The Cessna Citation CJ4 is right at the top end of the light jet category of aircraft. In comparison, the Cessna Citation Longitude is a well-positioned large jet.
Given the class difference between these two aircraft, you would perhaps expect them to be impossible to compare.
However, it is interesting to see how aircraft at opposite ends of the scale compare when made by the same manufacturer.
Moreover, there are also a considerable number of similarities between these two Citation aircraft which are worth exploring.
Performance
First, let’s compare the performance aspects of these two Cessna Citation aircraft.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 is powered by Williams International’s FJ44-4A engines, providing a thrust output of 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) per engine. This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 6,800 lbs (3,084 kg).
The aircraft has a high-speed cruise of 451 knots (834 km/h), while its maximum altitude reaches 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).
The rate of climb for the CJ4 is 3,854 feet (1,175 meters) per minute, with a fuel burn of 173 gallons (654 liters) per hour.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Longitude is equipped with Honeywell’s HTF7700L engines, generating a higher thrust output of 7,665 lbs (3,478 kg) per engine and a total thrust output of 15,330 lbs (6,955 kg).
This aircraft has a high-speed cruise of 476 knots (882 km/h) and a long-range cruise of 453 knots (838 km/h).
It also boasts an impressive maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and an initial cruise altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106 meters).
The Longitude’s rate of climb is slightly faster at 4,310 feet (1,313 meters) per minute, but it consumes more fuel at 270 gallons (1,022 liters) per hour.
A higher cruise speed provides passengers with quicker travel times, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Additionally, a higher maximum altitude offers several advantages, such as smoother rides due to less turbulence at higher altitudes and reduced fuel consumption because of thinner air, resulting in lower drag.
Furthermore, a jet with a lower hourly fuel burn is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Assuming Jet A fuel costs $6 per gallon, let’s calculate the annual fuel cost savings when flying both aircraft for 300 hours. The Cessna Citation CJ4 would consume 51,900 gallons (196,410 liters) of fuel, while the Longitude would consume 81,000 gallons (306,600 liters) of fuel.
The total fuel cost for the CJ4 would be $311,400, and for the Longitude, it would be $486,000.
By choosing the aircraft with a lower fuel burn figure, the Cessna Citation CJ4, one would save $174,600 per year.
Range
The Cessna Citation CJ4 boasts a range of 2,165 nautical miles (4,009 kilometers), while the Longitude has an even more extensive range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers).
Again, as mentioned previously, the difference in range between these two aircraft is not as different as one may originally expect. Given that the CJ4 can be classified as a light jet and the Longitude as a large jet, a difference of less than 1,500 nautical miles is not as large as most would expect.
It is essential to note that these range figures represent the best-case scenario and can be influenced by various factors.
Firstly, wind conditions play a significant role in affecting an aircraft’s range. Tailwinds can increase the range by pushing the aircraft forward, while headwinds can decrease the range by acting against the aircraft’s motion.
Secondly, aircraft weight is another crucial factor. A fully loaded aircraft with passengers, luggage, and fuel will have a shorter range than one carrying fewer passengers and less cargo. Lastly, altitude also impacts the range, as higher altitudes can result in lower fuel consumption due to reduced air resistance.
Considering the range capabilities of these two aircraft, we can examine the city pairs they can connect when departing from New York.
With its 2,165 nautical mile (4,009-kilometer) range, the Cessna Citation CJ4 can fly nonstop from New York to cities such as Las Vegas, Vancouver, or even as far as Caracas.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Longitude, with its 3,500 nautical mile (6,482-kilometer) range, can cover even greater distances.
Departing from New York, the Longitude can fly nonstop to destinations like Paris, La Paz, or Stockholm.
Ground Performance
The ground performance of an aircraft, including its take-off and landing distances, is a crucial aspect to consider when comparing private jets.
A shorter take-off and landing distance offers several benefits, such as the ability to operate at smaller airports with shorter runways and increased flexibility in flight planning.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 has a take-off distance of 3,410 feet (1,039 meters) and a landing distance of 2,940 feet (896 meters).
In contrast, the Cessna Citation Longitude requires a longer take-off distance of 4,900 feet (1,494 meters) and a landing distance of 3,400 feet (1,036 meters).
It is essential to note that these figures represent the best-case scenario and can be influenced by various factors.
There are several factors that can impact the take-off and landing distances of a private jet.
Firstly, the weight of the aircraft, including its passengers, cargo, and fuel, will significantly affect its ground performance. A heavier aircraft will generally require a longer distance to take off and land.
Secondly, environmental conditions such as air temperature, humidity, and air pressure can also influence the required distances. For instance, high temperatures and high humidity levels can decrease the air density, which in turn reduces the lift generated by the wings, necessitating a longer runway for take-off and landing.
