Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 vs. Embraer Phenom 100E

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 versus the Embraer Phenom 100E when compared in an apples-to-apples fashion? Which aircraft has the most advantages for a specific type of operator? These are the questions that Mike Chase examined in his comparison of both aircraft.

Below are sections describing both aircraft and how they perform in terms of efficiency and productivity. The first section looks at performance characteristics—including maximum payload, distance, speed, and cabin size. The second section describes how each aircraft compares in terms of value to the light business jet market and to different mission types.

Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2.

The Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 is a member of Textron's 525-series of aircraft, which includes some of the most popular single-pilot-certified aircraft in this category—the CitationJet series. Cessna's introduction of the Gen 2 update introduced significant changes to the interior of the aircraft. This included new style elements, improved interior lighting, and wireless charging and multiple USB charging locations, as well as the more durable materials now used to construct the entryway areas.

The side-facing seat is designed to accommodate a 50-pound piece of luggage, while also providing a platform for carrying smaller items when the backrest is lowered.

About this Content:

The Citations M2 Gen 2 will be further enhanced with the release of the Citation M2 Gen 3 in 2027. The Gen 3 will incorporate new Garmin Autoland technology and expand the capabilities of the autothrottle system.

At the time of writing this article, a total of 87 Citation M2 Gen 2 series aircraft have entered the marketplace since 2019.

Embraer Phenom 100EX

The Phenom 100EX is the most up-to-date model within Embraer’s very successful line of airplanes based upon the Phenom 100 series. The redesign of the interior, which weighs 190 pounds less than prior models, along with an increase in usable cabin space.

Sustainability is an important goal for Embraer. The Phenom 100EX is designed to enhance passenger comfort and pilot flexibility. In addition, the use of updated avionics designed with the pilot's needs in mind greatly enhances safety and reliability by providing new technologies for safe flying. The flight deck utilizes a more open-cockpit design that gives pilots more legroom and allows them to operate the aircraft more comfortably. The airplane is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW600 series engines.

The first Phenom 100EX was delivered in 2024. Currently, there are 12 aircraft in operation in the world, each of which is owned by individuals and companies. The North American region represents 55% of the fleet, South America 27%, and Europe 18%.

Payload Comparisons

Payload capacity, particularly the available payload at maximum takeoff weight with full fuel, is critical for prospective operators of the Embraer Phenom 100EX and the Citation M2 Gen2, as shown in Table A. With maximum fuel on board, the Embraer Phenom 100EX has a higher available payload of 647 pounds compared to the Citation M2 Gen2’s 514 pounds.

Cabin Comparisons

As indicated by Chart A, the Citation M2 Gen2 has a cabin height and width of 4.8 feet, with a cabin length of 11 feet; and the Phenom 100EX has an 11-foot cabin length, with slightly greater cabin height (4.9 feet) and width (4.8 feet).

The Citation M2 Gen2 offers a greater range for 4 passengers departing from Wichita, Kansas than the Phenom 100EX and you can find this in chart B.  The Citation M2 is capable of flying 1183 nautical miles with its full fuel load whereas the Phenom is only rated for a maximum of 1092 nautical miles.

Range Comparison

A four-passenger range indicates how far each aircraft can travel using long-range cruise speeds and taking into consideration the required NBAA IFR reserves for an alternate airfield 200 nautical miles away.  The range numbers are based on estimating normal weather and wind conditions.

Powerplant Details

The Citation M2 Gen2 is powered by two Williams International FJ44-1AP-21 engines that provide 1965 lbs of thrust each and average 130 gallons of fuel burned per hour.  The Phenom 100EX uses two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW617F1-E engines that produce 1730 lbs of thrust each and consume approximately 113 gallons per hour.

Cost per Mile Comparison

Chart C demonstrates the cost of both aircraft based on a 1000 nautical mile mission that will haul an additional 800 lbs like our hypothetical 4 passengers.  According to AviaCost.com, the Phenom 100EX has a marginally higher cost per nautical mile than the Citation M2 Gen2 with $4.98 per mile versus $4.94 per mile respectively.

Variable Hourly Cost Comparison

Chart D provides an overview of the Variable Hourly Cost, which also includes all fuel and maintenance costs as well as scheduled parts, plus miscellaneous trip expenses such as hangar, crew and catering charges. The figures are for comparison only and will vary among operators.

According to our findings in Chart D, the Phenom 100EX lower variable hourly cost is $1,851 while the Citation M2 Gen2 has a variable hourly cost of $1,993.

Market Comparison

Table B provides comparative pricing for factory-new Citation M2 Gen 2 and Phenom 100EX aircraft based on the Aircraft Bluebook dated Fall 2025, as well as long-range cruise performance, cabin volume, fleet size, percentage sold, and average monthly sales activity obtained from JETNET.

In the last twelve months, Citation M2 Gen 2 has sold an average of 3.1 per month and Phenom 100EX has sold an average of 0.5 per month.

Used Aircraft Transaction Trends

According to JETNET's data, the time of writing, 11 Citation M2 Gen 2 were reported on the 2nd-hand market, with 5 listed from between $5.35 Million to $5.895 Million and the remainder requiring inquiry from prospective buyers.

Meanwhile, only one pre-owned Phenom 100EX was available for purchase. For that aircraft, no asking price had been published. Given the recent production of both models in addition to the demand for aircraft within five years.

Depreciation Schedule

The Depreciation Schedule outlines how aviation businesses may record the depreciation of their aircraft. Most businesses will normally depreciate their aircraft using MACRS which gives a higher level of allowable depreciation in the earlier years after acquisition. However, certain aircraft must be recorded using ADS which is a straight-line depreciation method over a longer time period.

Under FAA Part 135, charter aircraft will generally be depreciated over a period of 7 years (MACRS) or 12 years (ADS) depending on the type of charter operation and usage of the aircraft. Aircraft that are owned and operated for primarily business use (FAA Part 91) will typically be depreciated over a maximum of 5 years (MACRS) or 7 years (ADS) respectively. There are limited uses that will qualify for depreciation that is typically much less than aircraft that are used for business purposes.

With the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill (Publication No. 52-092020), all assets (including business aircraft) that were placed in service after January 19, 2025, have received 100% bonus depreciation coverage. This will reverse prior reductions in the allowed bonus depreciation that were to occur in 2025.

Charts C & D will show a model depreciation schedule for the 2025 model Citation M2 Gen2 and Phenom 100EX aircraft used for both private (Part 91) as well as charter (Part 135) business use as reflected in the Fall 2025 Aircraft Bluebook price guides.

Productivity Comparison

Chart E compares productivity using pricing from Aircraft Bluebook Fall 2025. Productivity is defined here as the combined result of:

1. Four-passenger range with available fuel
   
   

2. Long-range cruise speed
   
   

3. Usable cabin volume
   
   

While productivity metrics can vary depending on assumptions, buyers typically prioritize price, range, speed, and cabin size.

Based on Fall 2025 data, the Citation M2 Gen2 carries an approximately $500,000 higher price than the Phenom 100EX but offers greater four-passenger range. The Phenom 100EX, however, provides a larger cabin, lower fuel burn, reduced variable hourly costs, and higher available payload with full fuel.