The Cessna 550 Citation Bravo is a mid-size business jet built for short-to-medium routes

The Cessna 550 Citation Bravo is a twin-engine jet aircraft manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company, first introduced in 1993 as an upgrade to the earlier Citation V. It seats up to eight passengers plus two crew members and is designed for flights up to roughly 2,000 nautical miles without refueling. The aircraft is pressurized, meaning it can fly at altitudes above 25,000 feet where commercial airliners operate, and it does not require a commercial airport — it can land on runways as short as 3,500 feet.

The Bravo remains one of the most common mid-size jets in private and charter service because it balances range, speed, and operating cost in a way that works for both corporate flight departments and charter operators. It is not the fastest or most luxurious jet in its class, but it is reliable, well-understood by maintenance shops, and has a large inventory of used aircraft available on the market.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation Bravo carries eight passengers and two crew, cruises at roughly 430 knots, and has a maximum range of about 2,000 nautical miles without refueling.
  • It uses two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines, which are simpler and less expensive to maintain than the larger engines found in heavier jets.
  • The aircraft can operate from shorter runways than most business jets, making it useful for regional airports and remote locations.
  • Fuel consumption runs between 200 and 250 gallons per hour depending on altitude and weight, making hourly operating costs lower than larger jets but higher than light jets.
  • The Bravo is no longer in production, but hundreds remain in active service and the used market is deep enough that maintenance parts and trained technicians are widely available.

Engine, speed, and range specifications

The Citation Bravo is powered by two Williams FJ44-3A turbofan engines, each producing 2,300 pounds of thrust. These engines are smaller and lighter than the engines in larger jets, which keeps the aircraft's weight down and reduces fuel burn. Turbofans are also more fuel-efficient than turbojets and produce less noise, which matters at airports near residential areas.

The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of roughly 430 knots (about 495 miles per hour) at altitude. Maximum range is approximately 2,000 nautical miles with four passengers and reserves — meaning it can fly from New York to Miami or from Los Angeles to Denver without stopping. With a full load of eight passengers, range drops to around 1,400 nautical miles. The service ceiling is 43,000 feet, allowing the aircraft to fly above most weather and commercial traffic.

Takeoff distance is roughly 4,500 feet at maximum weight on a sea-level runway, and landing distance is about 2,800 feet. These numbers are shorter than larger jets like the Citation X or Gulfstream G450, which makes the Bravo useful for smaller regional airports that cannot accommodate heavy jets.

Cabin layout and passenger comfort

The cabin is 46 feet long and 5 feet 3 inches wide, with a pressurized interior that maintains sea-level cabin pressure at cruise altitude. Eight passengers can be arranged in various configurations — typically four to six in forward-facing seats and two to four in an aft cabin or lounge area. The cabin height is 5 feet 9 inches, so most adults can stand upright without ducking.

The aircraft includes a galley (small kitchen), a lavatory, and climate control. Windows are smaller than in larger jets, which is a trade-off for the aircraft's lighter weight and lower cost. Baggage capacity is 60 cubic feet, which is adequate for a week-long trip for four to six passengers but tight for a full load of eight people with checked luggage.

The cabin is not as spacious or quiet as larger jets like the Gulfstream G550 or Bombardier Global series, but it is comfortable for flights under four hours and significantly more comfortable than commercial first class for the same distance.

Operating costs and fuel consumption

Fuel consumption for the Citation Bravo ranges from 200 to 250 gallons per hour depending on cruise altitude, weight, and weather. At typical cruise speeds and altitudes, expect roughly 220 gallons per hour. Jet fuel (Jet A or Jet A-1) costs vary by location and market conditions, but at recent prices this translates to roughly $1,000 to $1,200 per flight hour in fuel alone.

Total direct operating costs — fuel, crew, maintenance, and landing fees — typically run between $2,500 and $3,500 per flight hour for an owner-operated aircraft. Charter operators often charge $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour to the customer, with the difference covering insurance, hangar, and profit. These costs are lower than larger jets but higher than light jets like the Citation CJ2 or Phenom 100.

