Cessna Citation CJ1+
Very Light Jet - 5 passengers, 1,285 nm published range
About the Cessna Citation CJ1+
The Citation CJ1+ is the FADEC-equipped, Pro Line 21-avionics update of Cessna's original entry-level CitationJet, built for single-pilot operation and short regional hops. It is small and slow by modern light-jet standards but remains one of the most economical jets to own and charter.
Who charters it
Charter clients choose the CJ1+ for the cheapest true business-jet experience available, ideal for 2-4 passengers on short regional legs (under about 3 hours) where a turboprop feels too slow but a midsize jet is overkill.
Mission fit: the Cessna Citation CJ1+ at a glance
Best for
- Denver to the West Coast nonstop with four aboard, after reserves and headwind
- Small parties of up to 5
- Shorter runways, with a published takeoff distance of about 3,100 ft
Think twice if
- Denver to the East Coast with four aboard: plan on a fuel stop
- Its range was published lighter than four aboard, so we plan it with extra margin
- Standing room matters: the cabin is about 4'10" tall
Mountain airports
Capable. Routine into Eagle. Aspen and Telluride depend on weight, weather and the operator's own approval for the field.
Computed from specifications current as of 2026-09-28. Range lines start from the 1,285 nm four-passenger figure, hold back a reserve and fly into a 50 kt headwind. Winds, weight and the operator's own performance numbers decide any given day. Check your route in the Range Explorer.
Specifications
- Class
- Very Light
- Manufacturer
- Cessna (Textron Aviation)
- Published range
- 1,285 nm
- Range as published (flown lighter than four passengers)
- 1,285 nm
- Planning range (80% for the lighter load, 50 kt headwind)
- 895 nm
- Seats
- 5 typical, 7 max
- Service ceiling
- 41,000 ft
- Takeoff field
- 3,080 ft
- Cabin height
- 4'10"
- Cabin width
- 4'10"
- Cabin length
- 11'0"
- Indicative rate
- Est. $2,400 - $3,000/hr
- Production
- Out of production
Specifications current as of 2026-09-28. Published range assumes still air, an optimum profile, and a light payload. Rates are indicative and vary with routing, availability, and operator.
Worth knowing
- Single-pilot certified
- FADEC-controlled Williams FJ44-1AP engines
- Pro Line 21 integrated avionics
- Smallest, cheapest jet in the Citation lineup at the time
- Same airframe as the original CitationJet and later CJ1
Colorado mountain airports: capable
Essentially the direct predecessor of the Citation M2 with the same short-field airframe and a roughly 3,100 ft sea-level takeoff roll, so like the M2 it can work ASE and EGE with light loads and summer payload/fuel trims. Its small cabin, roughly 1,285 nm range, and thinner charter availability make it a short-hop niche choice, and TEX should be treated as marginal the same way it is for the M2.
Planning guidance only. The operator, the AFM performance data, and conditions on the day are the final authority.
FAA Part 135 data
On US charter certificates
57
aircraft on FAA Part 135 charter certificates
50
certificate holders operate them
Counted: CitationJet, CJ1, CJ1+, M2 and M2 Gen2 (all FAA model 525)
Built 1993 to 2023
Being on a certificate means an aircraft may be flown for hire. It does not mean every one is offered to the public. For each trip we confirm the specific operator and aircraft, and review its safety audits, before you book.
- Cessna Citation CJ1+57
- Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50 G2+)45
- Learjet 31A34
- Embraer Phenom 100EX30
- HondaJet Elite II24
- Beechcraft Premier IA22
Source: FAA Part 135 Operators and Aircraft list, as published September 10, 2026.
Is the Cessna Citation CJ1+ right for your trip?
See how far it reaches from your departure airport, or send us the trip and we will price it against the alternatives.