Nose to Nose: Citation Mustang versus Embraer Phenom 100

Sometimes a client will come to us with a specific aircraft in mind. But it may be that the aircraft they've used before isn’t the right choice this time. It will depend on the length of the flight, the routing, or the size and needs of the group travelling – as well as personal preferences and budget.

Here we look at two rival aircraft and weigh up their differences, nose to nose.

Need advice on which aircraft to choose? Contact our expert Flight Team on {{telephone}}

Should I charter a Citation Mustang or an Embraer Phenom 100?

Both the Cessna Citation Mustang and the Embraer Phenom 100 fall into the Small Jet or VLJ (Very Light Jet) category.

They are both exceptionally popular aircraft with charter customers, offering cost-effective travel for smaller groups, on short journeys.

Why choose the Citation Mustang?

The Cessna Citation Mustang is the most cost-effective private jet aircraft available, often described as an ‘air taxi’.

It offers a low operating cost and was designed to be the next step up for customers upgrading from propeller aircraft. There are over 500 aircraft available for charter worldwide.

The cabin seats 4 and at maximum capacity, it can feel a little cosy but certainly not uncomfortable. It has the feel of a luxury sedan, with 6 windows and leather club seating.

Cessna are also renowned for their reliability and offer a comprehensive maintenance network in Europe, which makes the Mustang attractive to Europe’s charter operators.

For short flights under an hour, it’s unbeatable. For example to fly from London to Paris (one way), a typical charter cost on a Citation Mustang would be £3,130 (€4,330), versus £3,823 (€5,285) for the Embraer Phenom 100.

In summary: The Citation Mustang is the most cost-effective private jet aircraft available, and its reliability and availability make it the ‘go to’ charter aircraft for short hops.

Need advice on which aircraft is best for your flight? Contact our expert Flight Team on {{telephone}}

Why choose the Embraer Phenom 100?

However when it comes to speed and style, the Mustang is out-flown by the Embraer Phenom 100.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has made a major success of their VLJ, especially in the US, where the Phenom 100 is more popular than the Mustang (it’s the other way around in Europe).

There are now over 400 aircraft available for charter worldwide.

The Phenom 100 is slightly faster than the Mustang, shaving 4 minutes off the Mustang’s 48 minute flight from London to Paris. It also has a slightly longer range.

The BMW designed interior of the Phenom 100 is sleek and modern , and the cabin is slightly wider, longer, with better luggage space and an enclosed private lavatory.

This compares to the Mustang’s emergency ‘potty’ style facility. This makes it a preferable option than the Mustang for flights closer to the 2-hour range.

In summary: More speed and style, the Embraer Phenom 100 offers a modest upgrade from the Mustang. Its bigger cabin and better lavatory facility make it an attractive option for flights closer to two hours.

Need advice on which aircraft is best for your flight? Contact our expert Flight Team on {{telephone}}