Aircraft overview

The Cessna CitationJet / CJ is the Model 525 light jet family developed by Cessna as the successor to the Citation and Citation I. The original CitationJet first flew in 1991, with customer deliveries beginning in 1993. Production of the broader CJ line has continued through successive variants, including the CJ1, CJ1+, CJ2, CJ2+, CJ3, CJ3+, CJ4 and related M2 models. It matters in the used market because it established a widely supported, owner-pilot-capable light jet platform with efficient Williams engines, a straight wing and a relatively simple operating profile.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant. Early CitationJet and CJ1 aircraft typically cruise around the high 300 knot range, while larger CJ3 and CJ4 models move into the low to mid 400 knot range. Published maximum ranges run from roughly 1,100 nautical miles for early aircraft to more than 2,000 nautical miles for the CJ4, subject to payload, reserves and operating conditions. Certified ceilings are typically 41,000 feet on early models and up to 45,000 feet on later, larger variants. All CitationJet / CJ models use two Williams International FJ44 turbofan engines, with thrust ratings increasing across the family.

Cabin & avionics

The CitationJet / CJ cabin is sized for short to medium stage lengths, typically seating five to seven passengers depending on variant and interior configuration. Early aircraft have a compact cabin with a dropped aisle and belted lavatory on many layouts, while CJ3 and CJ4 models offer more cabin length, baggage capacity and passenger flexibility. Avionics vary by generation: older CitationJet and CJ1 aircraft may have original Collins or BendixKing equipment, many CJ1+ and CJ2+ aircraft use Collins Pro Line 21, the CJ3+ introduced Garmin G3000, and the CJ4 is commonly associated with Collins Pro Line 21, with newer production moving to Garmin-based flight decks.

Buying & value

Buyers should compare exact variant, engine program status, hot section and overhaul timing, avionics updates, RVSM compliance, paint, interior age, corrosion findings and damage history. Common value drivers include WAAS LPV upgrades on older panels, ADS-B compliance, engine coverage, cabin refurbishment and winglet or performance modification packages where applicable. In the current PlaneFox used-market sample, asking prices average about EUR 2,550,000, with listings ranging from approximately EUR 768,000 to EUR 8,120,000. Early CitationJet and CJ1 aircraft sit near the entry point of the light jet market, while CJ3, CJ3+ and CJ4 examples compete with newer, faster and longer-range light jets.