The Cessna Citation Ultra is a mid-size business jet built for speed and range

The Cessna Citation Ultra is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for business travel, charter operations, and personal use. It seats up to eight passengers in a pressurized cabin and cruises at speeds around 460 miles per hour, with a maximum range of roughly 2,100 nautical miles. The aircraft entered service in 1994 and remained in production until 2006, making it one of the most common mid-size jets in the used aircraft market today.

The Ultra represents a step up from smaller Citation models in terms of cabin comfort and performance, but it costs less to operate and maintain than larger heavy jets. This positioning has made it popular with fractional ownership programs, charter companies, and corporate flight departments that need reliable cross-country capability without the expense of a super-midsize or large-cabin aircraft.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation Ultra carries eight passengers maximum and cruises at 460 mph with a range of about 2,100 nautical miles, making it suitable for most domestic business trips and some international routes.
  • Operating costs run roughly $3,000 to $4,000 per flight hour for fuel, crew, and maintenance, which is lower than larger jets but higher than light jets or turboprops.
  • Used Citation Ultras typically sell between $4 million and $8 million depending on age, flight hours, and condition, with 1990s models at the lower end and 2000s models at the higher end.
  • The aircraft requires two pilots and a type rating specific to the Citation Ultra, meaning crew training and certification add to operating expenses.
  • Maintenance is performed by Cessna-authorized service centers or shops with Citation experience, and parts availability is generally good because the model was produced for over a decade.

Cabin layout and passenger comfort

The Citation Ultra cabin is 5 feet 4 inches tall, 5 feet 3 inches wide, and 17 feet long, giving it noticeably more room than light jets but less than super-midsize aircraft. The pressurized cabin maintains a comfortable altitude equivalent even at cruise, reducing passenger fatigue on longer flights. Eight seats is the maximum configuration, though many owners configure the cabin with six or seven seats to allow for larger galleys, lavatories, or additional storage.

The cabin includes a fully enclosed lavatory, a galley for food and beverage service, and windows in each seating area. Noise levels are moderate for a jet of this class, and the cabin climate control system allows independent temperature zones. Baggage capacity is around 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 plus luggage.

Performance specifications and operating range

The Citation Ultra is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW535A turbofan engines, each producing 3,635 pounds of thrust. The aircraft climbs to 43,000 feet, which allows it to fly above most weather and commercial traffic. Cruise speed is typically 460 mph at altitude, though actual speed varies with weight, weather, and flight plan optimization.

Maximum range is approximately 2,100 nautical miles with four passengers and reserves, or roughly 2,400 nautical miles with optimal fuel loading and lighter payload. This means the Ultra can fly nonstop from New York to Denver, or Los Angeles to Chicago, but cannot cross the Atlantic or Pacific without a fuel stop. Takeoff distance on a 5,000-foot runway is around 4,500 feet, and landing distance is approximately 2,500 feet, making it suitable for many regional airports that cannot accommodate larger jets.

Acquisition costs and market availability

Used Citation Ultras are regularly available on the market through aircraft brokers, dealers, and auction sites. Prices vary significantly by year, total flight hours, maintenance history, and interior condition. Aircraft from the mid-1990s typically sell for $4 million to $5 million, while later models from 2004 to 2006 may command $7 million to $8 million or more.

When evaluating a used Ultra, flight hours matter less than maintenance records and engine condition. An aircraft with 4,000 total hours and a complete maintenance log is generally worth more than one with 3,000 hours but spotty documentation. Engine overhaul status is critical—a recent overhaul can add $500,000 to $1 million to the asking price but saves the buyer from an when ready major expense. Pre-purchase inspections by a may have access to Citation technician typically cost $15,000 to $25,000 and are essential before committing to a purchase.

Annual operating costs and fuel consumption

The Citation Ultra burns approximately 200 to 250 gallons of jet fuel per hour depending on cruise altitude, weight, and weather conditions. At current fuel prices, this translates to roughly $1,200 to $1,500 per flight hour for fuel alone. Add crew salaries, maintenance reserves, hangar or tie-down fees, insurance, and inspections, and total operating costs typically range from $3,000 to $4,000 per flight hour.

Fixed costs—insurance, hangar, and annual inspections—run approximately $100,000 to $150,000 per year regardless of how much the aircraft flies. This means an aircraft that flies 200 hours per year costs roughly $700,000 to $800,000 to operate, while one that flies 400 hours per year costs $1.2 million to $1.4 million. Many owners use fractional ownership or charter partnerships to spread these costs across multiple users.

Crew requirements and training

Federal Aviation Administration regulations require two pilots to operate the Citation Ultra—a pilot in command and a first officer. Both pilots must hold a commercial pilot certificate with a multi-engine rating and an instrument rating. Additionally, both must obtain a type rating specific to the Citation Ultra, which involves ground school, simulator training, and a checkride with an FAA examiner.

Type rating training typically takes 5 to 7 days and costs $8,000 to $12,000 per pilot. Recurrent training is required every 12 months and costs roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per pilot per year. If you own the aircraft, you must employ or contract with may have access to pilots, and you are responsible for ensuring they maintain current certifications and medical certificates. Many owners hire pilots through crew management companies that handle scheduling, training, and compliance.

Maintenance and service centers

The Citation Ultra requires regular maintenance following Cessna's published schedules. Annual inspections are mandatory, and progressive maintenance programs allow owners to spread inspection work across the year rather than grounding the aircraft for a week. Major inspections occur at 2,000-hour intervals and can cost $50,000 to $100,000 depending on what issues are discovered.

Authorized Cessna service centers are located in most major metropolitan areas and can perform all maintenance and repairs. Independent shops with Citation experience are also available and often charge less than authorized centers for routine work. Parts availability is generally good because the Ultra was produced for over a decade and many aircraft remain in service. Engine overhauls, which occur every 3,500 to 5,000 hours, cost $400,000 to $600,000 per engine and represent the largest single maintenance expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Citation Ultra compare to the Citation X?

The Citation X is larger, faster (around 500 mph), and has greater range (3,000+ nautical miles), but it costs significantly more to buy and operate. The Ultra is the better choice for owners who fly domestic routes and want lower operating costs. The X is better for operators who need transcontinental speed and range.

Can the Citation Ultra fly into small regional airports?

Yes. The Ultra requires a 5,000-foot runway for takeoff and 2,500 feet for landing, so it can use many regional airports that larger jets cannot access. However, it cannot land on short-field airports designed for turboprops or light aircraft.

What is the difference between the Citation Ultra and the Citation Encore?

The Encore is the successor model, introduced in 1998. It has more powerful engines, slightly better range, and a more modern avionics suite. Used Encores cost more than Ultras, but operating costs are similar. The choice depends on budget and how much you value newer technology.

Is the Citation Ultra still being manufactured?

No. Production ended in 2006. All Citation Ultras on the market today are used aircraft. Cessna continues to support the model through service centers and parts availability.

What insurance costs should I expect for a Citation Ultra?

Hull insurance (covering the aircraft itself) typically costs 1 to 2 percent of the aircraft's value annually, or roughly $40,000 to $160,000 per year depending on the aircraft's value and your pilot experience. Liability insurance is additional and usually runs $5,000 to $15,000 per year.