Lastly, the wind direction and speed play a critical role, as headwinds can shorten the required distances, while tailwinds can increase them.
Interior Dimensions
The interior dimensions of an aircraft play a significant role in passenger comfort and overall travel experience.
Given that the Longitude is classified as a large jet it is, of course, no surprise that its cabin is larger in every dimension.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 has an interior length of 17.32 feet (5.28 meters), a width of 4.82 feet (1.47 meters), and a height of 4.76 feet (1.45 meters).
In its maximum configuration, the CJ4 can accommodate up to 10 passengers, while its typical configuration seats 7 passengers.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Longitude features a longer interior length of 25.16 feet (7.67 meters), a wider cabin with a width of 6.43 feet (1.96 meters), and a taller height of 6.00 feet (1.83 meters).
The Longitude can carry up to 12 passengers in its maximum configuration and 8 passengers in its typical setup.
A longer cabin offers several benefits, such as increased legroom for passengers, more space for seating configurations, and additional storage for luggage or equipment.
A wider cabin allows for enhanced passenger comfort, providing more room for movement and relaxation during flights.
A taller cabin height contributes to an increased sense of spaciousness and enables passengers to move around more comfortably, especially when standing or walking through the cabin.
Both the Cessna Citation CJ4 and Longitude have flat-floor cabins, which provide numerous advantages.
A flat floor enhances the overall comfort by allowing passengers to walk through the cabin without having to step over uneven surfaces or raised areas.
It also enables more comfortable seating configurations and easier access to storage compartments, contributing to a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Interior
On the inside of these two aircraft, you can easily spot the Cessna-influenced design language.
One area that is crucial to compare but often overlooked is the cabin altitude when cruising at each aircraft’s maximum altitude, along with the altitude at each aircraft can maintain a sea-level cabin until.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 has a maximum cabin altitude of 7,800 feet (2,377 meters) and can maintain a sea-level cabin up to an altitude of 23,984 feet (7,310 meters).
In contrast, the Cessna Citation Longitude boasts a lower maximum cabin altitude of 5,950 feet (1,814 meters) and can maintain a sea-level cabin up to a higher altitude of 26,816 feet (8,175 meters).
A lower cabin altitude results in a more comfortable cabin, reduced fatigue, and reduced impact of jet lag.
This is especially important when cruising for long distances, for example, from North America to Europe.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Longitude is able to maintain a lower cabin altitude given its long-range capabilities.
Cessna Citation CJ4
Inside the CJ4 owners can opt for one of two different cabin configurations.
Both configurations consist of a single forward-facing row of seats situated behind a double-club seating area.
The difference between the configurations is the seat opposite the main door. With the optional couch, this single seat is converted to a two-seat couch.
At the very rear of the aircraft, there is a belted lavatory.
The refreshment center features a divided ice drawer, coffee container, disposable cup dispenser, trash container, bottled water, can storage, and snack storage.
All seats within the cabin swivel and track forward/aft and inboard/outboard, with the two center forward-facing seats also floor-tracking.
In between the double-club seats are two bi-fold tables, along with slimline bi-fold tables for the rear seating area. In order to increase the space within the club seat area the rear-most seats can be moved further back.
The CJ4 features the Collins Venue cabin management/entertainment system with a Blu-ray media center and single-channel SiriusXM radio.
The CJ4 also features a monitor on the forward bulkhead, two side-ledge monitors, and environmental system controls.
All lights in the cabin are LED and each seat has cabin management and entertainment system controls. Gogo’s air-to-ground system or Cobham Inmarsat SwiftBroadband satcom are available options for airborne connectivity.
Cessna Citation CJ4
Cessna Citation Longitude
Cessna Citation Longitude
Being Cessna’s flagship aircraft the aircraft manufacturers have gone to great lengths to increase comfort.
The cabin is large and spacious. The cabin is easy to stroll through thanks to a flat floor and six-foot height. Cessna says that the aircraft features “best-in-class legroom”.
Extensive work developing and implementing soundproofing techniques creates the “world’s quietest super-midsize cabin”.
The cabin noise level is just 67 decibels.
In terms of air, the Longitude features a partial recirculation system. This system reuses a percentage of air from the cabin while also relying on fresh air to fill the cabin. Cessna ensures that these systems use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particle Arrestance) filters.
These filters consist of a cluster of fibers that filter out pathogens, dust, and other contaminations as air is forced through. Typically, a full-volume exchange takes around four minutes to complete.
Thanks to the external air being compressed and heated by the engines, you can be sure that germs, bacteria, and viruses are killed.
