For decades, the Cessna Citation line has defined the standard for light business jets, offering a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and accessibility through single-pilot capability. Among its most successful product lines is the Citation Jet (CJ) series, a family of aircraft that has continually evolved to meet the needs of private owners, corporate operators, and charter providers worldwide.

At Holstein Aviation, we’ve witnessed firsthand the impressive evolution of the CJ series, from the groundbreaking CitationJet of the early 1990s to the spacious and technologically advanced Citation CJ4. As trusted advisors in business aircraft acquisition, sales, and consulting, we guide buyers and sellers through every stage of the process, ensuring value, transparency, and unmatched market insight.

THE GENESIS: CITATIONJET (MODEL 525)

The CitationJet (CJ) was unveiled in 1989 and entered service in 1993, designed to replace the earlier Citation I and II. It represented a major leap forward in performance and efficiency.

Key innovations of the CitationJet included:

• Williams FJ44-1A engines: Lightweight and fuel-efficient turbofans that marked a departure from older Pratt & Whitney engines.

• Natural Laminar Flow wing: A NASA-designed innovation that improved lift-to-drag efficiency, reducing fuel burn.

• Lowered center aisle: A dropped aisle design for improved passenger comfort and headroom.

• Single-pilot operation: A defining feature that lowered ownership costs and made jet travel more accessible for owner-pilots.

The CitationJet’s combination of efficiency, performance, and affordability created a new category of entry-level light jets.

REFINEMENT: CITATION CJ1 AND CJ1+

In 2000, the CJ1 debuted with avionics and payload upgrades, followed by the CJ1+, which further modernized the platform.

Key highlights:

• Collins Pro Line 21 avionics: A fully digital glass cockpit that enhanced safety and situational awareness.

• Higher maximum takeoff weight: Allowing greater payload flexibility.

• FADEC engines (CJ1+): Williams FJ44-1AP engines with Full Authority Digital Engine Control simplified power management and reduced pilot workload.

These improvements made the CJ1/CJ1+ especially attractive in the private jet sales market for owners prioritizing simplicity and modern technology.

A BIGGER, FASTER JET: CITATION CJ2 AND CJ2+

Responding to market demand, Cessna stretched the design in 2000 to create the Citation CJ2, followed later by the CJ2+.

Improvements included:

• Cabin stretch: 33 inches longer cabin and wider wingspan, offering more passenger space and luggage capacity.

• More powerful engines: CJ2 introduced Williams FJ44-2C engines; CJ2+ upgraded to FADEC-controlled FJ44-3A-24s.

• Increased range: Up to 1,700 nautical miles for longer missions.

• Additional seating: The extra space allowed for an additional row of passengers.

For operators seeking an economical light jet with more cabin volume and legs, the CJ2 series became a highly successful choice.

NEXT EVOLUTION: CITATION CJ3 AND CJ3+

The Citation CJ3 (Model 525B) launched in 2004, delivering even greater range and comfort. Its successor, the CJ3+(2015), modernized the platform for today’s pilot and passenger expectations.

Key features:

• Stretched fuselage: More cabin space and baggage room.

• Williams FJ44-3A engines: Efficient and reliable turbofans delivering excellent climb and cruise performance.

• Avionics evolution: CJ3 introduced Collins Pro Line 21; CJ3+ added the Garmin G3000 suite with touch-screen avionics, integrated FADEC, and simplified pilot operations.

• Cabin upgrades: CJ3+ enhanced passenger experience with LED lighting, wireless connectivity, and comfort refinements.

The CJ3+ remains one of the most attractive aircraft in the light jet sales market due to its balance of efficiency, comfort, and technology.

THE PINNACLE: CITATION CJ4

The Citation CJ4 (Model 525C), delivered starting in 2010, is the flagship of the CJ family—larger, faster, and more capable.

Defining features include:

• Swept wing design: Improving aerodynamics and allowing cruise speeds of up to 451 knots.

• Williams FJ44-4A engines: More thrust, better fuel efficiency, and FADEC control.

• 2,000+ nautical mile range: Enabling longer nonstop missions.

• Spacious cabin: The longest in the CJ family, seating up to 10 passengers with more legroom and baggage space.

• Advanced avionics: Equipped with Collins Pro Line 21, and in the newer CJ4 Gen2, upgraded cabin systems and passenger comfort.

The CJ4 delivers midsize jet capabilities while maintaining the operating economics of a light jet—a rare combination.

WHY THE CITATION CJ FAMILY MATTERS

From the efficient entry-level CJ to the versatile CJ4, the Citation CJ series offers a proven progression for operators. Each model builds incrementally on performance, comfort, and capability, giving buyers a wide range of options to match their budget and mission.

For the pre-owned private jet sales market, the CJ family is especially attractive due to its:

• Wide availability across multiple models.

• Lower operating costs compared to larger jets.

• Continued demand, ensuring strong resale value.

THE HOLSTEIN AVIATION ADVANTAGE

At Holstein Aviation, we combine deep technical expertise with global market reach to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. Our IADA-accredited team provides:

• Aircraft Acquisition Services: Guiding clients through selection, due diligence, and negotiations to ensure the right purchase at the right price.

• Aircraft Sales Expertise: Positioning and marketing aircraft worldwide to maximize resale value and attract qualified buyers.

• Consulting Services: Offering insight on ownership strategies, operating costs, tax benefits, and market timing.

Whether you’re an owner-pilot searching for your first Citation CJ, a business operator upgrading to a CJ3+, or a flight department considering the CJ4, Holstein Aviation’s experience ensures your investment is strategically aligned with your goals.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Explore the opportunities within the Cessna Citation CJ family with the experts at Holstein Aviation. Contact us today to learn more about our business jet acquisition, sales, and consulting services, and let us guide you to the right aircraft for your mission.