The Cessna 680A Citation Latitude is a mid-size business jet built for trips up to 2,550 nautical miles

The Cessna 680A Citation Latitude is a twin-engine jet manufactured by Textron Aviation, the business aviation division of Textron Inc. It seats up to nine passengers in a pressurized cabin and can fly nonstop from New York to London or Los Angeles to Hawaii without refueling. The aircraft entered service in 2015 and remains in production, with several hundred delivered to corporate flight departments, charter operators, and private owners.

The Latitude is positioned between Cessna's smaller Citation X+ (a super-midsize jet) and larger models like the Citation X (a heavy jet). It fills a specific market: operators who need more range and cabin comfort than a light jet but do not want the operating costs or runway requirements of a large-cabin aircraft. The cabin is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 7 feet 3 inches wide, which allows passengers to stand upright and move around during flight.

Key Takeaways

  • The 680A carries up to nine passengers and cruises at 500 miles per hour, with a maximum range of 2,550 nautical miles without refueling.
  • Operating costs run between $3,500 and $4,500 per flight hour, including fuel, crew, maintenance, and insurance, though actual figures depend on utilization and maintenance reserves.
  • The aircraft requires a runway of approximately 5,000 feet for takeoff and landing, making it suitable for many regional airports but not for short-field operations.
  • The Latitude competes directly with the Bombardier Challenger 350 and the Embraer Praetor 500, which offer similar range and cabin size at comparable price points.
  • Purchase price for a new 680A ranges from $27 million to $32 million depending on configuration, while used models from 2015 to 2020 typically sell between $15 million and $22 million.

Cabin layout and passenger comfort features

The Latitude cabin is divided into three zones: a forward galley and lavatory, a main cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, and an optional aft cabin with a crew rest area or additional seating. The main cabin features large windows, LED lighting that can be adjusted by zone, and a cabin altitude of 6,000 feet at cruise altitude—lower than many competitors, which reduces passenger fatigue on long flights.

Seating configurations vary by operator. A typical corporate layout includes four to six passenger seats in the main cabin, arranged in club or executive configurations. Charter operators often configure the aircraft with eight or nine seats to maximize revenue per flight. The galley includes a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and storage for catering supplies. The lavatory is fully enclosed with a vacuum toilet and sink, standard for jets in this class.

The cabin is pressurized to maintain an 8,000-foot equivalent altitude when the aircraft is at 45,000 feet, which is higher than the cabin altitude in many midsize jets. This feature reduces the physiological stress of flight and allows passengers to sleep more comfortably on overnight trips.

Performance specifications and runway requirements

The Latitude is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofan engines, each producing 4,750 pounds of thrust. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 500 knots (575 miles per hour) and a typical cruise altitude of 43,000 feet. Maximum range is 2,550 nautical miles with four passengers and reserves, which translates to roughly 5 hours of flight time at cruise speed.

Takeoff distance over a 35-foot obstacle is approximately 5,000 feet at maximum weight with standard temperature and pressure. Landing distance over the same obstacle is roughly 2,800 feet. These figures mean the Latitude can operate from many regional and secondary airports but cannot use extremely short airfields. Runway surface must be paved; grass or gravel strips are not suitable for regular operations.

The aircraft can climb to 35,000 feet in approximately 20 minutes and has a service ceiling of 51,000 feet. These performance characteristics make the Latitude suitable for transcontinental flights and capable of flying over weather systems that would ground smaller jets.

Operating costs and ownership expenses

Direct operating costs for the Latitude—fuel, crew, maintenance, and landing fees—typically range from $3,500 to $4,500 per flight hour. Fuel consumption is approximately 250 gallons per hour at cruise, and Jet A fuel prices vary by location and market conditions. Crew costs depend on whether the operator employs full-time pilots or contracts with a crew management service.

Scheduled maintenance is performed at 400-hour intervals for minor checks and 2,400-hour intervals for major inspections. Maintenance reserves are typically set aside at $1,200 to $1,500 per flight hour to cover unscheduled repairs and component overhauls. Annual fixed costs—hangar, insurance, and crew training—run between $400,000 and $600,000 per year for an owner-operated aircraft, depending on the base location and insurance underwriter.

Charter operators typically charge $4,500 to $6,500 per flight hour to customers, which covers direct operating costs plus crew, fuel surcharges, and profit margin. The spread between operating cost and charter revenue depends on utilization; aircraft that fly 400 to 600 hours per year are more profitable than those that fly fewer hours.

