The Cessna Citation Longitude is the largest private jet that Cessna currently produce. Conversely, the Bombardier Challenger 350 is the second smallest aircraft that Bombardier currently make, the smallest being the Learjet 75 Liberty. In fact, the Challenger 350 will soon be the smallest aircraft that Bombardier make since they are ending production of the Learjet family at the end of 2021.
However, despite comparing the largest aircraft of one manufacturer to the (almost) smallest of another, there are some striking similarities between the aircraft. Additionally, the are some significant differences that makes this comparison worthwhile.
Therefore, this comparison between the Challenger 350 and Citation Longitude will investigate their performance, range, interiors and costs.
Performance
To start with let’s look at aircraft performance. The Bombardier Challenger 350 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7350 turbofan engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 7,323 lbs of thrust.
The Cessna Citation Longitude, on the other hand, is powered by two Honeywell HTF7700L engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 7,665 lbs of thrust.
As a result, both aircraft are capable of cruising at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. However, the Cessna Citation Longitude is a quicker aircraft in the cruise.
The Longitude is capable of cruising at 476 knots, whereas the Challenger 350’s maximum cruise speed is 448 knots.
Therefore, over the course of 1,000 nautical miles, assuming that each aircraft is traveling at their maximum cruise speed, the Longitude will save you around 7 minutes. Consequently, if you were to fly 1,000 nautical miles every week for a year, the Longitude would save you just over 6 hours compared with the Challenger. This is, of course, assuming that all other timings are equal and each aircraft is always flying at their maximum cruise speed.
However, it is worth noting that this speed difference is significant if you were to fly one of these aircraft regularly.
Range
The Longitude can also fly farther than the Challenger 350 without needing to refuel.
The maximum range of the Longitude is 3,500 nautical miles compared with the 3,200 nautical miles range of the Challenger. See what this looks like on this interactive range map.
Ultimately, the difference is that the Challenger 350 can fly non-stop from New York to London. However, the Longitude can fly from New York to Berlin without needing to refuel.
Please note that these range figures are assuming ideal weather conditions and a minimum payload. However, the Longitude will be able to fly further than the Challenger 350, all things being equal.
Furthermore, with things being unequal, the Longitude will be able to fly just as far as the Challenger with a greater payload. This will dramatically increase mission flexibility.
Ground Performance
When it comes to the runway length required to handle these aircraft, there is very little in it.
For example, the minimum take off distance of the Challenger 350 comes in at 4,835 feet, while the minimum take off distance of the Longitude is 4,900 feet. A difference so minor that it will not be noticed in the real world.
A difference that might be noticed is the landing distance. The Challenger 350 is capable of landing in a minimum distance of 2,364 feet. In comparison the Longitude requires at least 3,400 feet of runway to safely land.
However, given that wherever you land you need to take off again, the landing distance is not as important as the take off distance. As a result these aircraft are very closely matched when it comes to the airports that they can operate out of.
However, ultimately the lower the take off and landing distance the better. Therefore, the Challenger 350 beats out the Longitude when it comes to ground performance.
Interior Dimensions
The Challenger 350 is slightly bigger on the inside than the Cessna Longitude.
The interior length of the two aircraft is near identical. The Challenger 350 measures just 1 centimeter longer than the Longitude (7.68 meters to 7.67 meters respectively).
However, a significant difference of interior space is the width of the cabin. The Challenger 350 measure 2.19 meters in width, whereas the Longitude measures 1.96 meters. The result of this is that the seats can be wider in the Challenger, there is more shoulder room, the cabin feels more spacious and the aisle can be wider. Therefore, the cabin is easier to navigate than the Longitude.
Both aircraft have the same interior height at 1.83 meters tall, which is just over 6 feet. Therefore, most passengers will be able to comfortably stand up straight in the cabin.
Additionally, the Challenger 350 is able to accommodate up to 106 cubic feet of baggage while the Longitude is able to hold up to 112 cubic feet of baggage.
Interior
As you can see from the images below, the interiors of both aircraft look relatively similar. However, in the typical configuration the Challenger 350 features a three seat divan towards the rear of the cabin. The Longitude has a claimed maximum passenger occupancy of 12. Whereas the Challenger 350 can carry up to 10 passengers. However, it is highly unlikely that every seat onboard will be filled at one time.
Two notable differences between the aircraft are cabin altitude and noise levels. The Longitude has both a lower cabin altitude and cabin noise level. Combine these factors and you get a more peaceful, pleasant cabin that will reduce the effects of jet lag.
The Longitude has a maximum cabin altitude of 5,950 feet and a cabin noise level of 67 decibels. Whereas the Challenger 350 has a maximum cabin altitude of 7,848 feet and a cabin noise level of 72 decibels.
Bombardier Challenger 350 Interior
Bombardier is at the top of their game with interior design. Featuring exceptional craftsmanship, carefully selected finishes, large windows and angled touch screens. Optionally experience Ka-band and 4g air-to-ground internet. This allows you to stream music, watch movies & participate in video conferences.
Flying the Challenger 350 gives you the ability to control the cabin from the comfort of every seat. The cabin management system of the 350 has been inspired by Bombardier’s flagship aircraft – the Global 7500. The cabin management system allows you to connect to your personal devices with a super simple user interface.
Features also include a fully flat floor, access to baggage during flight and exquisite finishes.
Cessna Citation Longitude Interior
Extensive work developing and implementing soundproofing techniques creates the “world’s quietest super-midsize cabin”. The cabin noise level is just 67 decibels. In addition to the quiet cabin Cessna have created an aircraft with a maximum cabin altitude of just 5,950 feet. Combining these factors provides a relaxing environment. Therefore, the peace and quiet is perfect for conducting business, resting and talking with your fellow passengers.
In terms of air, the Longitude features a partial re-circulation system. This system reuses a percentage of air from the cabin while also relying on fresh air to fill the cabin. Cessna ensure 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.
Cessna have 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 device.
At the front of the cabin you will find a sizeable wet galley. 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.
Bombardier Challenger 350 Interior
Cessna Citation Longitude Interior
Charter Price
The estimated hourly charter price of the Cessna Citation Longitude is $4,500. Compare this to the Challenger 350 and this seems like great value for such a capable aircraft.
The Bombardier Challenger 350 has an estimated hourly charter price of $4,950.
Of course, there are a number of factors that will impact the hourly rate of private jets. Therefore, depending on the mission profile prices will vary.
Purchase Price
When it comes to purchasing a private jet there are many variables involved. Moreover, there are many costs involved in the ownership cycle of private jets, not least the cost of fuel.
In terms of initial purchase price, the Challenger 350 is less expensive. The Bombardier Challenger 350 has a new list price of $26 million. On the other hand the Cessna Citation Longitude has a new list price of $28 million.
Configure your very own Challenger 350 on Bombardier’s website.
Summary
When it comes to comparing the Challenger 350 with the Cessna Longitude, there are a few areas where the Challenger beats out the Cessna.
Firstly, the Challenger 350 has a marginally shorter take off distance and shorter landing distance. Secondly, the Challenger has a wider cabin. And thirdly, the Challenger 350 has a lower purchase price.
However, in most other ways the Longitude beats out the Challenger. The Longitude can fly further, faster, along with a quieter cabin with a lower cabin altitude. Not only does this increase the comfort of the Longitude but also increases mission flexibility.
Therefore, if purchasing from new, the Longitude provides a significant amount of aircraft for just $2 million more over the Challenger 350.
Additionally the depreciation of the Challenger 350 is far more pronounced. Within the first three years of ownership the typical Challenger 350 loses around half of its value.
