Charter a Cessna Citation CJ3

The Cessna Citation CJ3 is the most capable aircraft in the Citation CJ family - a single-pilot certified light jet that takes the CJ2 formula and stretches it further in every meaningful dimension. The fuselage is longer, the cabin taller at 1.8 m, the range greater at 1,875 nm (3,472 km), and the Williams FJ44 engines produce more thrust while consuming less fuel than earlier versions. It entered service in 2004 and has been one of the most consistently popular light jets in the European charter market ever since, with a successor CJ3+ continuing production from 2014.

What it offers over the CJ2 is genuinely useful extra cabin length - at 4.78 m, it has one of the longest cabins in the light jet class, with fourteen windows on the sides giving an uncommonly bright interior. Tall passengers can stretch their legs properly. Seven passengers fit with reasonable comfort. Collins Pro Line 21 avionics sit at the top of their category. And like the CJ2, it retains single-pilot certification, keeping charter rates competitive relative to jets of similar cabin size. Prices start from approximately £2,200 per flight hour. See our full aircraft range at the private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Citation CJ3?

• Longest cabin in the light jet class. At 4.78 m, the cabin is among the most generous in its category. Long-legged passengers can sit comfortably across all seats, which is not always true on smaller light jets. Fourteen windows - seven per side - make it one of the brightest, most naturally lit interiors available at this price point;
• Single-pilot certified. Like the CJ2 before it, the CJ3 can be legally operated by a single qualified pilot. This keeps crew costs lower than two-pilot jets of comparable cabin size, and the savings contribute directly to competitive charter rates;
• Greater range than the CJ2. At 1,875 nm (3,472 km) the range is approximately 15% more than the CJ2's 1,613 nm - enough to reach Athens from London non-stop, cover all of Scandinavia and Turkey, and reach the Canary Islands from most UK departure airports;
• Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The top-tier Collins avionics suite, with integrated flight management, EFIS displays and weather radar - the same system used on aircraft many categories above it in size. Adds to pilot situational awareness and overall operational reliability;
• Improved Williams FJ44 engines. The updated FJ44 engines develop more thrust with lower fuel burn than the CJ2's powerplant. Combined with the slightly heavier MTOW of 6,291 kg (vs 5,670 kg for the CJ2), the result is better climb performance and more payload capacity without increased operating cost;
• Wi-Fi standard. Wireless internet is available on most CJ3 charter examples - less common on smaller light jets at the same price point - making it a practical choice for clients who need connectivity on short working flights.

Charter cost - Citation CJ3 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £2,200 to £2,900 depending on the operator and positioning. Single-pilot certification keeps it below equivalent two-pilot light jets on running costs, and the combined CJ3 and CJ3+ fleet generally means good availability on short notice across the UK and European market.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Paris - from £3,800 (7 passengers, approximately 35 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £4,400 (7 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £5,800 (7 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £6,800 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes);
• London to Barcelona - from £8,200 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Amsterdam - from £6,400 (7 passengers, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes);
• Manchester to Rome - from £10,400 (7 passengers, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).

Empty Leg opportunities appear regularly on this type. See our Empty Legs page for current availability and savings of 50 to 75% off standard rates.

Ideal routes for the Citation CJ3

This aircraft slots into a specific, well-defined niche: more cabin and range than the CJ2, less cost than a midsize jet, single-pilot economics that make it viable for smaller groups. It performs best in these situations:

• UK to France, Benelux and Alpine destinations (30 to 70 minutes). Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Geneva, Zurich, Innsbruck. On these short sectors the CJ3's cabin length advantage over smaller light jets is most appreciated - taller passengers have a noticeably more comfortable experience. Speed is identical to larger jets on a 1-hour sector, and the total cost for 7 passengers is hard to match;
• UK to Spain, Italy and Greece (1.5 to 3 hours). Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Athens, Corfu. The extended range reaches these destinations non-stop from all UK airports. Athens from London (approximately 1,870 nm) sits at the very edge of the range envelope - confirm with your consultant for headwind conditions;
• UK to Scandinavia (1.5 to 2.5 hours). Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki. All are comfortably within range from London or Manchester. For Scandinavian trips the 7-seat capacity and good range make it a strong choice against more expensive alternatives;
• Small corporate group day trips. A team of 5 to 7 executives making a same-day return to a European city. The CJ3 is competitively priced for this mission type and the Wi-Fi connectivity allows productive use of the flight time in both directions;
• Canary Islands from southern UK (3+ hours). Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote from London are within range - at the outer edge of comfortable operating distance, so departure airport and wind conditions should be discussed with your consultant.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The CJ3 cabin measures 4.78 m long, 1.45 m wide and 1.80 m high. At 4.78 m it is one of the longest cabins in the light jet category - longer than the Phenom 300 (4.88 m is comparable) and notably longer than the CJ2 (4.14 m) it succeeded. The fourteen windows create a brightness that distinguishes this interior from most light jet competitors, and the 1.80 m height means the majority of passengers do not feel constrained moving between seats.

The standard configuration seats 7 passengers. An eighth seat using the enclosed aft lavatory seat is available on some examples and is noted in the specifications as suitable for shorter sectors or younger passengers. All seats have fold-out tables.

• Wi-Fi. Wireless internet access standard on most charter examples - confirm at booking;
• Avionics. Collins Pro Line 21 with integrated FMS, EFIS displays, weather radar and TCAS;
• Catering. Cold beverages standard. Pre-ordered catering available for all sectors;
• Lavatory. Enclosed private lavatory in the aft section - also usable as an 8th seat on some examples;
• Baggage. Substantial luggage capacity by light jet standards. Specific hold volume varies between examples - advise your consultant of any oversized items at booking.

Technical specifications

Citation CJ3 vs similar aircraft

• CJ3 vs CJ3+. The CJ3+ (2014 onwards) introduced the updated Williams FJ44-3A+ engine and Garmin G3000 avionics replacing the Collins Pro Line 21. The cabin dimensions are identical. Charter rates are marginally higher on the plus variant. On a typical European sector the client experience is very similar - the CJ3+ is preferred for its more modern avionics when available;
• CJ3 vs CJ2. The newer aircraft adds approximately 64 cm of cabin length, 15% more range, heavier MTOW and slightly improved engines. Charter rates are approximately 5% higher. For groups of 6 or 7 passengers, or for missions requiring Athens, Canary Islands or Turkey range, it is the clear choice. For 4-person short European hops the CJ2 is equally capable at a marginally lower cost;
• CJ3 vs Phenom 300. These are direct competitors. The Phenom 300 has a BMW Designworks interior, slightly more range (1,800 nm vs 1,875 nm - broadly comparable) and a reputation for superior cabin aesthetics. It has the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and - on many examples - a comparable cabin length. Charter rates are similar. Availability at the time of booking and individual cabin preference often determine the choice rather than meaningful performance differences.

Frequently asked questions - Citation CJ3 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Cessna Citation CJ3?
Charter rates run from approximately £2,200 to £2,900 per flight hour. London to Geneva costs from £5,800 for 7 passengers. London to Barcelona costs from £8,200. London to Paris costs from £3,800. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

How many passengers can fly on a Citation CJ3?
Seven passengers in the standard configuration, with an optional 8th seat using the aft enclosed lavatory seat - best suited to shorter sectors or smaller passengers. Optimal configuration for comfort is 5 to 6 passengers across the main cabin seats.

What is the range of the Citation CJ3?
Range is 1,875 nm (3,472 km), covering all of Western and Central Europe non-stop from UK airports including Athens, Istanbul and the Canary Islands. The Athens sector from London sits near the range limit - confirm wind conditions with your consultant for this mission.

Can the Citation CJ3 be flown by a single pilot?
Yes - it holds single-pilot type certification. This reduces crew costs compared to jets of similar cabin size that require two pilots, contributing to competitive charter rates.

What is the difference between the CJ3 and CJ3+?
The plus variant (introduced 2014) has the updated Williams FJ44-3A+ engines and replaces the Collins Pro Line 21 with Garmin G3000 avionics. The cabin is identical in dimensions. Charter rates are marginally higher on the newer variant. On a typical European sector the operational difference is small.