Light Jet Charter
Cost-effective, short-field regional travel.
Why Charter This Aircraft
One of the most affordable light jets to charter.
Ideal for short regional trips.
A compact yet comfortable cabin.
Access smaller airports closer to your destination.
A trusted entry point into the Citation 525 family.
Development & Background
The Cessna Citation CJ1, part of the Citation 525 series, is one of the most trusted light jets for charter. In the 1990s, Cessna decided to upgrade the original CitationJet, and the Citation CJ1 was born, offering low operating costs, short-runway performance, and efficient regional charter capability.
The CJ1's mission profile suits executives or families who need private jet service on short-to-mid-range routes such as Chicago to Dallas, Houston to Jacksonville, or Los Angeles to Denver. Like most light jets, it can land at smaller airports that larger aircraft such as the Gulfstream GIV can't reach, bringing passengers closer to their final destination.
"Flying the CJ1 light jet is a pilot's dream—its reliable avionics and smooth handling make short-field operations straightforward. I consider the aircraft to be the Toyota Avalon of the skies."
"For a weekend business trip from Houston to Atlanta, our Citation CJ1 charter flight was cost-effective, fast, and far more convenient than the airlines."
Specifications
| Passenger Capacity | 5 passengers + 1 pilot |
| Range | ~1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 380 KTAS |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 340 KTAS |
| Takeoff Distance | ~3,250 ft (991 m) |
| Landing Distance | ~2,800 ft (853 m) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L×W×H) | 11 ft × 4.8 ft × 4.8 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 65 cu ft |
| MTOW | 10,700 lb (4,853 kg) |
Cabin & Interior Experience
The Cessna Citation CJ1 offers a modest yet comfortable cabin designed to seat 4 to 5 passengers in a club configuration, with a cabin height of 4 ft 9 in and a width of 5 ft 9 in. Fold-out tables are available for catering, and a 55–63 cubic-foot aft baggage compartment holds up to 3 large suitcases plus golf bags or skis.
Capabilities & Performance
Cessna equipped the Citation CJ1 with two reliable Williams FJ44-1A turbofan engines, delivering fuel-efficient subsonic cruise, a service ceiling of 41,000 ft, and straightforward Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics for pilot interface and navigation. Consistent short-field takeoff capability comes from an increased maximum takeoff weight for improved payload and range, along with a redesigned wing root and flap system for better low-speed handling. Optional thrust reversers are available for operators flying into shorter runways.
Charter Pricing
| Metric | Citation CJ1 | Citation CJ1+ |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Operating Cost | ~$1,500/hr | ~$1,650/hr |
| Average Charter Rate | $3,200–$3,600/hr | $3,600–$3,900/hr |
| Fuel Burn | ~130 gal/hr | ~135 gal/hr |
| Maintenance Programs | ProParts, TAP Blue | ProParts, TAP Blue |
| Average Used Value (2025) | $2.0M – $2.6M | $2.8M – $3.4M |
| Production Years | 2000–2005 | 2005–2011 |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
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