Cessna Citation XLS+

Overview & History

The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a shining star in the medium class of business jet aviation. It is a product of the reputable aircraft manufacturer, Cessna, which has been a leading brand in the aviation industry for over nine decades.

The development of the Cessna Citation XLS+ commenced as an improved version of the already successful Citation Excel (Model 560XL), which can trace its roots back to the Citation V and Citation III aircraft. The Plus model features upgraded engines over its predecessor and improved fuel efficiency.

The production spanned a year, from 2008 to 2008, during which this superlative aircraft was carefully crafted and refined. The Citation XLS+ was specifically designed to meet the growing demand for a more advanced, comfortable, and efficient medium-sized business jet.

Despite its short production span, the Citation XLS+ quickly earned its place as one of the best-selling business jets in the world, thanks to its superior blend of performance, comfort, and operational efficiency. The aircraft is a highly popular choice among Netjets.

Today, the Cessna Citation XLS+ continues to be a preferred choice among seasoned pilots, business travelers, and aviation enthusiasts alike. It stands as a testament to Cessna’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in aviation.

Performance of the Midsize Business Jet

The heart of the Cessna Citation XLS+ lies in its superior performance metrics, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545A turbofans.

Each engine delivers a powerful thrust output of 8,238 lbf (3,737 kg), enabling the aircraft to achieve impressive speed and altitude.

The Citation XLS+ can cruise at a high speed of 441 knots (817 km/h), while its long-range cruise speed stands at 373 knots (691 km/h).

This speed, coupled with a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), lets the aircraft surpass many in its class.

The Citation XLS+ also boasts an impressive maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889 km), allowing for long, uninterrupted flights.

Meanwhile, the aircraft’s minimum takeoff and landing distances stand at 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) and 3,180 feet (969 meters) respectively, providing flexibility in choosing airports and ensuring a smooth experience for passengers.

However, these performance figures represent the best-case scenario, under optimal conditions.

The actual range and ground performance can be affected by numerous factors such as weather, load, runway conditions, and altitude of the airport.

It’s important to understand these variables when considering the aircraft’s capabilities. Despite these potential variances, the Citation XLS+ consistently delivers an outstanding performance that upholds Cessna’s high standards in aviation.

Citation XLS+ Aircraft Interior

The interior of the Cessna Citation XLS+ is meticulously designed to offer optimal comfort and luxury, as you would expect from a midsize cabin.

Spanning a length of 18.5 feet (5.6 meters), a width of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters), and a height of 5.7 feet (1.7 meters), the cabin is spacious and accommodating, allowing passengers to move around with ease.

For many passengers, this cabin will be enough to fully stand-up.

The cabin layout typically includes six individual seats and a side-facing couch, offering seating for up to nine passengers.

However, it usually caters to six passengers for optimal comfort. Each seat, wrapped in rich leather and up to four inches wider than the previous generation is complemented with tasteful hardwood finishes, is fully breathable, capable of sliding forwards and backward, and can be articulated for maximum comfort.

The cabin technology incorporates an impressive cabin management system within the spacious interior of the aircraft.  Moreover, the interior features plenty of closet space and ample luggage storage in the aft of the cabin.

In order to aid the interior comfort, there is a triple-sealed entry door just by the galley in order to keep the cabin as quiet and draft-free as possible.

As an additional feature, VIP seat controls allow passengers to adjust the cabin lighting and temperature to their preference.

For those who prefer a different layout, an alternative option of a storage closet and a single side-facing seat in place of the side-facing couch is available.

The aircraft also takes pride in the air quality within the cabin. It’s equipped with a fresh air system that circulates fresh air from outside into the cabin.

This system, which refreshes the entire volume of cabin air in less than two minutes, ensures there is no need for recirculation and additional filters, thereby promoting better air cleanliness quality.

With eleven large, triple-pane windows providing ample natural light and viewing opportunities, every individual seat has access to a window, allowing passengers to enjoy the world passing below.

Furthermore, the Citation XLS+ features a spacious lavatory at the rear and a deluxe refreshment center at the front, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The aircraft maintains a maximum cabin altitude of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) and sustains a sea-level cabin until reaching 25,230 feet (7,692 meters).

This feature, along with the cabin’s dimensions and high-end amenities, enhances the comfort of passengers, making the Cessna Citation XLS+ an excellent choice for both business and leisure travel.

According to Cessna, the cabin effectively “blurs the line between business and pleasure”.

Cessna Citation XLS Plus Cockpit

The cockpit of the Cessna Citation XLS+ is marked by familiarity and dependability, mirroring the consistency expected from Cessna Citation aircraft. It makes no pretense of introducing technological revolutions, focusing instead on providing high functionality.

The Citation XLS+ is outfitted with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics suite, a feature that Cessna claims makes the aircraft “smarter than ever”. As a result, flight crews can leverage the familiarity of the cockpit to confidently navigate in all conditions.

The cockpit technology also allows for airport diagrams, weather navigation, and detailed flight status data.

A standout feature is the access to the XM WX Satellite Weather Data Service, which provides up-to-date weather information along the entire flight path. Software upgrades are readily available, offering pilots the option to overlay satellite imagery with NEXRAD data.

Additional options include viewing Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), evaluating winds aloft, and monitoring cloud-to-cloud lightning with comprehensive strike data.

The ability to access such images and data at any altitude enhances safety and operational efficiency, reinforcing the Citation XLS+ as a dependable choice for pilots. Additionally, Cessna has been able to include a comprehensive diagnostic system.

Standard features include:

• Dual 8 x 10-inch Primary Flight Displays
• Dual 8 x 10-inch Multifunction Displays
• Electronic Flight Information System
• Crew Alerting System
• Flight Guidance System
• Dual Air Data Computers
• XM Broadcast Weather (U.S.)
• Emergency Descent Mode
• Dual Attitude Heading Reference System
• Integrated Electronic Checklists
• Electronic Charts
• Flight Management System
• Global Positioning System
• Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS)
• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II)
• Maintenance Diagnostic System

Citation XLS+ Charter Cost

The estimated charter cost for the Cessna Citation XLS+ in North America is approximately $3,500 per hour.

However, it is essential to note that this is a base estimate and the actual cost may vary.

Factors such as the duration and distance of the flight, the location and cost of fuel, the time of year, and the demand for the aircraft type can influence the final quote. Additionally, services including ground transportation, in-flight catering, and international handling may also affect the cost.

Therefore, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ offers a reliable and comfortable travel experience, potential charterers should be aware that several variables could impact the total charter cost.

Purchase Cost of the Citation XLS+

Purchasing a Cessna Citation XLS+ is a considerable investment, but one that brings numerous rewards in terms of performance, comfort, and reliability.

The price when new is approximately $13 million.

For those interested in pre-owned aircraft, the average pre-owned price for the Citation XLS+ is approximately $8.88 million.

This offers a more affordable entry point into the Citation family while still delivering the benefits associated with this tried-and-trusted line of aircraft.

In terms of ongoing costs, the estimated annual ownership cost of operating a Citation XLS+ for 200 hours per year is approximately $640,000. This takes into account a wide range of expenses, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and hangar costs.