Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Cessna Citation CJ3+ is a light jet, best suited to shorter to mid-length trips, typically offering around 2,000 nautical miles of range and seating commonly configured for about 6 to 9 passengers. The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the midsize category, providing a step up in cabin size and payload flexibility, with roughly 2,100 nautical miles of range and usually accommodating about 7 to 9 passengers in a typical executive layout. The Cessna Citation Sovereign+ is a super-midsize jet, aimed at longer nonstop missions and higher cruise efficiency, with approximately 3,200 nautical miles of range and seating that often runs about 8 to 12 passengers depending on configuration. In practical terms, the CJ3+ prioritizes operating economics and access to smaller airports, the XLS+ balances cabin comfort with versatile mission profiles, and the Sovereign+ emphasizes longer reach and more space for travelers and baggage on extended flights.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.05 | $ 6.02 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | CJ3+ | Sovereign + | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1898 | 3138 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 5530 | 12790 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,680 | $ 2,699 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 415 | 458 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $9,915,000 | $19,730,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23586 | 25230 | 25230 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-3A | PW306D | PW545C |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 6000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 16 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 2820 | 5907 | 4119 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 624 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 703 | 1700 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 51.2 | 63.5 | 52.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 53 | 72.4 | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 15.7 | 25.3 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.2 | 20.4 | 17.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.2 | 17.4 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 65 | 100 | 80 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35 | 10 |