Cessna Citation CJ4
Cessna's first production Citation CJ4 flew in May 2009, with the first delivery coming the following year. It is the newest and largest member of the CJ family and has rapidly gained great popularity, particularly in Europe. This is partly due to the CJ4's excellent interior, which, having been lengthened to 5.29m, is more spacious than all the other aircraft in the CJ range, comfortably accommodating up to 8 passengers. With a range of over 3700km and a top speed of 839km/h, the CJ4 is one of the highest-performing Light Jets on the market. It also offers great take-off and landing capabilities, enabling it to access airports with short runways, such as Lugano or St Tropez, which are often more convenient. The state-of-the-art weather radar system allows it to detect potentially disruptive weather far in advance and, therefore, avoid turbulence, guaranteeing a smoother flight. The CJ4 provides an impressive service, getting you closer to your destination in great comfort and in excellent time.
Light Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Range* | 3569 km 1927 NM |
| Cruise speed | 819 km/h 442 kts |
| Seats** | 8 |
| Suitcases | 6 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
Cessna launched the Citation CJ4 at the NBAA convention in October 2006 as the largest member of the CitationJet family. The aircraft represented a stretched development of the successful CJ3 design, offering increased cabin space and range.
The first CJ4 prototype made its maiden flight on May 5, 2008, from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft featured enhanced systems and performance compared to smaller CJ variants while maintaining the family's operational simplicity.
First deliveries began in 2010 following certification, though the programme faced a temporary setback in 2011 when the FAA issued an airworthiness directive due to issues with the original lithium-ion battery equipment. Cessna quickly addressed these concerns and resumed normal operations.
The CJ4 became one of Cessna's most successful light jets, with the 400th aircraft delivered in April 2023. The aircraft filled an important gap in the Citation lineup, providing more space than the CJ3 while remaining more accessible than larger Citation models, contributing to the Citation family's position as the world's largest business jet fleet.
FAQ
Can the Citation CJ4 access smaller airports?
Yes. The Citation CJ4 was designed with short-runway capability, which permits operations into airports not accessible to larger jets. It is also among the approved aircraft for London City Airport, which requires specific steep-approach certification. Other examples include Cannes Mandelieu in France or Lugano in Switzerland. Such access enables passengers to land closer to resorts, business districts, or remote destinations, reducing ground transfer times.
How does the Citation CJ4 compare to the Embraer Phenom 300?
The Embraer Phenom 300 has a slightly longer range of 3,723 km (2,010 nm) compared to the Citation CJ4’s 3,569 km (1,927 nm). The Phenom 300 also cruises faster at 822 km/h (444 kts), while the CJ4 reaches 819 km/h (442 kts). In practice, the CJ4 is often chosen for its higher passenger capacity and advanced avionics, while the Phenom 300 is valued for efficiency and operating cost savings.
What are the advantages of the Citation CJ4 Gen2 and Gen3?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2, launched in 2022, introduced a refreshed cabin with improved lighting, seating, and entryway design. The CJ4 Gen3 goes further, with Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, autothrottles, and safety systems such as Emergency Autoland. These enhancements reduce pilot workload and add reassurance for passengers who charter the newest versions.
What is the range of the Citation CJ4?
The Citation CJ4 has an NBAA IFR range of 3,569 km (1,927 nm) nonstop. This performance enables routes such as London to Athens or Paris to Istanbul without refuelling, making it ideal for regional and medium-haul business travel.
