When comparing two of the most popular entry-level multi-engine turbine aircraft—the King Air C90 and the Cessna Citation CJ—it’s clear that each aircraft offers unique strengths tailored to different operational needs. However, what is less discussed is how much these aircraft have in common. 

The King Air C90, a reliable turboprop, is known for its efficiency, short runway performance, and versatility, making it a favorite for regional flights and smaller airports. On the other hand, the Citation CJ, a light jet, delivers speed, comfort, and performance on longer trips, appealing to operators seeking faster travel times.

In this short blog, we’ll dive into the key differences between these aircraft in terms of performance, range, efficiency, and available modifications, helping you determine which aircraft is the right fit for your mission profile.

Performance and Speed

The King Air C90 is a turboprop known for its short runway performance and efficiency. It has a cruising speed of about 270 knots (310 mph) and a max ceiling of 30,000 feet, making it ideal for regional flights and accessing smaller airports with shorter runways. In contrast, the Citation CJ is a light jet with a cruising speed of around 380 knots (437 mph) and can reach a ceiling of 41,000 feet, offering faster travel times over longer distances, perfect for operators needing jet speed and performance as well as the ability to climb over or around dangerous weather without adding much trip time.

The King Air excels in runway performance with its use of the beta range of the propellers to dramatically reduce stopping distance in all runway surface conditions. However, the CJ’s ability to reduce its idle thrust with its thrust attenuators allows for some great runway performance on a non-contaminated runway. The King Air C90GTx has a balanced field length of 3,888ft and the CJ is not far behind at a conservative 4,220ft. 

Range and Efficiency

While range is a very nuanced figure with a number of variables including fuel, payload, and weather, the King Air C90 and the Cessna Citation CJ both have maximum ranges of around 1000 NM to 1200 NM, depending on exact model and equipment.  The King Air is more fuel-efficient, which makes it a cost-effective choice for shorter regional hops. However, the Citation CJ can cover greater distances at a faster pace.

This is where mission analysis becomes critical. If you’re regularly stretching the range of the King Air you are spending more time in the air burning less fuel and you begin to lose efficiency when compared to the faster CJ as the reduced flight time in the jet means less time on the airframe, the engines, and fuel consumption.

Conversely, if you are using the CJ on shorter trips of only a couple of hundred miles you are not taking advantage of the jet’s performance at altitude which is where the CJ is going to maximize its economical efficiency.

Modifications and Cabin Comforts

Both the King Air C90 and Citation Jet have many aftermarket modifications available. Some of these modifications enhance the performance and safety while others modernize the cockpit and add situational awareness for the pilot. 

Garmin offers several upgrades for both the King Air and CJ. These upgrades include PFDs, touchscreen GPS with WAAS/LPV capability, autopilot and more. Upgrading the cockpit can improve the airplane’s capabilities, improve situational awareness and safety and increase the resale value and desirability of the aircraft.

Winglets are another upgrade available for both platforms that change the performance and capability of the aircraft. Winglets improve the runway performance by reducing the approach speed, reducing the takeoff distance, and increasing the aircraft’s range by improving the efficiency in flight by reducing the wingtip vortices. Winglets can sometimes give an airplane that extra margin it needs to be the perfect fit for a particular mission.

Direct Operating Costs and Purchase Price

Depending on the exact model, equipment, and pedigree you can pick up either a pre-owned King Air C90 or Citation CJ from the low $1M’s to around $3M. The C90GTx, however, was produced until 2021, ten years after the last CJ1+ rolled off the line. To acquire the latest model GTx with the lowest time you should plan to spend $4M+.

The direct operating costs (DOCs) are also very similar for both aircraft. These numbers can be a bit subjective depending on who you ask, but national averages sourced by a third party put the DOCs around $1,500 to $1,600 per hour. However, these numbers will vary depending on the exact aircraft model, where you get fuel, maintenance programs, etc. and should only be used for a high level guideline. 

Conclusion

The choice between the King Air C90 and the Citation CJ of course depends on the specific operational needs and wants of the owner-pilot. While a clearly defined mission can often identify the proper aircraft, it is not always so black and white. 

Both of these airplanes can be operated very economically and into short runways with many ways to upgrade and enhance the aircraft for increased safety and performance. 

While we’ve only just scratched the surface of this comparison today, If you are considering moving into a multi-engine turbine aircraft and have identified the King Air C90 for your mission, it’s worth the consideration that a jet like the CJ may be a more appropriate and suitable option than one might think at first glance.