As a result of being Cessna’s newest jet, it has all the latest interior technology.
For example, Cessna has implemented a fully wireless cabin management system that puts you in control of the cabin from every seat. The cabin management system allows passengers to control the lighting, temperature, and communications from their own devices.
In its standard configuration, the Longitude features a double club seating configuration. According to Cessna, this provides 20% more legroom than the competition. All seats can convert to fully lie-flat beds for longer flights.
At the front of the cabin, you will find a sizeable wet galley. Hot and cold water, plenty of cold storage, large supply cabinets, an espresso maker, and a microwave oven, also ensure that you will be dining well. This provides plenty of space to prepare food for the flight.
No matter what time of day you are flying you will be able to have an elegant meal made for you. Also upfront you will find the electrically operated airstair. According to Cessna, this simplifies the boarding, loading, and unloading process.
Normally it is impossible to access luggage during a flight. However, the Longitude has a large walk-in baggage compartment. This compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight without restriction. Up to 1,000 lbs (453 Kg) can be stored in the compartment.
As a result of these key features, the Longitude will help you to arrive at your destination feeling more relaxed and refreshed. With plenty of legroom and a quiet cabin, you can be sure to easily work, relax, and dine during your transatlantic flights.
The 15 large windows are optimally positioned to allow for the cabin to be bathed in natural light, while also providing you with stunning views of the world below.
Charter Price
When comparing the charter cost per hour between the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Cessna Citation Longitude, there is a noticeable difference in pricing.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 has a charter cost of $2,800 per hour, while the Cessna Citation Longitude comes with a higher price tag of $4,500 per hour.
There are several factors that influence the cost to charter a private jet.
One of the primary factors is the size and type of the aircraft, as larger and more advanced jets typically come with higher operating costs due to increased fuel consumption, maintenance, and crew expenses.
Consequently, these higher costs are reflected in the hourly charter rates. Another factor that can impact the cost of chartering a private jet is the flight distance and duration.
Longer flights may require additional fuel stops, which can increase the overall cost of the charter. Lastly, the demand for private jet charters can also affect pricing, with costs potentially increasing during peak travel seasons or for popular routes.
Purchase Price
When comparing the acquisition cost between the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Cessna Citation Longitude, it is important to consider both the new list price and the cost of pre-owned models.
The new list price for the Cessna Citation CJ4 is $9,700,000, while the Cessna Citation Longitude has a higher new list price of $28,000,000.
In terms of pre-owned models, the current value for a 2020 Cessna Citation CJ4 is $10,000,000, with an annual depreciation rate of 4.38%. In three years, its future value is projected to be $8,742,713.
On the other hand, a 2020 Cessna Citation Longitude has a current value of $22,000,000 and a higher annual depreciation rate of 8.24%. Its future value in three years is estimated to be $16,997,416.
Assuming the future values, the Cessna Citation Longitude will lose more money over the ownership period in terms of actual dollar amounts, with a total depreciation of $5,002,584 compared to the Cessna Citation CJ4’s depreciation of $1,257,287.
There are several factors that can influence the depreciation rate of a private jet.
Firstly, the age of the aircraft plays a significant role, as older aircraft typically depreciate at a faster rate due to wear and tear as well as technological advancements in newer models.
Secondly, the total flight hours and maintenance history of the aircraft can also impact depreciation, as an aircraft with higher flight hours or a less comprehensive maintenance history may depreciate more rapidly.
Lastly, market demand and supply for a specific aircraft model can influence depreciation rates, with models in higher demand or limited supply potentially experiencing slower depreciation.
You can search for private jets for sale on websites such as AvBuyer and Controller.
Summary
In summary, the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Cessna Citation Longitude are both exceptional private jets, each offering unique features and capabilities.
The CJ4 is more cost-effective in terms of the acquisition cost, hourly charter rate, and fuel consumption, while the Longitude provides a more spacious and comfortable cabin, better ground performance, and an extended range.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 might be a better choice for those who prioritize cost efficiency and require a versatile jet capable of operating in smaller airports with shorter runways. It is well-suited for short to medium-range flights and offers a comfortable travel experience for up to 7 passengers in its typical configuration.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Longitude is ideal for those who value a more spacious cabin, enhanced comfort, and longer-range capabilities.
With its ability to carry up to 8 passengers in its typical configuration and fly nonstop over greater distances, the Longitude is perfect for long-range flights and accommodating larger groups of passengers.
Ultimately, the decision between these two aircraft depends on the specific needs and preferences of the prospective owner or charterer.
By carefully considering factors such as range, cabin space, acquisition cost, and operating expenses, individuals can choose the aircraft that best fits their requirements and ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
