The private jet industry offers a wide range of options tailored to meet diverse requirements, with two noteworthy contenders being the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280.
Both aircraft have proven themselves to be reliable, high-performing, and luxurious, yet each brings its unique strengths to the table.
The Cessna Citation Longitude is renowned for its excellent performance, luxurious interiors, and advanced technological features. On the other hand, the Gulfstream G280 is recognized for being a cost-effective and efficient private jet without compromising on comfort or luxury.
Determining which aircraft is the superior choice depends greatly on the specific needs and priorities of the prospective buyer.
This comparison will delve into the key aspects that distinguish these two aircraft, including their cost, depreciation rates, and projected values. Additionally, it will explore other factors such as their performance characteristics, technological advancements, and luxury offerings. In this way, potential buyers can make an informed decision that best suits their individual requirements and preferences.
Performance
In the world of private jets, the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280 are two high-performers that often catch the eye of potential buyers.
Both are powered by Honeywell engines, but they differ slightly in their engine models and thrust output.
The Citation Longitude, equipped with the HTF7700L model, delivers a total thrust output of 15,330 pounds (6,950 kilograms), which is slightly higher than the G280’s total thrust output of 15,248 pounds (6,918 kilograms) generated by its HTF7250G model engine.
When it comes to speed, the G280 edges out the Citation Longitude. It can reach a high-speed cruise of 482 knots (892 kilometers per hour) and a long-range cruise of 459 knots (850 kilometers per hour).
In comparison, the Citation Longitude achieves a high-speed cruise of 476 knots (881 kilometers per hour) and a long-range cruise of 453 knots (839 kilometers per hour).
The faster cruise speed of the G280 enables it to cover more distance in a shorter amount of time, making it a time-efficient choice for frequent flyers.
Both jets share the identical maximum and initial cruise altitudes, being able to reach up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and initially cruising at 43,000 feet (13,106 meters).
Ascending to such high altitudes enables the aircraft to avoid crowded lower-level airways, resulting in smoother and more efficient flights.
However, the G280’s rate of climb is significantly higher at 5,000 feet per minute (1,524 meters per minute) compared to the Citation Longitude’s 4,310 feet per minute (1,314 meters per minute), allowing it to reach its cruising altitude more quickly.
The fuel burn figures reveal another aspect where these two jets differ.
The Citation Longitude burns 270 gallons (1,022 liters) of fuel per hour, while the G280 consumes 284 gallons (1,075 liters) per hour. Given that Jet A fuel costs $6 per gallon, choosing the Citation Longitude could result in substantial savings.
Specifically, when flying both aircraft for 300 hours annually, the Citation Longitude would save $25,200 per year. This lower fuel consumption not only results in cost savings but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
Range
The range of an aircraft is an essential metric for many travelers and operators, offering insight into the aircraft’s ability to cover long distances without a need for refueling.
When comparing the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280, their ranges are essential figures to consider. The Citation Longitude has a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers), while the Gulfstream G280 boasts a slightly longer range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,668 kilometers).
However, it’s vital to note that these range figures represent the best-case scenario and can be influenced by several factors.
For instance, the weather conditions, such as strong headwinds, can negatively affect the range. Another factor is the aircraft’s weight, including passengers and luggage – the heavier the load, the shorter the range. Lastly, the chosen cruise altitude may impact fuel consumption and hence the overall achievable range.
Taking these figures into account, flying from New York, the Citation Longitude can reach any destination within North America, much of South America, along with Western Europe. The G280, with its slightly longer range, can reach ever so slightly further into Europe from New York.
Ground Performance
In comparing the ground performance of the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280, we find that the Citation Longitude requires a take-off distance of 4,900 feet (1,493 meters) and a landing distance of 3,400 feet (1,036 meters).
The Gulfstream G280 demonstrates a slightly superior performance with a take-off distance of 4,750 feet (1,448 meters) and a landing distance of 2,720 feet (829 meters).
A shorter take-off and landing distance offers significant benefits to the user. It allows the aircraft to operate from smaller airports with shorter runways, offering more flexibility and making more destinations accessible. It also increases safety as it leaves more runway available for emergency situations.
However, it’s crucial to comprehend that these figures represent the ideal scenario. Several factors can influence the ground performance of each aircraft, much like how they affect the aircraft’s range.
The weight of the aircraft is a primary factor. A heavier load, including passengers, luggage, and fuel, increases the required take-off and landing distances. Weather conditions also play a role, as strong headwinds or tailwinds can impact ground performance.
