Toggle navigation

← Cessna Citation Series

Cessna Citation XLS

The Cessna Citation XLS, part of the popular Citation family, is a midsize jet that strikes a balance between comfort, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Building upon the success of its predecessors—the Citation Excel and XLS+—this aircraft is designed to offer robust operating capabilities, a spacious cabin environment, and user-friendly avionics. From corporate flight departments to private owners looking for dependable, efficient travel solutions, the XLS stands out as a proven option within its category.

In this article, we delve into the core features that set the Citation XLS apart, examining its cabin layout, flight performance, avionics suite, and maintenance considerations. Whether you’re comparing midsize jets for business use or seeking a comfortable platform for personal travel, understanding the XLS’s strengths can help you determine if it aligns with your operational and budgetary needs.

Get an XLS Insurance Quote

Origins and Evolution

The Citation XLS traces its roots to the Citation Excel, which was introduced in the late 1990s. The idea was to create a midsize jet with the interior space reminiscent of larger aircraft, yet maintain the short-field performance and lower operating costs typically associated with smaller jets. Over time, Cessna refined the design with upgrades in avionics, engine efficiency, and cabin amenities, culminating in the XLS variant.

By combining design elements from the Citation V Ultra’s forward fuselage with the stand-up cabin cross-section akin to the Citation X, the XLS embodies Cessna’s tradition of continuous improvement. Today, the XLS and XLS+ remain popular choices in the midsize sector, celebrated for reliability and broad operational flexibility.

Notable Features

The Citation XLS is designed to support a wide range of mission profiles. Its flexible performance parameters enable it to take off from shorter runways while still providing enough range for regional or transcontinental flights (depending on load and weather conditions).

  • Stand-Up Cabin: Typically over five feet in height, allowing most passengers to stand comfortably and move freely.
  • Lavatory and Refreshment Center: Enhances in-flight comfort on trips lasting two to three hours or more.
  • Swept Wings and Tail Design: Borrowing aerodynamic principles from larger Citation models to enhance both climb rates and cruise efficiency.
  • Easy Ground Handling: The XLS’s robust landing gear and good low-speed handling characteristics offer versatility in accessing smaller airports.

Cabin and Interior Comfort

One of the key selling points of the XLS is its generously proportioned cabin for a midsize jet. Configurations can vary, but many operators arrange seating for eight to nine passengers, often in a double-club format.

Performance and Range

The Citation XLS is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW545B engines, providing thrust that supports brisk climbs and respectable cruise speeds.

Avionics and Technology

In many XLS aircraft, pilots interact with the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite.

Maintenance and Operational Costs

Thanks to a broad global support network, XLS operators can typically find maintenance and repair facilities in many regions.

Market Position and Competition

The Citation XLS fits into a crowded midsize jet segment, facing competition from models like the Embraer Legacy 450/500, Hawker 800/900 series, and Cessna’s own upgraded XLS+ variant.

Conclusion

The Cessna Citation XLS exemplifies Cessna’s commitment to offering a flexible midsize jet platform that merges practicality and comfort.

With a cabin spacious enough for collaborative in-flight meetings or leisurely travel, dependable runway performance, and a proven avionics foundation, the XLS proves itself as a well-rounded contender in the midsize marketplace.

Start My XLS Quote