The Embraer Praetor 500 and Cessna Citation Latitude are two highly capable midsize private jets.
The Praetor 500 is the replacement for the outgoing Legacy model aircraft. Therefore, the Praetor 500 is strong competition for the Latitude.
Despite the many similarities between these two aircraft there are some critical differences that will likely push buyers towards one of these two aircraft.
Performance
The Praetor 500 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7500E engines, each of which delivers a thrust output of 6,540 lbs (2,971 kg). This results in a total thrust output of 13,080 lbs (5,942 kg), ensuring robust power for all your flights.
In contrast, the Citation Latitude uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 engines, providing a thrust output of 5,907 lbs (2,680 kg) per engine and a total thrust output of 11,814 lbs (5,360 kg).
Although the Citation Latitude’s engines are slightly less powerful, it still delivers a commendable performance.
When it comes to speed, the Praetor 500 exhibits superior capabilities with a high-speed cruise of 466 knots (863 km/h) and a long-range cruise speed of 424 knots (785 km/h).
On the other hand, the Citation Latitude has a high-speed cruise of 446 knots (826 km/h) and a long-range cruise speed of 372 knots (689 km/h).
When comparing the high-speed cruise figures there is unlikely to be a difference in real-world applications. However, a difference of just over 50 knots between the long-range cruise speeds will likely add up over multiple missions.
Both jets can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and have an initial cruise altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106 meters).
The ability to reach these altitudes provides several benefits. High-altitude flights can offer smoother rides as they often rise above turbulent weather conditions. Additionally, flying at higher altitudes can be more fuel-efficient and allow for more direct routing, saving time and money.
The Praetor 500 has a rate of climb of 4,239 feet (1,292 meters) per minute, while the Citation Latitude climbs at a rate of 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) per minute.
he faster rate of climb allows the Praetor 500 to reach its cruising altitude more quickly, saving fuel and further reducing travel time.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Citation Latitude has an edge over the Praetor 500. It burns 210 gallons (795 litres) of fuel per hour, compared to the 249 gallons (943 litres) consumed by the Praetor 500.
This lower hourly fuel burn can lead to significant cost savings over time. Assuming that Jet A fuel costs $6 per gallon, and both aircraft are flown for 300 hours per year, choosing the Citation Latitude would result in a yearly saving of $70,200.
Range
In the world of private aviation, the range of an aircraft is a critical factor to consider. It determines the distance an aircraft can cover without refueling, directly impacting its versatility and utility for long-haul flights.
The Embraer Praetor 500 and the Cessna Citation Latitude present notable differences in their range capabilities.
The Embraer Praetor 500 boasts an impressive range of 3,340 nautical miles, equivalent to 6,186 kilometers or 3,845 miles.
This extensive range allows for significant city pairs, enhancing its appeal for transcontinental and intercontinental travel.
Conversely, the Cessna Citation Latitude offers a range of 2,700 nautical miles, which converts to 5,000 kilometers or 3,107 miles.
While shorter than the Praetor 500, this range still enables substantial city pairs. From New York, the Latitude could fly directly to any destination within the continental United States or reach as far as Reykjavik in Iceland.
It’s important to note that these range figures represent the best-case scenario. They assume optimal conditions and can be affected by several factors.
Firstly, the weight of the aircraft, particularly the payload, can significantly impact the range. Heavier aircraft consume more fuel, reducing the achievable distance.
Secondly, weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, can either aid or hinder an aircraft’s range. Tailwinds can extend the range while headwinds can decrease it.
Lastly, the chosen cruising altitude can also influence the range. Higher altitudes often offer thinner air and less atmospheric drag, thereby improving fuel efficiency and extending the aircraft’s range.
Ground Performance
Ground performance is a fundamental aspect to consider when evaluating private jets like the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Cessna Citation Latitude.
It encompasses take-off and landing distances, which are critical for determining the aircraft’s compatibility with various airports, especially those with shorter runways.
The Embraer Praetor 500 possesses a take-off distance of 4,222 feet (1,287 meters), and a landing distance of 2,086 feet (636 meters).
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Latitude requires a shorter take-off distance of 3,580 feet (1,091 meters) and a slightly longer landing distance of 2,480 feet (756 meters).
The shorter take-off distance is advantageous as it enables the Latitude to operate from smaller airports that may not be accessible to larger jets, thereby providing greater geographical reach and convenience.
