Business Jet Comparison: Phenom 300E vs Citation XLS Gen2 vs Pilatus PC-24

What to Choose for Private Flights in 2025? Business aviation is not just about speed and comfort, but also about the ability to select a jet for the

What to Choose for Private Flights in 2025?

Business aviation is not just about speed and comfort, but also about the ability to select a jet for the task. We compare three top mid-size aircraft favored for Europe, the UAE, the CIS, and short-haul routes: Embraer Phenom 300E, Cessna Citation XLS+ Gen2, and Pilatus PC-24.

Aircraft Comparison Table

Specification	Phenom 300E	Cessna Citation XLS Gen2	Pilatus PC-24
🧭 Range	3,650 km	3,900 km	3,610 km
👥 Passengers (max)	6–8	7–9	6–8
🛩 Cruising Speed	839 km/h	817 km/h	815 km/h
🛫 Runway Length (takeoff)	~970 m	~1,080 m	892 m (very short)
🏔 Landing on rough terrain	No	No	Yes (versatile)
💼 Baggage Compartment	2.4 m³	2.5 m³	2.5 m³ + ramp loading
🛋 Cabin	Narrow but modern	More spacious	High, "hybrid" style
🧑‍✈️ Crew	1–2	2	1–2
💲 Rental Price/hour	from $3,200	from $3,500	from $3,800
🌐 Wi-Fi / Communication Cabin	Option	Option	Option

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🛩 Embraer Phenom 300E — Leader in Its Class

 

🔹 Brief Overview:

• Manufacturing: Brazil, Embraer Executive Jets

• Category: Light Jet

• Seats: up to 8

• Range: 3,650 km

• Cruising Speed: 839 km/h

• Cabin: redesigned in 2020 — premium Bossa Nova design

💬 JETVIP Client Reviews:

“Very modern interior. It feels like sitting in an iPhone among jets. Comfortable for 4 people, we flew from Geneva to Baku without stops — perfect.”
— Alexander, private investor

“The captain allowed me to peek into the cockpit — everything is like in a Boeing! Digital, modern, quiet. I like that Embraer is always reliable.”
— Natalia, fashion director

✅ Pros:

• The fastest light jet in the world

• Excellent balance of range and price

• Single pilot option available (for owners)

• Well-established in charter services

❗ Cons:

• Not as spacious as the XLS

• Cannot land on rough or short runways

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🛫 Cessna Citation XLS+ Gen2 — Business Jet with an Office Feel

 

🔹 Brief Overview:

• Manufacturing: USA, Textron Aviation

• Category: Super Light / Midsize

• Seats: up to 9

• Range: 3,900 km

• Cruising Speed: 817 km/h

• Cabin: Gen2 — improved sound insulation, power outlets, new lighting

💬 JETVIP Client Reviews:

“It's like a mini Gulfstream. The cabin is really spacious — you can stand up without feeling cramped. The cockpit is amazing!”
— Dmitry, oil and gas

“We flew with four people and golf bags — everything fit without any hassle. The services are excellent, and the Gen2 has become quieter and more comfortable.”
— Maria, private banker

✅ Pros:

• One of the most popular jets in Europe

• Spacious and comfortable cabin

• Good charter cost (especially in fractional ownership)

• Suitable for meetings in the air — has tables and office configurations

❗ Cons:

• Takes off from slightly longer runways

• Not as "adventurous" as the PC-24

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🏔 Pilatus PC-24 — The World's Only "All-Terrain Jet"

🔹 Brief Overview:

• Manufacturing: Switzerland, Pilatus Aircraft

• Category: Light Jet / STOL Jet

• Seats: 6–8

• Range: 3,610 km

• Uniqueness: takeoff/landing from unpaved, grass, gravel runways

• Rear ramp: full baggage loading

💬 JETVIP Client Reviews:

“We landed in a chalet in Austria right on a snowy runway! Without the PC-24, that would have been impossible. A unique aircraft.”
— Vladislav, chalet owner in the Alps

“We flew on safari in Namibia — landed in the desert, getting off right at the cabin. Not a jet, but an expedition tool.”
— Elena, travel concierge

✅ Pros:

• Can land almost anywhere

• Ideal for chalets, islands, unpaved airstrips

• Cargo ramp (can load a motorcycle, dogs, stroller)

• High level of safety

❗ Cons:

• Not the fastest

• Less "premium" in interior (but strict and quality)

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📊 Comparison Table

Model	Range	Seats	Runway (takeoff)	Uniqueness	Rental Price from
Phenom 300E	3,650 km	6–8	970 m	Fastest light jet	$3,200/hour
Citation XLS Gen2	3,900 km	7–9	1,080 m	Most spacious in class	$3,500/hour
Pilatus PC-24	3,610 km	6–8	892 m	All-terrain + ramp	$3,800/hour

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🔎 What to Choose?

• If you want speed and style — choose Phenom 300E

• If you need comfort and a business interior — go for Citation XLS Gen2

• If you fly to challenging locations — the Pilatus PC-24 is indispensable

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🎯 Route Selection

Route	Best Choice
Geneva — Dubai	Citation XLS Gen2
Moscow — Nice	Phenom 300E
Zurich — Alps (private airstrip)	Pilatus PC-24
Dubai — Riyadh	Phenom 300E
London — Iceland	Citation XLS Gen2
Namibia — Windhoek	Pilatus PC-24

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🧠 Interesting Facts

• Phenom 300E has been recognized as the best-selling light jet in the world for 9 consecutive years (according to GAMA)

• Citation XLS Gen2 is the successor to the legendary XLS+, the most produced model in business aviation

• PC-24 is the only business jet with a ramp and certification for landing on gravel

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🔗 Want to Rent or Buy One of These Jets?

Contact the experts at JETVIP — we will help you choose, calculate the cost, and offer the best options for rental, fractional ownership, or purchase.