Maintenance reserves are typically set at $800 to $1,200 per flight hour. The FJ44 engines are known for reliability and have relatively low overhaul costs compared to other business jet engines, which helps keep long-term ownership costs manageable.

Production history and current market

Cessna introduced the Citation Bravo in 1993 as an improved version of the Citation V, with more powerful engines, better avionics, and a slightly larger cabin. Production continued until 2003, with roughly 1,000 aircraft built over that ten-year span. The aircraft is no longer in production — Cessna's current mid-size offering is the Citation X+ and Citation Latitude — but the large installed base means the used market remains active.

A Citation Bravo built in the late 1990s or early 2000s with mid-range flight hours (3,000 to 5,000 hours) typically sells for $8 million to $12 million, depending on condition, avionics upgrades, and engine time remaining before overhaul. Older aircraft or those with higher hours sell for less; newer examples or those with recent engine overhauls command higher prices.

The aircraft is common enough that maintenance shops, parts suppliers, and pilot training programs are available in most regions. This availability is a significant advantage for owners compared to less common aircraft types.

Avionics and cockpit systems

Citation Bravo aircraft were delivered with various avionics packages depending on the year and customer preference. Earlier models used the Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit, while later aircraft received the Primus 1000NX, which includes better weather radar, terrain awareness, and autopilot capability. Many owners have upgraded to the Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck, which offers modern displays, touchscreen controls, and better integration with modern air traffic control systems.

The aircraft is certified for single-pilot operation under certain conditions, though most operators use a two-pilot crew for safety and workload management. The cockpit is designed for conventional instrument flying and does not require the advanced systems needed for some newer jets, which keeps training and recurrent certification costs lower.

Comparison to similar aircraft

The Citation Bravo sits between light jets and super-midsize jets in the market. It is larger and has more range than the Citation CJ2 or Phenom 100, but smaller and less expensive than the Gulfstream G450 or Bombardier Challenger 300. The main trade-off is cabin size and range — if you regularly fly eight passengers across the country, a larger jet makes sense; if you fly four to six passengers on regional routes, the Bravo's lower cost per flight hour is attractive.

Compared to the Hawker 800, which is a similar-era mid-size jet, the Bravo is faster and has better range, but the Hawker has a larger cabin. Compared to the Learjet 60, the Bravo is more fuel-efficient and has a larger cabin, though the Learjet is faster. The choice between these aircraft depends on the specific mission profile and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the Citation Bravo carry?

The aircraft is certified for eight passengers plus two crew members. In practice, most operators configure it for six to eight passengers depending on how much baggage and fuel they need for the flight. With a full fuel load for maximum range, the useful load (passengers plus baggage) is reduced.

Can the Citation Bravo fly across the country?

With four to six passengers and reserves, yes — the range is roughly 2,000 nautical miles, which covers most routes within the continental United States. A flight from New York to Los Angeles requires one fuel stop. With eight passengers, range drops to around 1,400 nautical miles, so cross-country flights would need a refueling stop.

What is the difference between the Citation Bravo and the Citation V?

The Bravo has more powerful engines (2,300 pounds of thrust versus 2,000), better avionics, a slightly larger cabin, and improved performance. The Citation V was produced from 1984 to 1993, so any Citation V you see is at least 30 years old. The Bravo is newer and generally more reliable, though both aircraft are still in active service.

How much does it cost to own a Citation Bravo?

Purchase price for a used aircraft ranges from $4 million to $12 million depending on age and condition. Annual operating costs for an owner-operated aircraft run roughly $300,000 to $500,000 per year including crew, maintenance, insurance, and hangar, plus fuel for actual flights. Charter operators typically charge $3,500 to $5,000 per flight hour.

Is the Citation Bravo still being manufactured?

No — production ended in 2003. Cessna's current mid-size jets are the Citation X+ and Citation Latitude. However, hundreds of Citation Bravos remain in active service, and the used market is deep enough that parts, maintenance, and pilot training are widely available.