These figures represent optimal scenarios and are subject to several influencing factors. One such factor is the aircraft’s weight at take-off, including the payload and fuel load. A heavier aircraft requires more runway to reach the necessary speed for lift-off. Similarly, during landing, a higher weight can increase the stopping distance.
The second factor is the ambient temperature and air density. High temperature and low air density, often found at high-altitude airports or in hot weather conditions, can extend both take-off and landing distances. This is because the aircraft’s engines produce less thrust and the wings generate less lift in less dense air.
Lastly, wind conditions significantly affect ground performance. Strong headwinds can reduce the required take-off and landing distances by slowing the aircraft’s ground speed, while tailwinds can have the opposite effect, necessitating a longer runway.
Interior Dimensions
The cabin dimensions of a private jet directly impact the comfort and experience of its passengers.
The Embraer Praetor 500 features an interior length of 24.02 feet (7.32 meters), a width of 6.82 feet (2.08 meters), and a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters).
The longer cabin provides more living space, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxed travel experience. This extra length can accommodate additional seating or enhance the existing seating arrangements, offering more legroom or recline.
The wider cabin allows for broader seats and aisles, contributing to the overall feeling of spaciousness and ease of movement within the cabin.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Latitude has an interior length of 21.75 feet (6.63 meters), a width of 6.43 feet (1.96 meters), and a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters).
While slightly shorter and narrower than the Praetor 500, the cabin still offers ample space for passenger comfort. A taller cabin, as featured in both aircraft, allows passengers to stand upright, enhancing their comfort during the flight.
In terms of passenger capacity, the Praetor 500 can accommodate up to nine passengers in its maximum configuration and typically carries six passengers.
The Citation Latitude, however, carries up to nine passengers in its maximum configuration and typically holds eight passengers. The ability to carry more passengers makes these aircraft suitable for larger groups, families, or corporate travel.
Interior
Cabin altitude is a significant aspect of passenger comfort in private jets. It refers to the equivalent altitude inside the aircraft cabin, regardless of the actual flight altitude.
The Embraer Praetor 500 features a maximum cabin altitude of 5,800 feet (1,768 meters).
This means that even when the aircraft is flying at high altitudes, the pressure inside the cabin will not be lower than what one would experience at 5,800 feet above sea level. This jet can maintain a sea-level cabin, where the pressure is equivalent to that at sea level, up to an altitude of 27,140 feet (8,275 meters).
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Latitude has a slightly higher maximum cabin altitude of 5,950 feet (1,814 meters). However, it can maintain a sea-level cabin up until an altitude of 25,400 feet (7,742 meters), slightly lower than the Praetor 500.
A lower cabin altitude offers various benefits. The primary advantage is improved passenger comfort. At lower altitudes, there is more oxygen available, which reduces the chances of experiencing hypoxia or altitude sickness.
This can result in passengers feeling more alert and less fatigued during and after the flight. Another benefit is that a lower cabin altitude can help reduce the effects of jet lag on long-haul flights.
Embraer Praetor 500
The principal cabin of the aircraft is meticulously designed with four seats, arranged in a club configuration, complemented by two additional forward-facing seats. This arrangement caters to various activities, whether business or leisure, with stowable carbon fiber tables that seamlessly align with the side ledge, amplifying the cabin’s exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
The seats, which can both recline and rotate, cater to diverse needs, from solitary work to group discussions. For overnight flights or relaxation, these seats can transform into fully flat beds.
The aesthetic appeal of the seats is enhanced by a stitch pattern inspired by the stone pathways of Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. Coupled with silk and wool carpets reflecting the serenity of a calm ocean day, the interior design presents a soothing ambiance.
The Praetor 500 ensures a tranquil cabin environment with a noise level of just 53 dB during cruise, and a maximum cabin altitude of 5,800 feet (1,768 meters). These features make the cabin conducive for conversations, work, or relaxation, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.
Impressing with its versatility, the galley comes fully-equipped to serve your refreshment and dining needs. From a conventional oven and microwave to a refrigerator and coffee brewer, every amenity is at your disposal.
Fine crystal, china, and silverware further enhance the dining experience. The Praetor 500 ensures you stay connected throughout your flight with its cutting-edge Gogo AVANCE L5 and Ka-band technology, offering robust Wi-Fi connectivity on par with home or office networks.
