Charter a Cessna Citation Jet CJ1

The Cessna Citation Jet CJ1 is the second generation of the Citation Jet series, built on a design philosophy that can be summarised in three words: simplicity, economy and performance. The original Citation Jet established the concept; the CJ1 refined it with improvements in both operating economy and performance. The defining technical achievement is the natural laminar flow wing developed over four years in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA. Unlike the straight wings used in earlier Citations, the NLF wing delays the onset of airflow separation longer, improving lift and drag performance by 10 to 15% over straight-wing designs - a measurable aerodynamic gain that directly reduces fuel consumption and extends range without increasing weight or cost.

The CJ1 is powered by two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-1A turbofans, chosen specifically for fuel economy. It uses the Pro Line 21 avionics package with PFD and MFD flat-panel screens - making the CJ1 the first business jet equipped with this glass cockpit technology outside the Boeing Business Jet. Single-pilot certification is standard, reducing operating costs and giving flight departments maximum scheduling flexibility. It accommodates up to 4 passengers in a 3.36 m cabin and is designed for short missions typically lasting just over one hour. Charter prices start from approximately £1,900 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the CJ1?

• NASA-developed natural laminar flow wing - 10 to 15% better lift/drag. The NLF wing took four years to develop in a Cessna/NASA joint venture and delivers 10 to 15% better lift and drag performance than the straight-wing designs used in earlier Citations. This translates directly into lower fuel burn per nautical mile, which is the primary driver of the CJ1's operating economy at charter rates below most competing very light jets;
• First business jet with Pro Line 21 flat-panel glass cockpit. When the CJ1 entered service, it was the first business jet - other than the Boeing Business Jet - equipped with Pro Line 21 PFD and MFD flat-panel screens. The glass cockpit reduces pilot workload, improves situational awareness and provides a more modern avionics environment than older round-dial competitors in the same category;
• Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-1A engines - exceptional fuel economy. The FJ44-1A engines were selected specifically for fuel efficiency. The combination of the NLF wing and these engines makes the CJ1 one of the most economical jets available per nautical mile at its performance level, which directly reduces charter costs per sector;
• Single-pilot certified - maximum scheduling flexibility. The CJ1 can be operated by a single pilot. This reduces crew costs for operators and gives flight departments greater flexibility in scheduling, particularly for short-notice departures where two-pilot availability may be a constraint;
• Simple, reliable systems designed for business travel. The Citation Jet family was explicitly designed for businessmen who would fly their own jets. The result is automated systems, a straightforward avionics layout and a design philosophy that prioritises reliability over complexity. Simple systems fail less and require less maintenance, contributing to the CJ1's excellent operational record;
• Second-generation improvement over the original Citation Jet. The CJ1 builds on an already proven platform. The original Citation Jet validated the design concept; all lessons were applied learned from that programme to produce better economy and better performance without abandoning the simplicity that made the original successful.

Charter cost - CJ1 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £1,900 to £2,300 - in the very light jet category, above the Citation I and competitive with the Citation II. For two to three passengers on UK domestic and short European missions, the CJ1 provides jet performance and glass cockpit standards at some of the most competitive rates available in private aviation.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £2,900 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £3,300 (3 passengers, approximately 55 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £3,700 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour);
• London to Geneva - from £4,600 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £3,500 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• Manchester to Brussels - from £4,200 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Frankfurt - from £4,800 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear regularly on UK and near-European routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the CJ1

Built for short missions - typically just over one hour - and performs best when the group is two to three passengers, the destination is within 2,315 km and operating economy is the primary requirement:

• UK domestic (45 to 90 minutes). London to Edinburgh, London to Belfast, Manchester to Aberdeen, Birmingham to Glasgow - the CJ1's NLF wing efficiency and single-pilot operation make it one of the most economical jets available on these sectors. For two to three passengers on a same-day domestic return, total costs are competitive with a small number of business class tickets once ground transfer and schedule flexibility are included;
• UK to near-Europe (1 to 1.5 hours). Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Dublin are all within comfortable range. These are the bread-and-butter missions for which the CJ1 was explicitly designed - short, frequent, economical European business travel for a small group;
• UK to Central Europe (1.5 to 2 hours). Geneva, Zurich, Munich and Vienna are within the 2,315 km range. At 704 km/h the CJ1 covers these sectors efficiently. The Pro Line 21 glass cockpit provides the avionics standard that pilots and operators expect on these more complex airspace sectors;
• Owner-flown missions. The Citation Jet family was designed for businessmen who fly their own aircraft. The CJ1's single-pilot certification, simple systems and glass cockpit make it well-suited to owner-operators flying short European business missions;
• Two to three passenger private jet at minimum cost. For a small group who want a private jet cabin - pressurised, fast, private terminal - on a budget that does not stretch to a four to six seat light jet, the CJ1 provides the essential private jet experience at the lowest available jet charter rates.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The cabin measures 3.36 m long, 1.47 m wide and 1.45 m high. It accommodates up to 4 passengers. The cabin reflects the Citation Jet design philosophy: functional, comfortable and efficient for short missions of one to two hours. For two to three passengers on UK domestic and near-European sectors, the space is well-matched to the mission length.

