Aircraft comparison
Phenom 300 vs Citation CJ4
A super light jet and a light jet, two of the most-chartered small jets in Europe, closely matched on range. Where each one pulls ahead.
Side by side
| Specification | Embraer Phenom 300 / 300E | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Super Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Range | 1,300 nm | 1,300 nm |
| Cruise speed | 464 kt | 441 kt |
| Cabin height | 1.50 m | 1.45 m |
| Luggage | 6 bags | 6 bags |
| Hourly bracket | €4,000 – €6,000 | €3,200 – €5,000 |
| Enclosed lavatory | Yes | Yes |
| Standing cabin | No | No |
Hourly brackets are indicative — real quotes depend on operator, routing and date. Specs read live from each aircraft.
The Embraer Phenom 300 and the Cessna Citation CJ4 are the two smaller jets we place most often on European sectors: the Phenom a super light jet, the CJ4 a light jet. They sit within a few hundred nautical miles of each other on range. The CJ4 is a light jet and its hourly bracket starts a step below the Phenom’s, so the choice usually comes down to price, cabin feel, baggage and the specific trip.
When the Phenom 300 is the better charter
The Phenom 300 has the larger baggage hold and the wider cabin of the two, with an air-stair and big windows that make it feel a class above its size. For a full party of six to eight with luggage, on a leg up to around three hours, it is usually the more comfortable aircraft.
When the Citation CJ4 is the better charter
The CJ4 is quick and efficient, with a flat-floor cabin and a strong short-field performance that opens up smaller airports. For three or four passengers on a business hop where speed and airport access matter more than cabin width, it is well sized for the trip.
The verdict
For comfort and luggage, lean Phenom 300. For airport access and efficiency on a lighter load, lean CJ4. Both are EASA AOC-arranged through verified operators; tell us the route and party size and we confirm which is the better-priced fit on your dates.
Frequently asked
The CJ4 usually is. As a light jet it charters from about €3,200 per flight hour, against about €4,000 for the super light Phenom 300, crew and fuel included and positioning, airport fees and taxes extra. On any given day the cheaper option still depends on operator availability, routing and repositioning. We quote both so you can compare like for like.
They are closely matched; both comfortably cover European business and short leisure sectors with a full cabin. For a specific route we confirm which flies it nonstop on the day.
The Phenom 300 — it has the larger baggage hold and the wider cabin, so a full party travels without compromise.
Both seat up to eight in a typical charter layout. Realistic capacity with full luggage is six to seven.
Yes. We arrange both the Phenom 300 and the Citation CJ4 through certified operators across Europe — tell us your trip and we return an itemised quote, usually within a few hours.
See each aircraft
Not sure which fits your trip?
See how costs compare by cabin class, or read the full charter cost guide.