Phenom 300E vs Citation CJ4: Best Light Jet for European Buyers?

When people think about buying a jet in Europe two names always come up: the Embraer Phenom 300E and the Cessna Citation CJ4. They cost the same and can carry a similar number of passengers. They can even be flown by one pilot. People who have flown in both say they feel like very different aircraft.

So which one is right for you? Let us look at the numbers and find out.

A Quick Background on Both Aircraft

The Phenom 300E is made by a company called Embraer in Brazil. It has been one of the selling business jets in the world for a few years now. The 300E version came out in 2018 with a cabin, new engines and a new flight deck. The price for an one is around USD 10,995,000.

The Citation CJ4 is made by Cessna, which's now part of Textron Aviation. The first CJ4 was delivered in 2010. The new version has some nice upgrades like a better cabin and more storage for luggage. It is powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A engines. A new CJ4 costs around USD 9.61 million, which's a bit cheaper than the Phenom 300E.

You can buy a used CJ4 with good avionics for between USD 7 million and USD 9 million. Now let us see what really sets them apart.

1. Speed

The Phenom 300E flies at 464 knots. The CJ4 flies at 451 knots. That is a difference of 13 knots. To be honest you will not really notice it on flights in Europe. On a trip of 2,000 nautical miles the Phenom 300E will get you there about 8 minutes faster. Over a year of flying that adds up to just a few hours.

Neither aircraft is slow so your passengers will be happy. If you want to brag about your jet at the airport the Phenom 300E is a bit faster.

The Phenom 300E has a speed advantage.

2. Range

The CJ4 actually flies farther than the Phenom 300E when it is fully loaded. The Phenom 300E can fly 2,010 miles with four passengers but the CJ4 can fly 2,165 nautical miles with a lot of luggage. The CJ4 can also carry weight when it has a full tank of gas.

So if you fly with a lot of people and luggage the CJ4 is a choice. If you fly with just a few people the Phenom 300E can go just as far.

The CJ4 has a range advantage when it is fully loaded.

3. Cabin Space and Comfort

The Phenom 300E has a lot space inside. The cabin is wider and taller which makes a difference on long flights. Passengers always notice that the Phenom 300E feels like a jet.

The Phenom 300E also has a cabin altitude, which means passengers will feel more comfortable on long flights. The CJ4 has more storage space for luggage which is important for some people.

The Phenom 300E has a comfort advantage. The CJ4 has a baggage capacity advantage.

4. Operating Costs

Both jets cost about the same to operate. There are some differences. The Phenom 300E costs a bit less per hour to fly which adds up over time.

The Phenom 300E has an operating cost advantage.

5. Avionics

Both jets have the Garmin G3000 avionics system, which is very good. The Phenom 300E has a touchscreen control system, which some pilots like.

The avionics are even between the two jets.

6. Resale Value

The Phenom 300E holds its value a bit better than the CJ4, in Europe. This is because the Phenom 300E is a popular jet and people know it is a good choice.

The Phenom 300E has a resale advantage in Europe.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Sources: AvBuyer, Flycraft, GlobalAir, Simple Flying

Who Should Buy the Phenom 300E?

You should buy the Phenom 300E if:

• You want your passengers to be very comfortable
• You like the way the Phenom 300E looks
• You want to save money on operating costs
• You fly mostly in Europe and want a jet that will be easy to sell
• You want a cabin altitude for your passengers

Who Should Buy the Citation CJ4?

You should buy the Citation CJ4 if:

• You fly with a lot of people and luggage
• You want a jet that can go a way with a full tank of gas
• You want a jet with a lot of storage space for luggage
• You like the service and support from Textron Aviation
• You want a jet that can fly very far with a lot of weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Which jet is faster the Phenom 300E or the Citation CJ4?

The Phenom 300E is a bit faster at 464 knots.. On most flights, in Europe the difference is only a few minutes.

Which jet has a cabin?

The Phenom 300E has an taller cabin, which makes it feel like a bigger jet.

Which one is cheaper to run?

The Phenom 300E costs less per hour to operate than the CJ4. This makes it a better choice if you plan to use it a lot. Even though the Phenom 300E is more expensive to buy at first it will save you money in the run.

Can one person fly both planes?

Yes both the Phenom 300E and the Citation CJ4 can be flown by one person. This is great for people who own the plane and want to fly it themselves.

Which plane keeps its value better in Europe?

The Phenom 300E keeps its value better in Europe. This is because more people know the brand and want to buy these planes.

Where can I find these planes for sale in Europe?

You can look at planes for sale in Europe on the SkyDeals Europe website. They have a list of Phenom and Citation planes.

Final Verdict

Both planes are great. You will not be disappointed with either one.

If you are buying a plane to use in Europe in 2025 the Phenom 300E is a better choice. The inside of the plane is nicer it costs less to operate. People want to buy it more. For flights in Europe the difference in how far the two planes can fly is not a big deal.

The CJ4 is a choice if you often fly with a lot of people and luggage on long trips. It is also a choice if you want a company with a lot of experience like Textron to help you with any problems.

If you are still trying to decide if a small jet is right for you you can read our guide on how to buy a used plane in Europe. If you are thinking about buying a turboprop plane you can look at the turboprop planes for sale on SkyDeals Europe.