,500-nm leg, the speed difference is under ten minutes, while the CJ4's range advantage covers more non-stop city pairs.
How do specs compare?
CJ4: two Williams FJ44-4A, up to ten seats, single-pilot, ~453 kt, ~2,165 nm. Learjet 45: two Honeywell TFE731-20, nine seats, two-pilot, ~465 kt, ~2,000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The CJ4 is less expensive to operate for owner-pilots — single-pilot operation eliminates co-pilot cost, and the FJ44-4A has lower operating costs than the TFE731-20. Two-pilot Learjet 45 operations add co-pilot salary and training on every flight. For Part 91 owner-pilot operations, the CJ4's total cost is meaningfully lower.
Which should I buy?
CJ4 for owner-pilot operations — single-pilot certification, longer range, and Citation service-network support. Learjet 45 if a two-pilot crew is already planned and the Learjet heritage and cabin are preferred. The CJ4 is typically the rational choice for owner-operators; the Learjet 45 serves fractional, charter, and flight-department operations where crews are standard.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ4 or Learjet 45?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 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?
Cessna Citation CJ4: from $6,150,000.
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 CJ4 and Learjet 45?
Citation CJ4 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-4A.
45 engine: Garrett TFE731-20-AR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 420 vs 438 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 2120 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/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 CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 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 CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000.
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