Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Charter Guide
See Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ cabin details, range, pricing, and book with FlyRoving for business or leisure regional flights.
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Photo by WikiCommons | Markus EigenheerKey Points: Why should you charter the Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+?
• A spacious midsize jet. Seat up to 8 passengers with a cabin height of 5 ‘7ft.
• Can take off less than 3,600 feet, making it a strong contender on short runways.
• An acceptable range of 1,850 nautical miles at 430 knots.
• Proven reliability and value in the charter market.
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Introduction
The Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ is the updated version of the Citation Excel, which entered service in 2007. For many charter operators and business owners, chartering a Cessna Citation Excel offers a rare combination of stand-up cabin comfort, efficient operating costs, and the ability to use shorter regional runways. With over 1,000 deliveries since inception, the Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ is praised by executives, entertainers, and sports teams, making it one of the most frequently chartered midsize jets in the world.
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Passenger Experience
“I’ve flown hundreds of hours in the XLS+. The upgrade in engines and avionics over the original XLS is significant—stronger climb, better high-altitude performance, and an incredibly smooth ride for passengers.”
– Lead Citation Captain
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Development & Background
The Cessna Citation XLS was introduced in 1998 as an improvement to the iconic Citation Excel, which was created due to a customer demand of faster cruise speeds/longer range while keeping operational costs competitive. Additionally, in 2008, the Citation XLS+ upgrade was introduced, and brought in new Pratt & Whitney PW545C engines, advanced Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, and aerodynamic refinements.
As mentioned earlier in the article, due to Cessna (Textron) aviation's adaptability to customer requests, the Citation Excel/XLS/XLS+ sold 1000 units worldwide.
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Key Specifications & Runway Requirements
| Metric | Citation XLS | Citation XLS+ |
| Passenger Capacity | 7–9 passengers | 7–9 passengers |
| Range | ~2,100 nm (≈3,890 km) | ~2,100 nm (≈3,890 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 441 knots (≈507 mph / Mach 0.75) | 441 knots (≈507 mph / Mach 0.75) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 430 knots (≈495 mph) | 430 knots (≈495 mph) |
| Takeoff Distance | ~3,560 ft (≈1,085 m) | ~3,560 ft (≈1,085 m) |
| Landing Distance | ~3,180 ft (≈969 m) | ~3,180 ft (≈969 m) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft (≈13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (≈13,716 m) |
| Cabin Dimensions (L×W×H) | 18.5 ft × 5.5 ft × 5.7 ft | 18.5 ft × 5.5 ft × 5.7 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | ~79 cu ft (≈2.24 m³) | ~79 cu ft (≈2.24 m³) |
| MTOW | ~20,200 lb (≈9,162 kg) | ~20,200 lb (≈9,162 kg) |
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Cabin and Interior Experience
Photo by Textron Aviation
The Citation XLS/XLS+ cabin accommodates 7–9 passengers with club seating, two forward-facing seats, and an optional side-facing divan. The cabin height is 5.7 ft (1.73 m) for stand-up comfort, and a cabin length of 18.5 ft (5.64m) for generous legroom. The baggage compartment is 79 cu ft (2.24 m³) for standard luggage, golf bags, or skis. Amenities include a refreshment center, private lavatory, fold-out tables, LED lighting, advanced climate control. Many chartered units offer in-flight Wi-Fi, cabin audio systems, and a satellite phone.
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Ownership & Operating Costs
A brand new Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ will cost about $13 million USD, but you can buy a used one for between $5,000,000 to $8,000,000, depending on maintenance, year, and if on an engine program. Annual operating costs should be between $1.2-$1.5M per year/250 hours, including a dual-pilot-crew, hangar, insurance, and maintenance.
Charter vs Ownership: FlyRoving clients who fly less than 50 hours a year benefit from pay-as-you-go flexibility—no depreciation, crew salaries, or hangar fees.
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ One-Way Charter Pricing Estimates for 2025
Approximate Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ all-inclusive one-way charter rates (subject to seasonal demand, fuel prices, and repositioning):
Actual pricing will vary with fuel costs, seasonal demand, and aircraft repositioning needs.
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From New York (TEB / JFK)
• New York → Miami: $18,000 – $21,000 — ~2h 45m – 3h 00m
• New York → Chicago: $14,000 – $16,000 — ~2h 00m – 2h 20m
• New York → Dallas: $23,000 – $26,000 — ~3h 15m – 3h 45m
• New York → Los Angeles: $45,000 – $52,000 — ~5h 45m – 6h 15m
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From Los Angeles (LAX / VNY)
• Los Angeles → Las Vegas: $7,000 – $9,000 — ~45m – 1h 05m
• Los Angeles → San Francisco: $10,000 – $12,000 — ~1h 20m – 1h 40m
• Los Angeles → Denver: $20,000 – $24,000 — ~2h 15m – 2h 40m
• Los Angeles → New York: $45,000 – $52,000 — ~5h 40m – 6h 15m
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From Miami (MIA / OPF)
• Miami → New York: $18,000 – $21,000 — ~2h 45m – 3h 00m
• Miami → Atlanta: $10,000 – $12,000 — ~1h 40m – 1h 55m
• Miami → Dallas: $20,000 – $24,000 — ~2h 55m – 3h 20m
• Miami → Los Angeles: $43,000 – $49,000 — ~5h 45m – 6h 05m
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From Chicago (ORD / MDW)
• Chicago → New York: $14,000 – $16,000 — ~2h 00m – 2h 20m
• Chicago → Dallas: $14,000 – $17,000 — ~2h 05m – 2h 30m
• Chicago → Denver: $16,000 – $19,000 — ~2h 10m – 2h 35m
• Chicago → Miami: $20,000 – $23,000 — ~3h 00m – 3h 25m
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From Dallas (DAL / DFW)
• Dallas → Houston: $7,000 – $9,000 — ~45m – 1h 00m
• Dallas → Chicago: $14,000 – $17,000 — ~2h 05m – 2h 30m
• Dallas → New York: $23,000 – $26,000 — ~3h 10m – 3h 40m
• Dallas → Los Angeles: $26,000 – $30,000 — ~3h 30m – 3h 55m
Charter a Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ From San Francisco (SFO / SQL)
• San Francisco → Los Angeles: $10,000 – $12,000 — ~1h 20m – 1h 40m
• San Francisco → Seattle: $14,000 – $17,000 — ~1h 50m – 2h 10m
• San Francisco → Denver: $18,000 – $22,000 — ~2h 20m – 2h 50m
• San Francisco → Chicago: $40,000 – $46,000 — ~5h 20m – 5h 50m
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Aircraft Capabilities and Performance
The Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ requires 2 Pratt & Whitney PW545C, with a range of 2,100 nm, ideal for U.S Coast-to-Coast with a single stop. The Citation XLS is also equipped with TCAS II, TAWS, autothrottle on many XLS+ units. As it is a 2 pilot aircraft, hired pilots have undergone their training through CAE or Flight Safety, while SIC pilots have usually 1200TT, and the Captains are usually hired at 2500TT (Total Time).
Cessna Citation XLS/XLS+ Booking Process with FlyRoving
Flying with FlyRoving is straightforward:
• Request a Quote: Submit a flight request online at FlyRoving.com or call our 24/7 concierge.
• Review Options: Receive tailored quotes with aircraft details, photos, and pricing.
• Confirm & Pay: Choose your preferred aircraft and secure your itinerary online.
• Fly: Arrive at a private terminal for hassle-free boarding and enjoy a seamless journey.
FlyRoving provides personalized service, competitive pricing, and transparent terms.