Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Learjet 75
The Learjet 75 and Cessna CitationJet CJ4 are modern light-jet competitors — the Learjet is the swept-wing speed choice with two-crew operations; the CJ4 is single-pilot certified with class-leading economics.
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 75
- For sale now
- 13
- Model years available
- 2013–2021
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 75 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Learjet 75 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 | $3,630,000 – $8,213,250 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 435 kts (806 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 2,040 nm (3,778 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) | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 576.0 gal (2180 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 | $420,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $380,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $2,600 |
| 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 75
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,600/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$900,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ4 or Learjet 75?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ4 for single-pilot certification, fuel economy and the largest light-jet support network. Choose the Learjet 75 for ramp presence, the modern Vision flight deck and the larger Learjet cabin — accepting two-crew operations.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2150/hr vs $2600/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 2040 nm.
- More inventory — 39 listings vs 14.
Pick the 75 if…
- Budget matters — from $3,630,000 vs $4,937,500, you save ~$1,307,500.
- Faster cruise — 435 kts vs 420 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2014 vs 2010.
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 75 and Citation CJ4?
Two-crew vs single-pilot and range. The Learjet 75 (TFE731-40BR, ~465 kt, ~2,040 nm, 9 seats, two-crew) is the latest production Learjet — more speed, but two pilots required. The Citation CJ4 (Williams FJ44-4A, ~453 kt, ~2,165 nm, up to 10 seats, single-pilot certified) is Cessna's flagship single-pilot light jet — actually slightly more range than the Learjet 75 and single-pilot capable.
Learjet 75 or CJ4 — which light jet?
Buy the CJ4 if: single-pilot certification, Citation service depth, and comparable or better range are the priorities — the CJ4's range matches or exceeds the Learjet 75. Buy the Learjet 75 if: the Learjet brand, Learjet handling character, and ~465 kt speed (vs ~453 kt CJ4) justify the two-pilot requirement.
Is the CJ4's range really competitive with the Learjet 75?
Yes — the CJ4's ~2,165 nm range is broadly comparable to, and slightly exceeds, the Learjet 75's ~2,040 nm. The CJ4 has eliminated the traditional Learjet range advantage that defined this comparison in earlier generations. For range-sensitive missions, the CJ4 is no longer the disadvantaged aircraft in this pair.
How do specs compare?
CJ4: FJ44-4A, up to 10 seats, single-pilot, ~453 kt, ~2,165 nm. Learjet 75: TFE731-40BR, 9 seats, two-crew, ~465 kt, ~2,040 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The CJ4 is less expensive for owner-operators — single-pilot, the Citation network, and a competitive FJ44 overhaul market. The Learjet's two-crew requirement adds co-pilot cost annually. The CJ4's lower acquisition cost vs a new Learjet 75 also reduces ownership overhead.
Which should I buy?
CJ4 for single-pilot certified light jet operations at lower total cost — with range broadly matching the Learjet 75. Learjet 75 for the Learjet brand, slightly higher speed, and for operators who specifically want Learjet handling and prestige with a dedicated crew.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ4 or Learjet 75?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 nm range.
The 75 cruises at 435 kts with 2,040 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.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ4 and Learjet 75?
Citation CJ4 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-4A.
75 engine: Honeywell TFE731-40BR.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 420 vs 435 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 2040 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/hr variable cost.
75: about $2600/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.
75: 9 seats / 5,100 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.
75: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000.
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