Midsize Jet Charter
A midsize standard-setter since the 1980s.
Why Charter This Aircraft
Executive club-style seating, depending on configuration.
Certified to 51,000 ft — fly above weather without a fuel stop.
A popular choice for comfort and performance value.
Development & Background
The Cessna Citation III series set a new standard for midsize private jet charter during the 1980s and 1990s. Comprising the Citation III (Model 650), the Citation VI, and the upgraded Citation VII, these jets offer an excellent balance of range, speed, cabin comfort, and operating efficiency.
Then-CEO Russ Meyer Jr. wanted to compete against the Learjet 35 and Hawker 700, envisioning a comparable aircraft with easy-to-follow maintenance and ownership. After the Citation III's first flight in 1982, two more powerful variants followed, with over 360 units delivered to family offices, corporations, and midsize jet charter operators.
"The Citation VII is one of the smoothest midsize jets I've flown. Its upgraded engines deliver great climb performance and allow us to reach cruise altitude quickly."
"For flights like Chicago to Miami, the Citation III is an affordable and reliable solution with a spacious cabin for a midsize aircraft."
Specifications
| Metric | Citation III | Citation VI | Citation VII |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 7–9 passengers | 7–9 passengers | 7–9 passengers |
| Range | 2,100 nm | 2,050 nm | 2,350 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 458 kt (527 mph) | 458 kt (527 mph) | 504 kt (580 mph) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 430–450 kt | 430–450 kt | 470–480 kt |
| Takeoff Distance | ~5,300 ft | ~5,300 ft | ~5,250 ft |
| Landing Distance | ~3,200 ft | ~3,200 ft | ~3,250 ft |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft | 51,000 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions | 18'4" × 5'5" × 5'7" | 18'4" × 5'5" × 5'7" | 18'4" × 5'5" × 5'7" |
| Baggage Capacity | 61 cu ft | 61 cu ft | 61 cu ft |
| MTOW | 22,000 lbs | 22,000 lbs | 23,000 lbs |
Cabin & Interior Experience
The Citation 650 comfortably seats 7 to 9 passengers in a club-style configuration, with fold-out tables and power outlets between seats for a productive flight. A fully enclosed aft lavatory is standard, and the pressurized, climate-controlled cabin maintains an 8,000-foot cabin altitude even at 51,000 feet. An aft baggage compartment holds 61 cubic feet, depending on the variant.
Capabilities & Performance
The Citation 650 family is equipped with Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines, delivering a range between 2,050 and 2,350 nm depending on variant, with the Citation VII reaching the highest cruise speed at up to 504 knots (580 mph, Mach 0.83). All three variants are certified to 51,000 ft, letting flights climb above most weather on missions like Houston to Chicago.
Pilots use the Collins Pro Line avionics suite, with an upgraded flight deck in the VII for additional safety. The Citation 650 is dual-pilot operated, with charter operations typically requiring at least 850 total flight hours for first officers and 2,500 for captains.
Charter Pricing
| Metric | Citation III | Citation VI | Citation VII |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Operating Cost | ~$2,900/hr | ~$2,800/hr | ~$3,200/hr |
| Charter Rate | $5,000–$5,800/hr | $4,800–$5,500/hr | $5,800–$6,200/hr |
| Fuel Burn | ~250 GPH | ~245 GPH | ~260 GPH |
| Maintenance Programs | CAMP, JSSI Optional | CAMP, JSSI Optional | CAMP, JSSI Optional |
| Average Used Value (2025) | $1.1M–$1.6M | $1.0M–$1.4M | $1.7M–$2.3M |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
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