How the Latitude compares to competing midsize jets

The Bombardier Challenger 350 is the Latitude's closest competitor. Both aircraft seat eight to nine passengers, cruise at similar speeds, and have comparable range. The Challenger 350 has a slightly larger cabin (6 feet 2 inches tall and 8 feet 2 inches wide) and a longer range (3,000 nautical miles), but it costs roughly $2 million to $3 million more to purchase and operates at a slightly higher hourly cost. The Challenger 350 requires a longer runway for takeoff (5,500 feet versus 5,000 feet for the Latitude).

The Embraer Praetor 500 is another direct competitor, with a cabin size and range nearly identical to the Latitude. The Praetor 500 has a lower purchase price (roughly $1 million to $2 million less) but slightly higher operating costs. The Praetor 500 has a longer fuselage, which some operators prefer for cabin flexibility.

The Bombardier Learjet 75 is smaller and less expensive but has a shorter range (2,000 nautical miles) and lower cabin altitude capability. The Cessna Citation X+ is faster (Mach 0.92 versus Mach 0.84 for the Latitude) but costs significantly more and burns more fuel. Operators choose the Latitude when they want a balance of range, cabin comfort, and operating economy.

Maintenance and inspection requirements

The Latitude is maintained under a progressive maintenance program, meaning inspections are spread across the year rather than performed all at once. The 400-hour inspection takes approximately 40 to 60 labor hours and covers engine condition, fluid levels, brake wear, and tire condition. The 2,400-hour inspection is more comprehensive and can take 200 to 300 labor hours, including teardown of engines and landing gear.

Engine overhaul is required at 5,000 flight hours or 20 years, whichever comes first. Overhaul cost for a Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engine ranges from $1.2 million to $1.5 million per engine, depending on the repair shop and the condition of the engine. Landing gear overhaul is required every 10 years and costs approximately $150,000 to $200,000.

Avionics are maintained under manufacturer service bulletins, which are issued periodically to address software updates or hardware issues. The Latitude is equipped with a Garmin G5000 NXi integrated flight deck, which requires periodic software updates and component replacement as parts age. These updates are typically performed during scheduled maintenance events.

Resale value and market factors

A new Latitude delivered in 2024 costs between $27 million and $32 million, depending on interior configuration and avionics options. Used aircraft from 2015 to 2017 typically sell for $15 million to $18 million. Aircraft from 2018 to 2020 sell for $18 million to $22 million. Resale value depends on total flight hours, maintenance history, interior condition, and market demand at the time of sale.

The Latitude has held value better than many competing midsize jets, partly because Cessna has maintained production and parts availability. Aircraft with fewer than 2,000 total flight hours and full maintenance records command higher prices. Aircraft with deferred maintenance or major component overhauls due soon sell at a discount.

The used market for midsize jets is influenced by charter demand, fuel prices, and the availability of competing aircraft. During periods of high charter demand, used aircraft prices rise. During economic downturns, prices fall and aircraft may sit on the market for several months before selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many passengers can the Latitude carry on a long flight?

The Latitude can carry nine passengers at maximum capacity, but range decreases with additional weight. With nine passengers and baggage, maximum range is approximately 2,000 nautical miles. With four to six passengers, the aircraft can fly the full 2,550 nautical miles. Operators typically plan for six to eight passengers on transcontinental flights to balance comfort and range.

What is the difference between the 680 and 680A models?

The 680A is the current production model, introduced in 2015. It features upgraded avionics (Garmin G5000 NXi), improved engines with better fuel efficiency, and a redesigned interior. The original 680 model is no longer in production. Most aircraft on the used market are 680A models from 2015 onward.

Can the Latitude land at small regional airports?

Yes, the Latitude can operate from many regional airports with paved runways of 5,000 feet or longer. It cannot use extremely short airfields (under 4,000 feet) or unprepared surfaces. Runway surface condition, elevation, and temperature all affect actual landing distance, so operators should verify runway capability with their crew before booking a flight.

How does the Latitude's fuel efficiency compare to larger jets?

The Latitude burns approximately 250 gallons per hour at cruise, which is efficient for a midsize jet. Larger jets like the Citation X burn 350 to 400 gallons per hour. Smaller light jets burn 150 to 200 gallons per hour. The Latitude's fuel efficiency per passenger is competitive with the Challenger 350 and Praetor 500.

What training is required for pilots to fly the Latitude?

Pilots must hold a commercial pilot certificate with a multi-engine rating and an instrument rating. Most operators require a type rating specific to the Latitude, which involves ground school and flight training lasting approximately 5 to 7 days. Recurrent training is required annually, typically lasting 1 to 2 days per pilot.