Midsize Jet Charter
Midsize comfort, light-jet economics.
Why Charter This Aircraft
Spacious comfort for 8 passengers with a flat floor.
Operates from runways under 4,000 ft.
Midsize cabin comfort with light-jet operating costs.
A popular choice for corporations and charter operators.
Development & Background
The Cessna Citation Excel is a midsize business jet that combines the comfort of larger jets with the cost-efficiency and flexibility of light jets. While not as nimble as the Citation 525 series, it still offers short-runway performance, a generous cabin, and dependable speed — making it one of the most chartered midsize jets worldwide.
During the 1990s, Cessna CEO Russ Meyer saw a gap between the Citation V Ultra and the fast Citation X. Cessna took the stand-up cabin of the Citation X and combined it with the straight-wing supercritical airfoil of the Citation V/Ultra series, along with the Citation V's cruciform tail. After its public introduction in 1998, Cessna met growing demand for affordable midsize jets with stand-up cabins and strong operating economics — production ran until 2004 with 370 units delivered, later evolving into the Citation XLS and XLS+.
"The Citation Excel gives us the best of both worlds—big-jet comfort with smaller-jet runway access. As a pilot, I appreciate its Pratt & Whitney engines and robust avionics, especially when flying into mountain airports."
Specifications
| Passenger Capacity | 7–8 passengers |
| Range | ~1,850 nm (3,426 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 433 knots (Mach 0.72) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 420 knots |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,590 ft (1,094 m) |
| Landing Distance | 3,180 ft (969 m) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L×W×H) | 18.5 ft × 5.5 ft × 5.7 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 79 cu ft |
| MTOW | 20,200 lbs (9,162 kg) |
Cabin & Interior Experience
The Citation Excel's cabin is spacious and quiet, easily accommodating 7 to 8 passengers in a club-plus-divan seating configuration. Its 79-cubic-foot luggage compartment fits large suitcases and multiple golf clubs or skis.
Most charter-accessible Citation Excels come equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite phones, and cabin speakers, along with plush leather seats, fold-out tables, a refreshment center, and a fully enclosed private lavatory.
Capabilities & Performance
The Citation Excel is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PW545A engines, giving the aircraft a range of 1,850 nm with four passengers — extendable to 2,160 nm including a 45-minute reserve. Max cruise speed is 433 knots, with a long-range cruise of 405 knots.
The aircraft burns approximately 179 gallons (1,074 lbs) of fuel per hour, reducible to about 139 gallons (800 lbs) per hour at long-range cruise. Enhanced safety features include Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, TCAS II, and modern autopilot support. The Excel is a two-pilot operation, with first officers typically at 850–1,200 hours and captains at 2,500.
Charter Pricing
| New Aircraft Price (historical) | ~$8.5M |
| Used Aircraft Price (2025) | $3M – $4M |
| Hourly Operating Cost | $3,200 – $3,800/hr |
Estimates only — actual pricing varies by operator availability, seasonality, and routing. Request a quote for an exact rate.
Request a Quote
Tell us your route and dates — a dedicated advisor will respond with availability within one business hour.
Request a Quote