AIR.ONE

Cessna Citation Xls vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet aimed at efficient short-to-medium missions, typically carrying about 7–9 passengers with a range around 2,100 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet with a “super versatile” mission profile, usually seating about 6–10, and offers roughly 2,000 nautical miles of range; it stands out for operating from shorter and less-prepared runways than most jets in its class. The Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range, large-cabin business jet designed for intercontinental travel, commonly configured for about 12–16 passengers, with a range near 6,450 nautical miles. By contrast, the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine helicopter for short-haul, point-to-point missions, generally carrying about 6–8 passengers and offering far less range than the jets, typically on the order of 300–350 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. Overall, the Falcon 8X leads on range and cabin size, the XLS+ and PC-24 compete in the short-to-midrange jet space, and the 902 prioritizes vertical access over distance.

SpecCessna Citation XLS+Dassault Falcon 8XPilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 5.34$ 7.66$ 3.71
Min Crew221
Total Seats10176
ManufacturerCessna CitationDassault FalconPilatus
Aircraft NameXLS+8XPC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)190664502076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67$ 0.64$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats91610
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)7540369006680
Standard Cabin Seats8146
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,303$ 3,805$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Honeywell Primus EASy IIPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)430516440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,500,000$ 62,500,000$11,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit232
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing2 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew221
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatNoYesNo
Total Seats10176
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats91610
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD / AFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.310.29.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats8146
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)252302920023500
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900
Cargo DoorYes
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPW545CPW307DFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)5000On-Condition5000
Flat RatingISA + 10ISA + 17ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)411967223435
No. of Engines232
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.580.252.2
Wingspan (ft)56.386.355.8
Aisle Step (ft)0.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.57.75.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.76.25.1
Cabin Length (ft)18.542.723
Overall Height (ft)17.226.117.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.96.33.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.329.217
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)80
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1014090
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)1695