Additionally, the Honeywell Ovation Select Cabin Management Suite offers high-definition video streaming and immersive audio within the cabin. Unique to Embraer’s business jets, an upper technology panel with a touchscreen provides flight status information, ambient lighting control, and access to cabin controls, right at your fingertips.
You can customize the interior of any in-production Embraer jet here.
Embraer Praetor 500
Cessna Citation Latitude
Cessna Citation Latitude
The Cessna Citation Latitude is equipped with a myriad of features, designed to offer passengers the utmost comfort and luxury. The aircraft boasts a fully electric door, which due to its large size provides ease in entering and exiting the aircraft.
Upon entering the cabin, two seats greet the passengers, which can be optionally replaced with an expansive refreshment center. This modification, while reducing the seating capacity, enhances in-flight dining experiences by offering a wider selection of hot and cold food and simplifying food preparation.
The Latitude ensures connectivity throughout the flight, courtesy of its advanced cabin management system. This system allows passengers to control the cabin environment from their seat. The standard wireless cabin management system offers access to digital media, moving maps, and satellite radio, ensuring entertainment and information are at passengers’ fingertips.
At the rear of the cabin, there is a spacious and customizable lavatory. Cessna claims the lavatory is 60 percent larger than that of its closest competitor, describing it as “exceptionally spacious”.
Beyond the lavatory is the baggage compartment, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 lbs (453.59 kg) of luggage. The compartment features integrated steps for easy loading. However, unlike some other aircraft in its class, the luggage compartment is not accessible during the flight.
Charter Price
When considering private jet charter costs, the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Cessna Citation Latitude present two different price points. The Embraer Praetor 500’s charter cost is $4,500 per hour, making it somewhat more expensive than the Cessna Citation Latitude, which stands at $4,000 per hour.
It’s important to understand that several factors can influence the cost of chartering a private jet.
One of these is the type of aircraft itself. Different aircraft have varying operational costs, including fuel consumption, maintenance, and depreciation, which are factored into the hourly charter rate. Therefore, the more advanced or larger an aircraft is, with more amenities or longer range, the higher the price can be.
Another factor that plays a significant role in determining the charter cost is the trip length. For shorter trips, operators may charge a minimum number of hours per day to cover their costs, even if the actual flight time is less. Conversely, for longer flights, the cost per hour could potentially decrease as fixed costs are spread out over more flight hours.
Lastly, the demand and availability of a specific aircraft type can also impact the charter cost. During peak travel times or in certain popular locations, prices can increase due to higher demand. Similarly, if a particular model is scarce or highly sought after, this can drive up the charter cost.
Purchase Price
When comparing the acquisition costs of the Embraer Praetor 500 and the Cessna Citation Latitude, it’s important to consider both their new list prices and the costs for pre-owned models.
The new list price of the Embraer Praetor 500 is $17,000,000, while the Cessna Citation Latitude comes with a higher new list price of $18,000,000.
As for the pre-owned models, a 2020 model year of either aircraft is estimated to cost around $16 million each.
However, considering the annual depreciation rate and future values, the financial implications over the ownership period become more significant.
The Embraer Praetor 500 has an annual depreciation rate of 3.06%, and that same 2020 model is projected to decrease to $14.6 million in three years.
On the other hand, the Cessna Citation Latitude, with its higher annual depreciation rate of 5.72%, would result in the 2020 aircraft being worth $13.4 million in the next 3 years.
In terms of actual dollar amounts, the Cessna Citation Latitude will lose more money over the ownership period.
The difference in future values indicates that the Latitude will lose $2.6 million, compared to the Praetor 500’s anticipated depreciation amount of $1.4 million.
The depreciation rate of a private jet can be influenced by several factors.
One factor is the overall economic environment; during periods of economic downturn, the demand for private jets may decrease, causing a faster depreciation.
Another factor is the aircraft’s age and condition; older aircraft or those in poor condition may depreciate faster than newer or well-maintained models.
Lastly, the make and model of the aircraft can also impact depreciation; some models retain their value better due to their reputation, performance, and customer preference.
Summary
So, which aircraft is best?
When it comes to the higher range, a larger cabin, higher cruise speed, and strong value retention the Praetor 500 is hard to ignore.
The Praetor 500 represents incredible value for money.
However, the Latitude is less expensive to operate over the course of one year. Moreover, the Latitude has better ground performance figures which means that it is able to operate from more airports.
Therefore, the decision will likely come down to whether or not you are flying outside of the range of the Latitude and if the Praetor 500 is able to land at your chosen airports.
