The Embraer Phenom 300 is a light jet that pushes the boundaries of the category, able to compete with mid-size aircraft in terms of range and speed. To showcase just how impressive the Phenom 300’s capabilities and features are, let’s compare it side-by-side with a standout mid-size jet, the Cessna Citation Excel. Read on to find out which jet is the right fit for your needs!
Phenom 300 vs. Citation Excel Side-By-Side Comparison
PHENOM 300 OVERVIEW
CITATION EXCEL OVERVIEW
Cessna’s Citation Excel is one of the spacious and most technologically advanced aircraft in its class, offering a comfortable journey for both leisure and business travel. This mid-size jet combines several of the best design features of the previous models in the Citation line while boasting a faster time-to-climb speed, more powerful engines, and superior runway capabilities. It complements the Citation tradition while providing passengers and pilots with even more convenience and efficiency.
The Citation Excel is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW545 engines, each generating 3,804 pounds of thrust. Air flow within the engine’s core was specifically designed to increase so that the engine will run efficiently in hotter temperatures. The Excel can take off from runways as short as 3,500 feet and even hit cruising altitude in as little as 15 minutes.
PASSENGERS
PHENOM 300:
Typically seats 6
CITATION EXCEL:
Typically seats 7
Passenger seating capacity for both aircraft varies based on several different available configurations—the figures above are what Magellan Jets can guarantee.
RANGE
*When flying with 4 passengers + NBAA IFR reserves
PHENOM 300:
1,971 nautical miles
CITATION EXCEL:
1,657 nautical miles
Even though the Phenom 300 belongs to the light jet class, its range capabilities exceed those of the Citation Excel by several hundred nautical miles.
CABIN SIZE
PHENOM 300:
Cabin Length: 17 ft. 2 in.
Cabin Width: 5 ft. 1 in.
Cabin Height: 4 ft. 11 in.
Cabin Volume: 324 cubic ft.
Door Width: 2 ft. 4 in.
Door Height: 4 ft. 8 in.
CITATION EXCEL:
Cabin Length: 18 ft. 5 in.
Cabin Width: 5 ft. 5 in.
Cabin Height: 5 ft. 7 in.
Cabin Volume: 422 cubic ft.
Door Width: 2 ft.
Door Height: 4 ft. 6 in.
Though the Phenom 300’s cabin is notably spacious for a light jet, passengers on the Citation Excel will enjoy more comfort and space to move around—not to mention more head room.
BAGGAGE VOLUME
PHENOM 300:
Internal Baggage Volume: 10 cubic feet
External Baggage Volume: 74 cubic feet
CITATION EXCEL:
Internal Baggage Volume: 10 cubic feet
External Baggage Volume: 80 cubic feet
Both jets have a similar baggage capacity internally as well as in their larger external compartments.
TAKE OFF/LANDING DISTANCE
*At sea level
PHENOM 300:
Balanced field length: 3,643 ft.
CITATION EXCEL:
Balanced field length: 3,560 ft.
The Phenom 300 and Citation Excel have similarly short runway requirements, putting a wide range of airports at your fingertips.
SPEED
PHENOM 300:
Normal cruise speed: 430 KTAS
Long-range cruise speed: 383 KTAS
CITATION EXCEL:
Maximum cruise speed: 423 KTAS
Long-range cruise speed: 373 KTAS
The Phenom 300 excels in both the normal and long-range cruise speed, beating out the Citation Excel by a small amount.
ENGINES
PHENOM 300:
Two Pratt & Whitney PW535E Engines
CITATION EXCEL:
Two Pratt & Whitney PW545A Engines
The Phenom 300 and Citation Excel share similar models of the same powerful Pratt & Whitney engine. The Phenom 300, however, has greater fuel efficiency, burning up to 19% less fuel per flight than other light jets and far fewer gallons per hour than the Excel.
AVIONICS
PHENOM 300:
The Phenom 300 features an all-glass cockpit fitted with three 12-inch display screens, providing enhanced vision to the pilots. In addition, the avionics suite is equipped with dual-channel flight control systems, an altitude and heading reference system, a premier engine indication and crew alerting system, and a terrain awareness and warning system. The suite provides pilots with simplistic, user-friendly technology, aiding their awareness and dramatically reducing the potential for errors while in flight.
CITATION EXCEL:
With its innovative and user-friendly cockpit, the Cessna Citation Excel is among the best in the aviation industry. An FMZ-2000 Flight Management System, satellite communications, and a navigation/radar system are also installed in the cockpit. Honeywell’s Primus 1000 avionics suite gives pilots a consolidated set of screens, enabling them to see screens closer to the controls, improving hand-eye coordination and guiding the pilot during flight.
PURELY PRIVATE FLIGHTS WITH MAGELLAN JETS
Both the Phenom 300 and Citation Excel are excellent choices for those who want to travel in purely private comfort and style. Our private aviation consultants are ready to help match you with the best aircraft to fit your needs and perfectly service your trip. Call 877-550-JETS today to speak with a consultant or click the link below to learn about the many ways to fly with Magellan Jets.
