🛩️ Super Light Jet Comparison: Pilatus PC-24 vs. Top Competitors in the Charter Market

✈️ Pilatus PC-24 vs. Other Super Light Jets: A Category-Bending Performer

The Pilatus PC-24 is not just another Super Light Jet - it’s a unique hybrid that fuses jet speed with turboprop versatility, standing apart from competitors like the Phenom 300E, Citation CJ4 Gen2, and HondaJet Elite II.

While those jets offer sleek performance and premium comfort, the PC-24 brings something extra to the table: unmatched access, interior flexibility, and cargo capability, making it a true workhorse with luxury appeal.

Pilatus PC-24

🛬 1. Go-Anywhere Performance: Short & Unpaved Runways

PC-24 Advantage:

• Takeoff distance: ~2,930 ft (893 m)

• Certified for grass, gravel, and dirt runways

• Access to nearly twice as many airports as rivals

Quick Comparison:

Jet	Short Runway (ft)	Unpaved Capable
Pilatus PC-24	✅ 2,930	✅ Yes
Embraer Phenom 300E	❌ ~3,200	❌ No
Citation CJ4 Gen2	❌ ~3,400	❌ No
HondaJet Elite II	❌ ~3,050	❌ No

Pilatus PC-24 Interior

🛋️ 2. Cabin Design: Flat-Floor, Wide & Flexible

PC-24 Advantage:

• Flat-floor cabin (rare in Light Jets)

• Cabin height: 5'1" / Width: 5'7"

• Large cargo door standard (ideal for bulky items or medevac roles)

Quick Comparison

Jet	Flat Floor	Cabin Height	Baggage Volume	Cargo Door
Pilatus PC-24	✅ Yes	5'1" (1.55 m)	90+ cu ft	✅ Yes
Phenom 300E	❌ Aisle drop	4'11"	~84 cu ft	❌ No
Citation CJ4 Gen2	❌ Aisle drop	4'9"	~77 cu ft	❌ No
HondaJet Elite II	❌ Low aisle	4'10"	~66 cu ft	❌ No

🧳 Result: The PC-24 leads in cabin flexibility and luggage capacity, great for special missions or active travelers.

⚙️ 3. Newer, Smarter Design

PC-24 is a clean-sheet aircraft, first delivered in 2018. Others are upgrades of older platforms:

Jet	First Flight	Platform Age
Pilatus PC-24	2015	✅ New design
Phenom 300E	2009	Modified 300
Citation CJ4 Gen2	2006	CJ4 upgrade
HondaJet Elite II	2015	Elite upgrade

🚻 4. One Trade-Off: Lavatory Location

The only drawback of the PC-24 is the forward lavatory, located near the cockpit and main entry.

Jet	Lavatory Location	Privacy Rating
Pilatus PC-24	Front	🚪 Moderate
Phenom 300E	Rear	✅ High
Citation CJ4 Gen2	Rear	✅ High
HondaJet Elite II	Rear (compact)	✅ Moderate

🏁 5. Speed & Range Comparison

Jet	Max Cruise Speed	Max Range (NM)
Pilatus PC-24	440 knots	~2,000
Phenom 300E	464 knots	~2,010
Citation CJ4 Gen2	451 knots	~2,165
HondaJet Elite II	422 knots	~1,547

The Pilatus PC-24 isn't just a jet for the runway- it’s a jet for the world.

While others might edge it on speed or rear lav placement, none match its ability to land where no other jet can, carry more gear, or offer a truly flat-floor cabin in this class.

Perfect for:

• Executives flying to remote sites

• Charter operators needing high versatility

• Medical, cargo, or outdoor adventure missions

• Private owners who want more jet for their money

Feature	🏆 Pilatus PC-24	✈️ Phenom 300E	✈️ Citation CJ4 Gen2	✈️ HondaJet Elite II
First Delivery	2018 (new design)	2009 (updated)	2010 (updated)	2015 (updated)
Runway Performance	✅ 2,930 ft	~3,200 ft	~3,410 ft	~3,050 ft
Unpaved Runway Capable	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Max Cruise Speed	440 knots	464 knots	451 knots	422 knots
Max Range (NM)	~2,000	~2,010	~2,165	~1,547
Cabin Height	5'1"	4'11"	4'9"	4'10"
Cabin Floor	✅ Flat	❌ Dropped Aisle	❌ Dropped Aisle	❌ Narrow Aisle
Baggage Volume (cu ft)	90+	~84	~77	~66
Cargo Door	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Lavatory Location	🚪 Front	✅ Rear	✅ Rear	✅ Rear (Compact)
Typical Pax Capacity	6–8 (custom layout)	6–8	6–8	4–5
Access to Small Airports	✅ Extensive	❌ Limited	❌ Limited	❌ Limited