Charter a Citation CJ1 Light Jet

The Citation CJ1 entered service in 1993 as the second generation of Cessna's CitationJet series, with upgraded avionics and a higher maximum takeoff weight over the original CitationJet. Its natural laminar flow wing and short-runway performance let it operate from smaller airports that larger jets cannot use. Production ran through 2011 across the CJ1 and CJ1+ variants, and the type remains active in the charter market today.

The Citation CJ1 cabin seats up to 6 passengers (5 typical) across an 11.9-foot interior, typically a four-seat club layout with a fifth seat. It is a compact, efficient cabin built for short trips where low cost and airport access matter more than space.

• Headroom is 4 feet 8 inches at the recessed center aisle. Passengers cannot stand upright, but seated comfort is fine for the sub-3-hour hops the CJ1 is built for.
• Baggage capacity of 60 cubic feet is split between the nose and aft compartments, workable for 4 to 5 passengers with normal luggage. Larger groups or bulky gear point to a CJ2+ or CJ3.
• An enclosed lavatory is standard on most CJ1s in charter service.
• Power outlets and folding worktables are standard. Wi-Fi varies by operator on this older type, so confirm at booking.
  Baggage note for the Citation CJ1: With a full load of 6 passengers, the 60 cubic foot capacity is workable but tight for groups with significant luggage. For more space or 7-plus passengers, a Citation CJ2+ or CJ3 is the more practical choice.

Cessna introduced the Citation CJ1+ in 2005 as an updated variant of the original CJ1. Both appear in the current charter fleet. The differences are worth understanding when selecting an aircraft.

For most CJ1 charter routes the performance difference between CJ1 and CJ1+ is negligible. The CJ1+ adds FADEC engine control and refinements that improve efficiency slightly. If a CJ1+ is available at a similar price, it is generally the preferred option.

The Citation CJ1 performs best on shorter routes that match its sub-1,300nm range and short-runway capability. These represent its most common charter missions.

Citation CJ1 charter rates run $2,500 to $3,000 per flight hour, the most economical in the CitationJet family. Total one-way trip pricing depends on route distance, positioning, and demand. 

Please note that the hourly rate is not the total trip cost. Final pricing includes known fees such as landing and handling, crew, overflight permits, and taxes, plus variable costs like repositioning, de-icing, wait time, and overnights. Contact Hogani Jets for an accurate all-in quote.

The $2,500 to $3,000 hourly rate for a Citation CJ1 charter covers core operational costs. Additional fees and services are quoted separately on every trip, which is important to understand when comparing total trip prices.

• Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
• Two certificated pilots: required for all CJ1 charter operations.
• Federal excise tax and segment fees: federally mandated, quoted separately.
• Positioning costs: charged if the aircraft must reposition to your departure airport.
• International handling fees: these apply on Bahamas and other international hops.

When buyers cross-shop the CJ1, the two most common comparisons are the Phenom 100 and the Citation M2. The Phenom 100 sits one tier down in the very light jet class, a smaller and shorter-legged option; the Citation M2 is the CJ1's effective modern successor in Cessna's line. The table below shows where each fits.

The Citation CJ1 is most frequently chartered on short Florida, Bahamas, and East Coast routes. Links below connect to relevant route and destination pages.

• Miami to Nassau, Bahamas:a core short-hop route for the CJ1.
• Miami to the Bahamas: the near islands are well within CJ1 range.
• New York to Miami: at the edge of comfortable CJ1 range for 4 to 5 pax.
• Bahamas private jet charter: the CJ1's most popular destination region.

Hogani Jets coordinates each Citation CJ1/CJ1+ charter through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.

Ready to book a Citation CJ1/CJ1+ private jet charter or check availability? Contact Hogani Jets for a tailored quote. 

Call +1-855-660-0573 or email charter@hoganijets.com, and our team will coordinate the right aircraft and operator for your trip.