Light Jet · Comparison

Beechcraft Premier I vs Cessna Citation CJ3+

Side-by-side Light Jet analysis of the Beechcraft Premier I and Cessna Citation CJ3+: cabin capacity, published range, typical hourly operating cost, runway needs, and how each model shows up in EmptyJet empty-leg inventory today.

Class
Light Jet
Seats
6 / 7
Range
2,500 km / 3,066 km
Beechcraft Premier IBeechcraft Premier I6 seats2,500 km range13 empty-leg offersCessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation CJ3+7 seats3,066 km range318 empty-leg offers

How to choose

Cabin and capacity: the Beechcraft Premier I is configured for 6 seats with cabin height 1.6 m; the Cessna Citation CJ3+ offers 7 seats and 1.4 m cabin height. Choose the roomier cabin when passenger count or stand-up comfort matters more than brochure range.

Mission fit: published range is 2,500 km for the Beechcraft Premier I versus 3,066 km for the Cessna Citation CJ3+, with cruise speeds of 826 km/h and 770 km/h. Longer published range suits thin-route city pairs; shorter-hop missions can prioritize cabin comfort or lower typical hourly cost instead.

Operating cost context: typical hourly cost is listed at $2,400/hr for the Beechcraft Premier I and $2,750/hr for the Cessna Citation CJ3+. Takeoff runway guidance is 1100 m versus 969 m — relevant when destination airports are short-field.

Empty-leg market signal on EmptyJet: 13 live public offers for the Beechcraft Premier I and 318 for the Cessna Citation CJ3+ right now. Higher inventory often means more schedule flexibility on repositioning flights, but availability still depends on the specific route and date.

Specs & availability

SpecBeechcraft Premier ICessna Citation CJ3+
ManufacturerBeechcraftCessna
CategoryLight JetLight Jet
Seats67
Range2,500 km3,066 km
Cruise speed826 km/h770 km/h
Typical hourly cost$2,400/hr$2,750/hr
Cabin height1.6 m1.4 m
Takeoff runway1100 m969 m
Empty-leg offers on EmptyJet13318

Key takeaways

The Cessna Citation CJ3+ seats more passengers (7 vs 6). On published range, the Cessna Citation CJ3+ covers more distance (3,066 km vs 2,500 km). Typical hourly cost favors the Beechcraft Premier I ($2,400/hr vs $2,750/hr). EmptyJet currently lists more empty-leg offers for the Cessna Citation CJ3+ (318 vs 13).

FAQ

Which seats more passengers, the Beechcraft Premier I or the Cessna Citation CJ3+?

Published seating is 6 for the Beechcraft Premier I and 7 for the Cessna Citation CJ3+.

Which has longer range, the Beechcraft Premier I or the Cessna Citation CJ3+?

Published range is 2,500 km for the Beechcraft Premier I and 3,066 km for the Cessna Citation CJ3+.

What is the typical hourly cost difference between the Beechcraft Premier I and the Cessna Citation CJ3+?

Typical hourly cost is listed at $2,400/hr for the Beechcraft Premier I and $2,750/hr for the Cessna Citation CJ3+.

How many empty-leg offers does EmptyJet list for the Beechcraft Premier I vs the Cessna Citation CJ3+?

EmptyJet currently lists 13 empty-leg offers for the Beechcraft Premier I and 318 for the Cessna Citation CJ3+. Counts change as listings appear or leave the catalog.