Cessna Citation XLS+ Private Jet

Aircraft Description

Passengers: 8

The Cessna Citation XLS+ (also known as the Citation Excel Plus) is one of the world’s best-selling business jets, offering a winning combination of cabin comfort, size and engine performance.

About this aircraft

• A key reason for the Citation XLS+’s popularity is its great short-runway performance, well-designed midsize cabin, and light jet operating economics.
• The aircraft can be configured to seat 12, but the standard configuration seats seven or eight passengers.
• Travellers can travel with around 17 pieces of luggage, which is enough for one suitcase and one carry-on per person if eight passengers are flying.
• The Citation XLS+ can fly for up to four hours (depending on load and flying conditions), completing routes like Switzerland to London and New York to Miami.
• Derived from the popular Citation XLS, the aircraft features Pratt & Whitney PW545B engines for increased thrust and performance.
• The subsequent XLS Gen2 model features new ergonomically designed leather seats, enhanced lighting and updated cabin technology.

An upgrade from the XLS, the XLS+ continues its predecessor’s incredible offering. With its spacious interior, seating for up to 12 people, generous luggage space, advanced performance and ability to access short runways, it’s no wonder it remains one of the world’s most popular private jets for individuals and businesses alike.

Interior design

While short-runway performance, range and durability are obviously important, the XLS+’s biggest draw is arguably its largest-in-class cabin. The fully-reclining padded leather seats are up to four inches wider than normal and feature dual DVD players, individual seat monitors and moving maps so passengers can track flight progress. Foldaway tables, sliding headrests and built-in drinks holders are ideal for creating a workspace setup.

The jet is often configured to include a side-facing couch and has plenty of closet space for hanging suits and jackets. There’s a lavatory towards the rear and the galley usually has a microwave, wine caddy, ice drawer and hot liquid tank for preparing food and drink.

Large windows maximize natural light and indirect LED lighting gives a natural ambience. Triple-pane windows and a triple-sealed entry door keep the cabin quiet and draft-free.

Interesting facts to learn before you fly

• While you might find other aircraft in this class that perform better in one or two categories, the XLS+’s all-round runway performance, speed, range, altitude, fuel efficiency and comfort make it an ever-popular choice for private jet charters.
• The XLS+ is one of the largest mid-size jets and offers generous head-and-shoulder room, allowing passengers to move and stretch out with ease.
• Ample luggage capacity gives it an edge if you’re flying with lots of bags, compared to competitors with no external baggage space like the Hawker 850 and 900XP.

History

The Cessna Citation XLS+ launched in 2008 as an upgrade on the Citation XLS, boasting upgraded engines and an improved nose.

The line began back in 1994 with the Citation Excel, which drew inspiration from predecessors including the Citation II, Citation III and Citation V to blend a light jet’s runway performance with a spacious and comfortable stand-up cabin.

Cost

A used 10-year-old XLS+ in good condition retails for around $5.8 million (USD).