The Cessna Citation CJ1 remains a popular entry point into light jet ownership, combining both efficient operating economics and single-pilot capability. The Citation CJ1 features an upgraded avionics suite, the Collins Pro Line 21, and a 200lb MTOW increase over its predecessor, the Cessna Citation 525 or “Straight CJ”.
The Citation CJ1 was produced from 2000-2005, offering a cruise speed of ~328 knots, a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles, and seating for up to 6 passengers in the back with a belted lavatory and side facing seat.
This Citation CJ1 Market Report – September 2026 provides a focused overview of current pricing, inventory levels, and historical trends shaping today’s trading environment.
Citation CJ1 Market Snapshot – September 2026
The Citation CJ1 market continues to evolve as buyers and sellers navigate changing inventory levels, asking prices, and transaction timelines.
While average asking prices have strengthened over the past year, the longer-term data reveals a market with considerably more available inventory and longer marketing periods than three years ago.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report September 20, 2026.
Key Metrics
- Average Asking Price: $1,777,230.77
- Average Year: 2002
- Average Airframe Time: 5,307.8 hours
- # for Sale: 19
- % of Fleet for Sale: 9.7%
- Average Days on Market: 231 days
Market Insight
With nearly 10% of the Citation CJ1 fleet represented in the broader market, buyers have a meaningful selection of aircraft to evaluate.
However, the current inventory figure tells only part of the story. While availability remains higher than it was one and three years ago, the most recent monthly data shows inventory declining from its recent levels.
At the same time, average asking prices remain above their year-ago level, suggesting that sellers have maintained some near-term pricing resilience despite a more competitive market.
For both buyers and sellers, understanding how an individual Citation CJ1 compares with current inventory remains essential.
Citation CJ1 Market Trends (12-Month and 36-Month Analysis)
Over the past 12 months, the Citation CJ1 market has experienced modest inventory growth alongside stronger average asking prices and longer transaction timelines. The longer-term data reveals a more substantial shift in the Citation CJ1 market.
Past 12 Months
- # for Sale: ↑ 2
- Average Asking Price: ↑ $43,000.00
- % of Fleet for Sale: ↑ 1.0%
- Average Days on Market: ↑ 34 days
What This Means
The 12-month data presents an interesting combination.
More Citation CJ1s are available than a year ago, and aircraft are taking longer to sell. Yet average asking prices have increased by approximately $43,000.00.
This suggests that pricing and transaction velocity are not moving in the same direction.
The monthly charts on page 3 provide additional context. Inventory increased through the earlier part of 2026 before fluctuating and declining into September. Average asking prices also experienced considerable movement, recovering from their spring lows before moderating in the latest month.
Average days on market, meanwhile, remain above their September 2025 level despite a recent decline.
For sellers, the takeaway is that stronger asking prices do not necessarily translate into faster transactions. For buyers, the market continues to offer selection, although individual aircraft may be positioned very differently.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report September 20, 2026.
36-Month Market Trends
- # for Sale: ↑ 7
- Average Asking Price: ↓ $236,000.00
- % of Fleet for Sale: ↑ 3.5%
- Average Days on Market: ↑ 135 days
What This Means
The 36-month trends highlight how significantly the Citation CJ1 market has changed.
Inventory has expanded, average asking prices have declined, and aircraft are spending substantially more time on the market.
The charts on page 4 show that asking prices experienced a pronounced decline during 2024 before recovering through portions of 2025 and 2026. However, the current average remains approximately $236,000.00 below its level three years ago.
Days on market have also increased considerably over that period, rising by 135 days.
This longer-term combination is important:
Higher inventory + lower asking prices + longer marketing periods points toward a more buyer-favorable environment than the Citation CJ1 market experienced three years ago.
Although the past year has shown some pricing resilience, it has not erased the broader market adjustment.
Download the NextBird Citation CJ1 Market Report September 20, 2026.
Is it a Good Time to Sell a Citation CJ1?
The current Citation CJ1 market requires careful attention to pricing and aircraft-specific characteristics.
Seller Takeaways
Average asking prices have strengthened over the past 12 months, but marketing periods remain longer than they were both one and three years ago.
With 19 aircraft represented in the broader market, sellers must consider how their aircraft compares with competing inventory.
Aircraft with desirable avionics, favorable maintenance status, engine program coverage, quality cosmetics, and realistic pricing may be better positioned to attract buyer interest.
Conversely, aircraft requiring significant upcoming maintenance or carrying above-market pricing may face extended marketing periods.
Is it a Good Time to Buy a Citation CJ1?
Buyers currently benefit from greater Citation CJ1 selection than was available three years ago.
Buyer Takeaways
The broader inventory provides opportunities to compare aircraft across model year, total time, maintenance status, avionics, engine programs, and overall condition.
However, the recent reduction in available inventory is worth monitoring. If supply continues to tighten, the amount of choice available to buyers could change.
As always, the lowest asking price does not necessarily represent the best value. Maintenance exposure, inspection status, engine program coverage, and equipment can significantly affect the economics of an individual Citation CJ1.
What Is a Citation CJ1 Worth in 2026?
The value of a specific Citation CJ1 can vary materially based on:
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Model year and airframe total time
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Engine times and program enrollment (fully paid TAP Blue)
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Maintenance and inspection status (Document 10 Inspection)
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Avionics configuration and upgrades (Garmin Modernization STC)
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Interior and exterior condition
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Damage history and pedigree
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Geographic location
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Current competing inventory
A proper Citation CJ1 valuation should consider current asking prices, comparable transactions, maintenance exposure, equipment, and the aircraft’s competitive position within today’s market.
Citation CJ1 Market Outlook
The Citation CJ1 enters the latter part of 2026 with a market that is showing near-term pricing resilience against a more buyer-favorable longer-term backdrop.
Over the past year, average asking prices have increased by approximately $43,000.00, even as inventory and days on market have risen.
Over three years, however, the market has experienced a more substantial adjustment, with seven additional aircraft available, average asking prices approximately $236,000.00 lower, and marketing periods 135 days longer.
The latest monthly movement is worth watching. Inventory has declined, and average days on market have also pulled back from their recent levels. However, average asking prices have moderated from August.
It is too early to characterize these changes as a sustained reversal of the longer-term trend.
For now, the Citation CJ1 market remains one where proper aircraft positioning is critical for sellers, while buyers benefit from greater selection and the ability to compare competing opportunities.
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This data was published on September 20, 2026, and is subject to change.
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