Hawker 400XP, Phenom 300E or Citation CJ3: which light jet to charter, with range, speed and cabin compared

The Hawker 400XP, Phenom 300E and Citation CJ3 are twin-engine light jets for regional trips, but with different profiles: the Phenom 300E is the fastest, at about 859 km/h; the CJ3 and Phenom fly furthest, about 3,700 to 3,800 km; and the Hawker 400XP, with about 2,470 km of range, suits legs of up to about 2,000 km (approx.). Below: the numbers side by side, which to choose for each type of trip, what the cabin is like and how charter works.

A Hawker 400XP parked on the apron under a blue sky

The three side by side (approx.)

Item Hawker 400XP Phenom 300E Citation CJ3
Passengers up to 7 up to 9 6 to 7 typical (up to 9)
Cruise about 830 km/h about 859 km/h about 770 km/h
Range about 2,470 km about 3,723 km about 3,780 km
Ceiling 45,000 ft 45,000 ft 45,000 ft
Engines 2 × PW JT15D-5R 2 × PW535E1 2 × Williams FJ44-3A
Crew two pilots certified for single pilot certified for single pilot

Manufacturer data, rounded; figures vary with layout, weight, wind and temperature.

Which to choose for each trip

  • Legs of up to about 2,000 km, such as São Paulo–Salvador (about 1,450 km) or São Paulo–Buenos Aires (about 1,680 km): all three work; the 400XP is faster than the CJ3 and slightly slower than the Phenom 300E.
  • Longer legs, such as São Paulo–Recife (about 2,130 km) or São Paulo–Fortaleza (about 2,370 km): the Phenom 300E and CJ3 have margin to spare; the 400XP is close to its limit and may need a stop, depending on wind and weight.
  • Larger groups: the Phenom 300E has the tallest cabin and the largest baggage hold of the three.
  • Budget: the 400XP, an older design, may have a lower hourly rate, depending on the operator and the aircraft’s year.
An Embraer Phenom 300E flying over the coast

Cabin and comfort

In the most common layout, all three carry 6 to 7 passengers with a lavatory and baggage hold. The Phenom 300E has the tallest cabin of the trio; the Hawker 400XP has club seating and a quiet cabin; the CJ3 balances space, range and good performance on regional runways.

How charter works

  • The price is per aircraft, not per passenger, and includes positioning the jet to your origin.
  • The model available depends on the date and the operator’s base; the team suggests equivalent alternatives.
  • For a quote, give origin, destination, date, number of passengers and baggage.
A Cessna Citation CJ3 in flight

FAQ: Hawker 400XP, Phenom 300E and Citation CJ3

Which of the three is fastest?

The Phenom 300E, cruising at about 859 km/h; the Hawker 400XP cruises at about 830 km/h and the CJ3 at about 770 km/h (approx.).

Which flies furthest non-stop?

The CJ3 and Phenom 300E, at about 3,700 to 3,800 km; the 400XP reaches about 2,470 km (approx.).

Which carries the most passengers?

The Phenom 300E and CJ3 can carry up to 9; the 400XP up to 7. In practice, 6 to 7 is most common.

Can I choose the model?

Yes, subject to availability on the date; when the requested model is not free, the team suggests an equivalent.

Which is cheapest to charter?

It depends on the operator, base and route; the 400XP may have a lower hourly rate as an older design.

See also: Hawker 400XP: specifications · Embraer Phenom 300E: specifications · Citation CJ3: specifications · Hawker 800: midsize jet

Request a quote for your light jet flight: WhatsApp +55 48 98877-0541 · sales@embarqueoficial.com