Finally, the condition of the runway can also affect the take-off and landing distances, with wet or icy surfaces increasing the required distance. Therefore, while the Gulfstream G280 has shorter take-off and landing distances in the best scenario, the actual performance can differ based on these influencing factors.
Interior Dimensions
When comparing the interior dimensions of the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280, significant differences are evident.
The Citation Longitude boasts an interior length of 25.16 feet (7.67 meters), width of 6.43 feet (1.96 meters), and a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters).
On the other hand, the Gulfstream G280 offers more spacious interiors with a length of 32.25 feet (9.83 meters), width of 6.92 feet (2.11 meters), and a height of 6.07 feet (1.85 meters).
A longer cabin, as seen in the Gulfstream G280, provides additional space for passenger comfort and movement. It can also accommodate more seating configurations and offers space for auxiliary facilities like lavatories and galleys without compromising the seating area.
The wider cabin of the G280 further augments the sense of space and can accommodate wider seats and aisles, enhancing passenger comfort during long flights.
Regarding the height of the cabin, the G280’s slightly taller cabin brings advantages such as more headroom, enhancing the sense of spaciousness, and allowing taller individuals to move around more comfortably.
In terms of passenger capacity, the Citation Longitude can carry a maximum of 12 passengers and typically carries 8, while the Gulfstream G280 has a maximum and typical capacity of 10 passengers.
Notably, both these aircraft feature flat-floor cabins. A flat floor is advantageous as it offers enhanced comfort and mobility within the aircraft. It allows passengers to move around with ease, even when the aircraft is in flight, and contributes to a more spacious and comfortable cabin environment.
Interior
Turning our attention to cabin altitude, the Cessna Citation Longitude boasts a maximum cabin altitude of 5,950 feet (1,814 meters), while the Gulfstream G280 has a slightly higher maximum cabin altitude at 7,000 feet (2,134 meters).
Essentially, cabin altitude refers to the equivalent altitude inside the aircraft cabin, with a lower cabin altitude typically being more favorable for passenger comfort.
A lower cabin altitude can replicate conditions closer to those found at ground level, reducing the effects of hypoxia and jet lag, and creating a more comfortable environment for the passengers.
On another comparative note, the Cessna Citation Longitude can maintain a sea-level cabin up to an altitude of 26,816 feet (8,175 meters), whereas the Gulfstream G280 can maintain the same up to 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).
Maintaining a sea-level cabin up to a higher altitude essentially means that the aircraft can replicate the conditions at sea level, including air pressure and oxygen levels, up to that specific altitude. This becomes critical in long-haul flights where the aircraft would be cruising at high altitudes for extended periods.
In this aspect, the Cessna Citation Longitude offers a very slight advantage over the Gulfstream G280. All in all, these figures underline the attention to passenger comfort and well-being that both these aircraft manufacturers have exemplified in their respective jets.
Cessna Citation Longitude
Being Cessna’s flagship aircraft the aircraft manufacturers have gone to great lengths to increase comfort. The cabin is large and spacious. The cabin is easy to stroll through thanks to a flat floor and six-foot height. Cessna says that the aircraft features “best-in-class legroom”.
In terms of air, the Longitude features a partial recirculation system. This system reuses a percentage of air from the cabin while also relying on fresh air to fill the cabin. Cessna ensures that these systems use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particle Arrestance) filters. These filters consist of a cluster of fibers that filter out pathogens, dust, and other contaminations as air is forced through. Typically, a full-volume exchange takes around four minutes to complete. Thanks to the external air being compressed and heated by the engines, you can be sure that germs, bacteria, and viruses are killed.
As a result of being Cessna’s newest jet, it has all the latest interior technology. For example, Cessna has implemented a fully wireless cabin management system that puts you in control of the cabin from every seat. The cabin management system allows passengers to control the lighting, temperature, and communications from their own devices.
In its standard configuration, the Longitude features a double club seating configuration. According to Cessna, this provides 20% more legroom than the competition. All seats can convert to fully lie-flat beds for longer flights.
At the front of the cabin, you will find a sizeable wet galley. Hot and cold water, plenty of cold storage, large supply cabinets, an espresso maker, and a microwave oven, also ensure that you will be dining well. This provides plenty of space to prepare food for the flight. No matter what time of day you are flying you will be able to have an elegant meal made for you. Also upfront you will find the electrically operated airstair. According to Cessna, this simplifies the boarding, loading, and unloading process.
Normally it is impossible to access luggage during a flight. However, the Longitude has a large walk-in baggage compartment. This compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight without restriction. Up to 1,000 lbs (453 Kg) can be stored in the compartment.