The Pro Line 21 glass cockpit with flat-panel PFD and MFD screens provides a modern avionics environment. The FJ44-1A engines are notably quiet for their thrust class, contributing to a cabin acoustic quality that exceeds what the compact dimensions might suggest. Single-pilot operation is standard for charter operators. The NLF wing's aerodynamic efficiency means the CJ1 departs and climbs quickly, minimising total elapsed time on the short sectors it is designed for.

• Capacity. Up to 4 passengers; optimal 3;
• Avionics. Pro Line 21 - PFD and MFD flat-panel screens (first in business jets outside BBJ);
• Engines. 2 x Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-1A - fuel-efficient;
• Wing. NASA/Cessna natural laminar flow - 10-15% better lift/drag;
• Pilot. Single-pilot certified;
• Altitude. 12,497 m (41,000 ft) maximum certified;
• Mission. Designed for short missions, typically just over one hour.

Technical specifications

CJ1 vs similar aircraft

• CJ1 vs Citation CJ2. The CJ2 has a longer cabin (4.33 m vs 3.36 m), more passengers (6 vs 4), more range (1,613 nm vs 1,249 nm) and higher cruise speed. Charter rates for the CJ2 run approximately 10 to 15% higher. For groups of 2 to 3 where the CJ1's range is sufficient on UK and near-European missions, the lower rate is attractive. For groups of 4 to 6 or longer European sectors, the CJ2 is necessary;
• CJ1 vs Phenom 100. The Phenom 100 is a VLJ competitor in the VLJ category with a slightly longer cabin (3.76 m vs 3.36 m) and 4 passengers. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The CJ1 advantage is the Pro Line 21 glass cockpit and the NASA NLF wing's aerodynamic efficiency. The Phenom 100 is a more modern design. Both are well-suited to 2 to 4 passenger short-sector missions;
• CJ1 vs Citation I. The Citation I carries more passengers (6 vs 4), similar range and comparable cruise speed. Charter rates for the Citation I run approximately 5 to 10% lower. For 2 to 3 passengers where the smaller CJ1 cabin is acceptable and the Pro Line 21 glass cockpit is valued, this option is appropriate. For 4 to 6 passengers, the Citation I provides more capacity at a lower rate.

Frequently asked questions - CJ1 charter

How much does it cost to charter a Cessna Citation CJ1?
Charter rates run from approximately £1,900 to £2,300 per flight hour. London to Paris costs from £3,300. London to Edinburgh costs from £2,900. London to Geneva costs from £4,600. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the natural laminar flow wing on the CJ1?
The NLF wing was developed over four years in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA. Unlike straight wings used on earlier Citations, the NLF design delays airflow separation longer, improving lift and drag performance by 10 to 15%. This directly reduces fuel burn per nautical mile - the primary reason the CJ1 is one of the most economical jets available at its performance level.

Was the CJ1 the first business jet with a glass cockpit?
At entry into service it was the first business jet equipped with Pro Line 21 flat-panel PFD and MFD screens, outside the Boeing Business Jet. This glass cockpit reduces pilot workload, improves situational awareness and provides a significantly more modern avionics environment than competing jets of the same period fitted with conventional instruments.

How many passengers can fly on a CJ1?
Up to 4 in the standard configuration. The optimal charter group is 2 to 3 passengers, designed for short missions with small groups where operating economy and the private jet experience are the priorities.

Is the CJ1 certified for single-pilot operation?
Yes - single-pilot certification was a design goal. This reduces crew costs for operators and gives flight departments more flexibility, particularly for short-notice departures. Single-pilot certification was a design objective of the Citation Jet family from the beginning.