Frequently asked questions
Citation Sovereign+: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The Sovereign+ is a Cessna midsize jet with a 5,742 km range — more than many super-midsize jets. Ten passengers, an 848 km/h cruise, PW306D engines with auto-throttle, Garmin G5000 avionics and winglets. In production since 2013. Excellent short-field ability (from 1,116 m) plus transcontinental range — a rare combination in the class. A flight attendant and hot meals are available depending on cabin configuration. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On typical legs it covers routes such as Geneva–Nice · Geneva–Ibiza · Dubai–Maldives. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the Citation Sovereign+ cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the Citation Sovereign+: average pre-owned price — $10.5M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $2.35M/year, or $5,868 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Cessna known for: which lines and for what tasks?
Cessna (Textron Aviation) created the Citation, the best-selling business-jet family in the world: more than 8,000 built. The line is built as a ladder: the very light M2 Gen 2, light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, midsize XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, easy handling and the most developed service network in the industry. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are Citations and what about service?
The Citation holds the record for fleet size, so support is easier than for any rival: Textron alone has over 40 authorised centres, and common parts are stocked in Europe and the Middle East. The Williams FJ44 and P&W 500-series engines run 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. CJ-series fleet dispatch reliability is steadily above 99.5%. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well do Citations hold value on the pre-owned market?
Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $6.5–8M against a new CJ3 Gen 2 at about $11.5M — losing well under half its value. Average exposure is 60–90 days. The quickest to sell have engines on the TAP programme and current Garmin G3000 avionics; jets with 'bare' engines are discounted $1–1.5M. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the Citation differ from the Embraer Phenom?
An eternal light-class rivalry: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (M0.80 versus M0.77) and more fashionable inside; the CJ4 carries more fuel and works more confidently off short strips. The Citation fleet is far larger — a plus for liquidity and parts availability. Ownership costs are comparable: ~$2.5–3M a year at 400 hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit midsize jets?
The midsize class covers 4–6-hour legs: London–Dubai, Geneva–Istanbul, Vienna–Dubai. A range of 3,900–6,200 km allows nonstop flights from Europe to the Gulf, India and North Africa. The cabin now allows standing (1.73–1.83 m), work at a table and a flight as a working day — the class is chosen for its balance of range, comfort and price. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do midsize jets have?
Layouts are 8–9 seats, with up to nine passengers on the Citation Latitude and Praetor 500 with two pilots. Range: Citation XLS+ and PC-24 about 3,900 km, Hawker 800XP/900XP 4,600–4,900 km, Latitude 5,280 km, Praetor 500 a class-record 6,200 km. Cruise 780–850 km/h. Holds of 1.3–2.3 m³ take a whole group's gear, including skis. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a midsize jet differ from neighbouring classes?
To the light class the midsize adds a stand-up cabin, an extra 1,000–2,000 km and a full galley — but an hour is $1,500–2,500 dearer. The super-midsize goes further: 6,300–7,400 km, a flat floor, sleeping berths — and another $1,000–2,000 on the hour. Midsize is justified on 4–6-hour routes for up to nine people; transatlantic and large parties call for super-midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which midsize jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Eleven models: the newest Cessna Citation Ascend, Latitude (flat floor, 1.83 m cabin) and Sovereign+, the proven XLS+ Gen 2 — the world's best-selling midsize — the long-legged Embraer Praetor 500 (6,200 km), the 'off-road' Pilatus PC-24 cleared for unpaved strips, the classic Hawker 750/800XP/900XP with the widest cabin of its generation, the fast Learjet 60XR and the compact Gulfstream G150. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