As a result of these key features, the Longitude will help you to arrive at your destination feeling more relaxed and refreshed. With plenty of legroom and a quiet cabin, you can be sure to easily work, relax, and dine during your transatlantic flights. The 15 large windows are optimally positioned to allow for the cabin to be bathed in natural light, while also providing you with stunning views of the world below.
Cessna Citation Longitude
Gulfstream G280
Gulfstream G280
Despite being the smallest aircraft in the Gulfstream line-up it still gets all the amenities and quality you would expect from any Gulfstream.
There are two cabin layouts that offer the maximum 10-seat capacity, one which features a double-club forward seating arrangement and four seats opposite a three-seat divan (note that only the two edge seats of the divan can be used for take-off and landing).
The other configuration replaces the divan with two individual seats in a single-club configuration. The club seats can be configured into beds, along with the divan.
At the rear of the cabin, there is the fully enclosed lavatory, featuring a vacuum toilet, sink and closet to hang garments. Keep going further back and you will find the baggage compartment which is capable of storing 120 cubic feet of baggage, with a maximum weight limit of 1,980 lbs.
The maximum cabin altitude in the G280 is 7,000 feet – similar to many airliners – and the cabin noise level stays right around 70 dB. The lower the cabin altitude and the lower the noise levels, the less jet lag you will feel when you arrive at your final destination.
When you walk aboard the G280 you will first notice the galley which is located right opposite the main door. With standard features including cold storage, a coffee maker, an ice drawer, a hot/cold sink, a solid surface countertop, a lighted display compartment, and a large waste container.
Additionally, the galley features the Gulfstream cabin-management system (CMS), allowing passengers to control the entire cabin environment from this master panel. There is also an app available allowing passengers to configure the cabin environment, such as lighting and cabin temperature, from the comfort of their seats.
Charter Price
Let’s now delve into the charter prices of these two aircraft. The Cessna Citation Longitude costs an average of $4,500 per hour to charter. Conversely, the Gulfstream G280 comes with a slightly higher charter price, averaging $5,650 per hour.
A few factors can influence these costs.
The first factor is the operational costs associated with each aircraft. Some aircraft are more efficient than others, which can lower their operating costs and therefore their charter prices.
The second factor is the aircraft’s age. As an aircraft gets older, its maintenance requirements typically increase, directly impacting the charter price.
Lastly, the demand for specific aircraft models can also influence the charter cost. Aircraft that are in high demand often come with higher charter prices. In the case of these two aircraft, while the Gulfstream G280 comes with a higher charter price, both jets reflect the manufacturers’ commitment to efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Purchase Price
When considering the acquisition cost, both jets come with a significant price tag reflective of their high-performance metrics and luxurious amenities.
The new list price for the Cessna Citation Longitude is $28,000,000, while the Gulfstream G280 has a slightly lower new list price of $25,000,000.
Pre-owned models of these jets also present a significant investment. A 2020 model-year Cessna Citation Longitude is valued at $22,000,000, whereas a pre-owned Gulfstream G280 of the same age is valued a bit lower at $20,500,000.
Depreciation is another crucial factor in determining the total cost of ownership of these jets.
The Cessna Citation Longitude depreciates at an annual rate of 8.24%, which means that its value is predicted to decrease to around $17 million after 3 years.
On the other hand, the Gulfstream G280 depreciates at a lower annual rate of 4.6%, with its value estimated to be around $17.8 million after the same period.
Therefore, in terms of actual dollar amounts, the Cessna Citation Longitude will lose more money over the ownership period due to its higher depreciation rate.
It’s important to understand that the depreciation rate of a private jet can be influenced by various factors.
These include the aircraft’s age, since older aircraft typically depreciate faster than newer ones, the number of flight hours, as aircraft with higher flight hours tend to depreciate faster, and lastly, the maintenance history, as an aircraft with a thorough and regular maintenance history may depreciate slower than one without.
Summary
In consideration of pricing, depreciation, and projected value, the Gulfstream G280 emerges as a more economically viable choice compared to the Cessna Citation Longitude.
The G280 is priced slightly lower both in new and pre-owned conditions. Additionally, the G280’s lower depreciation rate implies a higher projected value over a period of time, making it a more financially sound investment.
However, the decision between the Cessna Citation Longitude and the Gulfstream G280 should be based on more than just economic considerations.
The Cessna Citation Longitude may be more suitable for those who prioritize performance, luxury, and technological advancements over cost.
On the other hand, the Gulfstream G280 would be a better choice for those looking for a cost-effective and efficient private jet that still offers a comfortable and luxurious flight experience. In conclusion, each aircraft has its own strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on the buyer’s priorities and preferences.
