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Fly Tango Jets / Fleet / Citation CJ3

Private Jet Charter — Citation CJ3

LIGHT JET CHARTER — THE MOST POPULAR LIGHT JET ON THE CHARTER MARKET

Aircraft Profile

Citation CJ3 — Private Charter Specifications

Manufacturer Cessna / Textron Aviation (USA) Aircraft Type Light Jet Max Passengers 7–8 passengers Cabin Dimensions 15 ft 7 in long × 4 ft 10 in wide × 4 ft 9 in high Range ~2,000 nautical miles (NBAA IFR) Flight Time ~3.5–4 hours Cruise Speed 416 knots Engines 2 × Williams FJ44-3A turbofan Service Ceiling 45,000 ft Stand-Up Cabin No (4 ft 9 in) Flat Floor Yes Baggage Capacity 65 cu ft external + internal access Notable Strengths Most popular charter light jet, longest legroom in class, enclosed lavatory, 2,040 nm range, incredible fuel efficiency

Why Charter a Citation CJ3 Private Jet?

The Cessna Citation CJ3 is, by virtually every measure, the most popular light jet on the private charter market — and for good reason. First certified in 2004, it stretched the CJ2 airframe further to create a cabin with the most legroom of any light jet in its class, while maintaining the CJ series’ defining advantages: low fuel burn, short-field capability, and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft that keeps passengers above weather and commercial traffic.

Range That Redefines the Light Jet Category

With an NBAA IFR range of approximately 2,040 nautical miles, the CJ3 punches far above its weight class. Routes like New York to Dallas, Los Angeles to Chicago, South Florida to Jamaica or the DR, and even South Florida to Mexico are all within reach — nonstop, in a single flight segment. This is range typically associated with midsize jets, delivered at light jet operating costs.

Best-in-Class Legroom

The CJ3’s cabin length of 15 ft 7 in gives it more seat-to-seat distance than any competing light jet — a detail that makes a significant difference on 3.5 to 4-hour charter flights. Passengers sit in individual reclining seats with genuine personal space, not squeezed into the compact configurations typical of smaller jets. Operators and charter clients consistently cite the legroom as the CJ3’s defining cabin advantage.

Enclosed Lavatory & Practical Cabin Amenities

The CJ3 includes a rear enclosed lavatory — standard fitment on a light jet, and a meaningful comfort advantage on flights of 3.5 to 4 hours. Some configurations allow the lavatory to serve as an additional seat when not in use. Cabin amenities typically include Collins ProLine 21 avionics, Wi-Fi on upgraded aircraft, LED lighting, and XM radio on CJ3+ variants.

Key Advantages

The Light Jet That Goes Further.

With 2,040 nm of range, best-in-class legroom, an enclosed lavatory, and the most fuel-efficient engines in its category, the Citation CJ3 consistently ranks as the top private charter light jet for range, comfort, and value.

Knowledge Center

Charter a Citation CJ3 — FAQ

Common questions about Citation CJ3 private jet charter flights with Fly Tango Jets.

The CJ3 combines best-in-class legroom, a 2,040 nm range, an enclosed lavatory, and low operating costs in a single platform. No other light jet delivers all four of those advantages simultaneously. Charter operators favor it because it can cover routes that would otherwise require a midsize jet, while passengers value the cabin space and the practical amenities. Over 400 CJ3s remain in active service globally.
The CJ3 typically seats 6 to 7 passengers, with 8 possible in some configurations. The rear lavatory can double as an additional seat when not in use. The cabin is 15 ft 7 in long — the longest in the light jet category — providing individual reclining seats with genuine personal space for each passenger.
The CJ3 has an NBAA IFR range of approximately 2,040 nautical miles — roughly 400 nm more than most competing light jets. This covers New York to Dallas, Los Angeles to Chicago, South Florida to Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, all nonstop in a single private charter flight.
The CJ3 is a further fuselage stretch of the CJ2, adding 2 ft of additional cabin length and meaningfully extending the range from ~1,500 to ~2,040 nm. The cabin goes from 13 ft 7 in to 15 ft 7 in, adding legroom and a full extra passenger position. The CJ3 is the more capable and comfortable charter choice for routes over 1,200 nm.
Wi-Fi availability depends on the specific aircraft’s avionics package. CJ3+ variants introduced in 2015 include a Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck, LED cabin lighting, Satcom phone, and wireless cabin technology for Wi-Fi and XM radio. Many CJ3s in the charter fleet have been retrofitted with similar connectivity. Your Fly Tango Jets coordinator will confirm specific amenities for your aircraft.
For routes under 2,000 nm with up to 7 passengers, the CJ3 is often the smarter value choice — lower operating costs and nearly identical range. The CJ4 adds 21 inches of cabin length, higher cruise speed (451 vs 416 knots), and 2,165 nm range, making it the better option when carrying 8+ passengers or when the extra speed and cabin space genuinely matter for the specific mission.

Ready to Fly?

Book Your Private Citation CJ3 Charter

Request a private Citation CJ3 charter quote from Fly Tango Jets. Best legroom in its class, 2,040 nm range, and enclosed lavatory — the most popular light jet on the private charter market for good reason.

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